bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on outcome of cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of unvaccinated patients
Authors: Di Felice Giulia , Visci Giovanni , Teglia Federica , Angelini Marco , Boffetta Paolo
Published: October 2021

Background

Since the beginning of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, cancer patients affected by COVID-19 have been reported to experience poor prognosis; however, a detailed quantification of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on outcome of unvaccinated cancer patients has not been performed.

Methods

To carry out a systematic review of the studies on outcome of unvaccinated cancer patients infected by Sars-Cov-2, a search string was devised which was used to identify relevant publications in PubMed up to December 31, 2020. We selected three outcomes: mortality, access to ICU, and COVID-19 severity or hospitalization. We considered results for all cancers combined as well as for specific cancers. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses of the results, overall and after stratification by region. We also performed sensitivity analyses according to quality score and assessed publication bias.

Results

For all cancer combined, the pooled odds ratio (OR) for mortality was 2.32 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82-2.94, I2 for heterogeneity 90.1%, 24 studies), that for ICU admission was 2.39 (95% CI 1.90-3.02, I2 0.0%, 5 studies), that for disease severity or hospitalization was 2.08 (95% CI 1.60-2.72, I2 92.1%, 15 studies). The pooled mortality OR for hematologic neoplasms was 2.14 (95% CI 1.87-2.44, I2 20.8%, 8 studies). Data were insufficient to perform a meta-analysis for other cancers. In the mortality meta-analysis for all cancers, the pooled OR was higher for studies conducted in Asia than studies conducted in Europe or North America. There was no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis indicate a two-fold increased risk of adverse outcomes (mortality, ICU admission and severity of COVID-19) in unvaccinated cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared to uninfected patients. These results should be compared with studies conducted in vaccinated patients; nonetheless, they argue for special effort to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with cancer.

Funding

No external funding was obtained.
The post-transcriptional regulation of TFs in immature motoneurons shapes the axon-muscle connectome
Authors: Guan Wenyue , Bellemin Stéphanie , Bouchet Mathilde , Venkatasubramanian Lalanti , Guillermin Camille , Laurençon Anne , Chérif Kabir , Darmas Aurélien , Godin Christophe , Urdy Séverine , Mann Richard S. , Enriquez Jonathan
Published: October 2021

Temporal factors expressed sequentially in neural stem cells, such as RNA binding proteins (RBPs) or transcription factors (TFs), are key elements in the generation of neuronal diversity. The molecular mechanism underlying how the temporal identity of stem cells is decoded into their progeny to generate neuronal diversity is largely unknown. Here, we used genetic and new computational tools to study with precision the unique fates of the progeny of a stem cell producing 29 morphologically distinct leg motoneurons (MNs) in Drosophila. We identified 40 TFs expressed in this MN lineage, 15 of which are expressed in a combinatorial manner in immature MNs just before their morphological differentiation. By following TF expression patterns at an earlier developmental stages, we discovered 19 combinatorial codes of TFs that were progressively established in immature MNs as a function of their birth order. The comparison of the RNA and protein expression profiles of 6 TFs revealed that post-transcriptional regulation plays an essential role in shaping these TF codes. We found that the two known RBPs, Imp and Syp, expressed sequentially in neuronal stem cells, are upstream regulators of the TF codes. Both RBPs are key players in the construction of axon-muscle connectome through the post-transcriptional regulation of 5 of the 6 TFs examined. By deciphering the function of Imp in the immature MNs with respect to the stem cell of the same lineage, we propose a model where RBPs shape the morphological fates of MNs through post-transcriptional regulation of TF codes in immature MNs. Taken together, our study reveals that immature MNs are plastic cells that have the potential to acquire many morphological fates. The molecular basis of MN plasticity originates in the broad expression of different TF mRNA, that are post-transcriptionally shaped into TF codes by Imp and Syp, and potentially by other RBPs that remain to be discovered, to determine their morphological fates.
S1P controls endothelial sphingolipid homeostasis via ORMDL
Authors: Sasset Linda , Chowdhury Kamrul H. , Manzo Onorina L. , Rubinelli Luisa , Konrad Csaba , Maschek J. Alan , Manfredi Giovanni , Holland William L. , Di Lorenzo Annarita
Published: October 2021

Sphingolipids (SL) are both membrane building blocks and potent signaling molecules regulating a variety of cellular functions in both physiological and pathological conditions. Under normal physiology, sphingolipid levels are tightly regulated, whereas disruption of sphingolipid homeostasis and signaling has been implicated in diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Yet, mechanisms governing cellular sensing of SL, and according regulation of their biosynthesis remain largely unknown.

In yeast, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), catalyzing the first and rate limiting step of sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis, is negatively regulated by Orosomucoid 1 and 2 (Orm) proteins. Lowering sphingolipid levels triggers Orms phosphorylation, resulting in the removal of the inhibitory brake on SPT to enhance sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis. However, mammalian orthologs ORMDLs lack the N-terminus hosting the phosphosites. Thus, which sphingolipid(s) are sensed by the cells, and mechanisms of homeostasis remain largely unknown. This study is aimed at filling this knowledge gap.

Here, we identify sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) as the key sphingolipid sensed by endothelial cells via S1PRs. The increase of S1P-S1PR signaling stabilizes ORMDLs, which downregulates SPT activity to maintain SL homeostasis. These findings reveal the S1PR/ORMDLs axis as the sensor-effector unit regulating SPT activity accordingly. Mechanistically, the hydroxylation of ORMDLs at Pro137 allows a constitutive degradation of ORMDLs via ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, therefore preserving SPT activity at steady state. The disruption of the S1PR/ORMDL axis results in ceramide accrual, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired signal transduction, all leading to endothelial dysfunction, which is an early event in the onset of cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases.

The disruption of S1P-ORMDL-SPT signaling may be implicated in the pathogenesis of conditions such as diabetes, cancer, cardiometabolic disorders, and neurodegeneration, all characterized by deranged sphingolipid metabolism. Our discovery may provide the molecular basis for a therapeutic intervention to restore sphingolipid homeostasis.
Higher synaptic threshold for NMDA spike generation in human neurons
Authors: Testa-Silva Guilherme , Rosier Marius , Honnuraiah Suraj , Guzulaitis Robertas , Megias Ana Morello , French Chris , King James , Drummond Katharine , Palmer Lucy M , Stuart Greg J
Published: October 2021

Neurons receive synaptic input primarily onto their dendrites. While we know much about the electrical properties of dendrites in rodents, we have only just started to describe their properties in the human brain. Here we investigate the capacity of human neurons to generate NMDA spikes. We find that dendritic iontophoresis of glutamate, as well as local dendritic synaptic stimulation, can evoke NMDA spikes in dendrites of human layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons. Surprisingly, however, the capacity to evoke NMDA spikes in human neurons was significantly reduced compared to that in rodent neurons. Simulations in morphologically realistic models indicated that human neurons have a higher synaptic threshold for NMDA spike generation. Using a simplified model, we show that this is primarily due to the larger diameter of human dendrites. In summary, we find reduced NMDA spike generation in human compared to rodent neurons due to the larger diameter of human dendrites.
Interaction of mixed convection with non-gray gas radiation in a partially heated horizontal pipe: entropy generation analysis
Authors: Mazgar Akram , Jarray Khouloud , Hajji Fadhila , Ben Nejma Fayçal
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to numerically analyze the effect of non-gray gas radiation on mixed convection in a horizontal circular duct with isothermal partial heating from the sidewall. The influence of heater location on heat transfer, fluid flow and entropy generation is given and discussed in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical computation of heat transfer and fluid flow has been developed by the commercial finite element software COMSOL Multiphysics. Radiation code is developed based on the T10 Ray-Tracing method, and the radiative properties of the medium are computed based on the statistical narrow band correlated-k model.

Findings

The obtained results depicted that the radiation considerably contributes to the temperature homogenization of the gas. The findings highlight the impact of the heater location on swirling flow. It is also shown that the laterally heating process provides better energy efficiency than heating from the top of the enclosure.

Originality/value

This study is performed to improve heat transfer and to minimize entropy generation. Therefore, it is conceivable to improve the model design of industrial applications.
Organizational justice in the hotel industry: revisiting GLOBE from a national culture perspective
Authors: Nazarian Alireza , Velayati Rezvan , Foroudi Pantea , Edirisinghe Dilini , Atkinson Peter
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Despite its significance, national culture is often underrepresented in the hospitality industry. Implementing tools such as the global leadership and organizational behaviour effectiveness (GLOBE), whilst valuable to a considerable extent, might induce false assumptions about the universality of managerial practices for hotels through purposefully ignoring the in-group variations within each cultural cluster. Because employees’ perceptions are deeply rooted in context-specific value systems, this study aims to challenge the tendency to adopt a globalized approach to leadership and management through investigating potential variations in employees’ perceptions in two countries in the south Asian cluster of the GLOBE.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by using hard-copy and online convenience-sampling techniques from a sample of hotel employees and managers in Iran (392) and India (421). Structural equation modelling using AMOS 22 was adopted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Both similarities and differences were observed between the Iranian and Indian contexts. The similarities confirm that GLOBE is correct to place them in the same regional cluster but the differences which relate to perceptions of organizational justice are also revealing. Whilst procedural justice affects organizational factors that influence employee motivation with the Iranian sample, distributive justice has no effect, whereas with the Indian sample these results were the other way around.

Practical implications

For scholars and practitioners, the authors show that organizational theories and concepts cannot necessarily be transferred from a Western context to other parts of the world without making adjustments for national culture and generalizations cannot even be made within regions of similar culture. For example, this study shows that in Iran organizational justice is perceived differently from how it is perceived in India.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature about the effect of national culture on the hotel employees’ cognitions and behaviours by shedding light on the divergence between countries within the same regional cluster in the GLOBE classification.
Structural modeling of lean supply chain enablers: a hybrid AHP and ISM-MICMAC based approach
Authors: Sharma Hemant , Sohani Nagendra , Yadav Ashish
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Today the role of industry 4.0 plays a very important role in enhancing any supply chain network, as the industry 4.0 supply chain uses Big Data and advanced analytics to inform the complete visibility. Latest data are available to bring clarity and support real-time decision-making in the entire supply chain that’s why adopting optimization techniques such as lean manufacturing and lean supply chain concept for enhancing the supply chain network of the organizations is a good idea and would benefit them in increasing their cost efficiency and productivity. The purpose of this work is to develop a technique, which may be useful for future researchers and managers to identify and classification of the significant lean supply chain enablers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors considered hybrid analytical hierarchy process to find the ranking of the identified lean supply chain enablers by calculating their weightage. Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is applied to develop the structural interrelationship among various lean supply chain management enablers. Considering the results obtained from ISM the Matrices d'Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliqué a un Classement (MICMAC) analysis is done to identify the driving and dependence power of Lean Supply Chain Management Enablers (LSCMEs).

Findings

Further, the best results applying these methodologies could be used to analyze their inter-relationships for successful Lean supply chain management implementation in an organization. The authors developed an integrated model after the identification of 20 key LSCMEs, which is very helpful to identify and classify the important enablers by ISM methodology and explore the direct and indirect effects of each enabler by MICMAC analysis on the LSCM implementation. This will help organizations optimize their supply chain by selective control of lean enablers.

Practical implications

For lean manufacturing practitioners, the result of the study can be beneficial where the manufacturer is required to increase efficiency and reduce cost and wastage of resources in the lean manufacturing process, as well as in enhancing the supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper is the first research paper that considered firstly deep literature review of identified lean supply chain enablers and second developed structured modeling of various lean enablers of supply chain with the help of various methodologies.
User design as a double-edged sword: exploring perceived self-improvement and uncertainty in purchasing utilitarian products
Authors: Chen Chunfeng , Zhang Depeng , Lu Kevin , Wang Catherine L.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of design sources (user design vs. company design) on customers’ perceived value (perceived self-improvement and perceived uncertainty) and consequently purchase intention, as well as the moderating effect of brand strength in the context of purchasing utilitarian products.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted. Study 1 used a laboratory experiment (n = 160) to test the effects of design sources on perceived self-improvement, perceived uncertainty and purchase intention. Study 2 used an online experiment (n = 312) to examine the moderating effect of brand strength.

Findings

The results showed that user design is a double-edged sword for companies. Compared with company design, user design is associated with stronger self-improvement and uncertainty as perceived by customers. Perceived self-improvement is positively related to purchase intention, while perceived uncertainty undermines purchase intention. Moreover, for weak brands, perceived self-improvement is significantly stronger in user design than company design, while for strong brands, this relationship is not significant.

Originality/value

This paper draws on mental accounting theory to study the perceived benefits and risks of user design of utilitarian products, and highlights the double-edged effects of user design on customers’ perceived value and purchase decision. The findings provide more rounded insights on user design of utilitarian products, complementing the one-sided view of customers’ positive perceives of user design in unclassified product categories.
Integrating research tools with library websites
Authors: De Sarkar Tanmay
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The present investigation aims to measure the extent of the adoption of research tools among libraries of higher education (HE) institutes across the world based on the types of research tools and their diverse purposes of use. This study also intends to identify the current practices followed by the HE libraries to implement research tools.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a stratified sampling method was used to select 130 HE libraries from four continents – Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America. Second, a two-step Web content analysis was followed to collect data from the selected libraries along the parameters chosen for the survey.

Findings

This study gives an overview of the recent advances in the use of research tools by the libraries with numerous examples. Highlighting the differential rate of adoption of research tools across the regions, this study illustrates the degree of acceptance of research tools among the libraries.

Research limitations/implications

This study limits itself to a handful of libraries with English websites in four regions only to avoid the language limitation of the researcher. Inaccessible websites of libraries of HE institutes were also excluded from the survey.

Originality/value

Future researchers may use the evaluation instruments as basic tools to develop advanced research instruments to carry out Web content analysis in diverse spheres. This study guides librarians to develop an improved understanding of the requirements of an immersive online environment with enhanced accessibility to a multiplicity of research tools and facilities to provide improved research support throughout the entire research life cycle.
Ambidextrous learning in a customer order–based context
Authors: Engström Annika , Käkelä Nikolas , Wikner Joakim
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to describe ambidextrous learning in organizations within the customer order-based context (COBC), here based on a dynamic view of work processes. The study focuses on how organizations can learn while working with customer orders, considering learning in organizations as both a process and an outcome.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual article focuses on learning in the COBC, where the individual customer requirements represent a key input into the organization’s work processes, thus limiting the possibilities to plan and standardize. The COBC brings about challenges and potentials for learning in organizations where task variety and complexity are high and in which the contradictory interplay between efficiency and responsiveness is apparent not only at a strategic level but also at an operative level in the customer order fulfillment processes. Depending on the variations in tasks and parallel complex work processes between different units in the organization, the ambidextrous learning dynamic can appear in the COBC.

Findings

Five propositions were made from the analysis: Proposition 1: Learning in the COBC can occur both in real-time but also in retrospect and with sporadic and recurrent interventions. Proposition 2: Learning in the COBC can occur for, as well as from, customer order processes. Proposition 3: Learning in the COBC varies and will depend on the delivery strategy. Proposition 4: Learning can be stimulated by the variation in priorities among customer orders in the COBC because the work characteristics for the back office and front office differ between customer order fulfillment processes. Proposition 5: Learning in the COBC can occur both within the back office and front office but also between these organizational units. The paper discusses the importance of building learning infrastructure in COBC and how that can be supported by a suggested learning office.

Originality/value

The present study demonstrates the importance of functions being able to act both as back office and front office in relation to delivery strategy. It also shows the ambidextrous learning process for the sake of improving both the internal efficiency and external effectiveness across the organization.
Quantification of marine benthic communities with metabarcoding
Authors: Klunder Lise , van Bleijswijk Judith D. L. , Kleine Schaars Loran , van der Veer Henk W. , Luttikhuizen Pieternella C. , Bijleveld Allert I.
Published: October 2021

DNA metabarcoding methods have been implemented in studies aimed at detecting and quantifying marine benthic biodiversity. In such surveys, universal barcodes are amplified and sequenced from environmental DNA. To quantify biodiversity with DNA metabarcoding, a relation between the number of DNA sequences of a species and its biomass and/or the abundance is required. However, this relationship is complicated by many factors, and it is often unknown. In this study, we validate estimates of biomass and abundance from molecular approaches with those from the traditional morphological approach. Abundance and biomass were quantified from 126 samples of benthic intertidal mudflat using traditional morphological approaches and compared with frequency of occurrence and relative read abundance estimates from a molecular approach. A relationship between biomass and relative read abundance was found for two widely dispersed annelid taxa (Pygospio and Scoloplos). None of the other taxons, however, showed such a relationship. We discuss how quantification of abundance and biomass using molecular approaches are hampered by the ecology of DNA i.e. all the processes that determine the amount of DNA in the environment, including the ecology of the benthic species as well as the compositional nature of sequencing data.
Changing and stable chromatin accessibility supports transcriptional overhaul during neural stem cell activation and is altered with age
Authors: Maybury‐Lewis Sun Y. , Brown Abigail K. , Yeary Mitchell , Sloutskin Anna , Dhakal Shleshma , Juven‐Gershon Tamar , Webb Ashley E.
Published: October 2021

Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult and aged brain are largely quiescent, and require transcriptional reprogramming to re‐enter the cell cycle. However, the mechanisms underlying these changes and how they are altered with age remain undefined. Here, we identify the chromatin accessibility differences between primary neural stem/progenitor cells in quiescent and activated states. These distinct cellular states exhibit shared and unique chromatin profiles, both associated with gene regulation. Accessible chromatin states specific to activation or quiescence are active enhancers bound by key pro‐neurogenic and quiescence factors. In contrast, shared sites are enriched for core promoter elements associated with translation and metabolism. Unexpectedly, through integrated analysis, we find that many sites that become accessible during NSC activation are linked to gene repression and associated with pro‐quiescence factors, revealing a novel mechanism that may preserve quiescence re‐entry. Furthermore, we report that in aged NSCs, chromatin regions associated with metabolic and transcriptional functions bound by key pro‐quiescence transcription factors lose accessibility, suggesting a novel mechanism of age‐associated NSC dysfunction. Together, our findings reveal how accessible chromatin states regulate the transcriptional switch between NSC quiescence and activation, and how this switch is affected with age.
Monomeric C‐reactive protein via endothelial CD31 for neurovascular inflammation in an ApoE genotype‐dependent pattern: A risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease?
Authors: Zhang Zhengrong , Na Hana , Gan Qini , Tao Qiushan , Alekseyev Yuriy , Hu Junming , Yan Zili , Yang Jack B. , Tian Hua , Zhu Shenyu , Li Qiang , Rajab Ibraheem M. , Blusztajn Jan Krizysztof , Wolozin Benjamin , Emili Andrew , Zhang Xiaoling , Stein Thor , Potempa Lawrence A. , Qiu Wei Qiao
Published: October 2021

In chronic peripheral inflammation, endothelia in brain capillary beds could play a role for the apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4)‐mediated risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Using human brain tissues, here we demonstrate that the interactions of endothelial CD31 with monomeric C‐reactive protein (mCRP) versus ApoE were linked with shortened neurovasculature for AD pathology and cognition. Using ApoE knock‐in mice, we discovered that intraperitoneal injection of mCRP, via binding to CD31 on endothelial surface and increased CD31 phosphorylation (pCD31), leading to cerebrovascular damage and the extravasation of T lymphocytes into the ApoE4 brain. While mCRP was bound to endothelial CD31 in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, knockdown of CD31 significantly decreased mCRP binding and altered the expressions of vascular‐inflammatory factors including vWF, NF‐κB and p‐eNOS. RNAseq revealed endothelial pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation and AD pathogenesis were enhanced, but endothelial pathways involving in epigenetics and vasculogenesis were inhibited in ApoE4. This is the first report providing some evidence on the ApoE4‐mCRP‐CD31 pathway for the cross talk between peripheral inflammation and cerebrovasculature leading to AD risk.
What does it take to start a business? Constraint appraisal as predictor of taking entrepreneurial action among nascent entrepreneurs
Authors: López Aníbal , Neves Pedro , González‐Morales M. Gloria
Published: October 2021

Combining the transactional ideas of cognitive appraisals and the affective events theory, we explore the subjective nature of entrepreneurial constraints and its consequences for nascent entrepreneurial action. In Study 1, we developed a measure of entrepreneurial constraint appraisal (opportunity and threat). In Study 2, using a cross‐lagged panel design, we found that entrepreneurial passion mediates the positive relationship between opportunity appraisal and taking action. In Study 3, findings provided support for the long‐term effects of this relationship (3 and 9 months after). Our study provides empirical evidence on how constraints evaluated as opportunities ignite entrepreneurial passion and lead to nascent entrepreneurship activity.
Everyday activisms: Parental places and emotions of disability activism in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Morrison Carey‐Ann , Woodbury Esther , Johnston Lynda , Longhurst Robyn
Published: October 2021

This paper considers the everyday spaces and places of disability activism for parents of disabled children in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. Geographers and disability scholars are yet to consider disability activism in a range of everyday child–parent spaces. Parents resist, rework, and subvert ableist structures and spaces in ways that may seem unremarkable, but that are indeed significant acts. We question the meaning of activism by examining the relationship between “activism” and “everyday family lives.” Sara Ahmed's concept of “affinity of hammers” is adopted to understand how parental disability activism is enacted in health, educational, and disability spaces and places. Interviews and written responses from seven parents (five mothers and two fathers) of disabled children are analysed. Findings are divided into three themes: first, quiet, implicit forms of activism; second, fighting for rights and equitable access; and third, using personal experience to educate people about disability rights. We conclude that family disability activism – in its myriad forms – can provide leadership to other people, challenge ableism, and help geographers and others to rethink common understandings of activism.
Repeat MRI during active surveillance: natural history of prostatic lesions and upgrading rates
Authors: Luzzago Stefano , Piccinelli Mattia Luca , Mistretta Francesco A. , Bianchi Roberto , Cozzi Gabriele , Di Trapani Ettore , Cioffi Antonio , Catellani Michele , Fontana Matteo , Jannello Letizia Maria Ippolita , Botticelli Francesco Maria Gerardo , Marvaso Giulia , Alessi Sarah , Pricolo Paola , Ferro Matteo , Matei Deliu‐Victor , Jereczek‐Fossa Barbara A. , Fusco Nicola , Petralia Giuseppe , de Cobelli Ottavio , Musi Gennaro
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To assess upgrading rates in patients on active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer (PCa) after serial multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 558 patients. Five different criteria for mpMRI progression were used: 1) a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) score increase; 2) a lesion size increase; 3) an extraprostatic extension score increase; 4) overall mpMRI progression; and 5) the number of criteria met for mpMRI progression (0 vs 1 vs 2–3). In addition, two definitions of PCa upgrading were evaluated: 1) International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group (ISUP GG) ≥2 with >10% of pattern 4 and 2) ISUP GG ≥ 3. Estimated annual percent changes methodology was used to show the temporal trends of mpMRI progression criteria. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of mpMRI progression criteria were also analysed. Multivariable logistic regression models tested PCa upgrading rates.

Results

Lower rates over time for all mpMRI progression criteria were observed. The NPV of serial mpMRI scans ranged from 90.5% to 93.5% (ISUP GG≥2 with >10% of pattern 4 PCa upgrading) and from 98% to 99% (ISUP GG≥3 PCa upgrading), depending on the criteria used for mpMRI progression. A prostate‐specific antigen density (PSAD) threshold of 0.15 ng/mL/mL was used to substratify those patients who would be able to skip a prostate biopsy. In multivariable logistic regression models assessing PCa upgrading rates, all five mpMRI progression criteria achieved independent predictor status.

Conclusion

During AS, approximately 27% of patients experience mpMRI progression at first repeat MRI. However, the rates of mpMRI progression decrease over time at subsequent mpMRI scans. Patients with stable mpMRI findings and with PSAD < 0.15 ng/mL/mL could safely skip surveillance biopsies. Conversely, patients who experience mpMRI progression should undergo a prostate biopsy.
Review: Ecological awareness, anxiety, and actions among youth and their parents – a qualitative study of newspaper narratives
Authors: Benoit Laelia , Thomas Isaiah , Martin Andrés
Published: October 2021

Background

Despite the growing impact of climate change on mental health, there have been few studies to date investigating how children and teenagers manage their ecological grief and eco‐anxiety and how they can leverage it into environmental action. In this scoping review, we analyze lay press narratives about how youth respond to climate change to examine the dynamics between minors and adults around the evolving climate crisis.

Methods

We included articles published between 2018 and 2021 in six of the top ten American newspapers by circulation about young people during the climate crisis. The 131 articles we selected addressed the attitudes of children, adolescents, and parents toward the climate crisis. We conducted a qualitative analysis based on discourse analysis aided by NVivo software.

Results

Newspaper articles commonly categorized children, adolescents, and their respective perspectives and experiences around climate change along four patterns of discourse: (a) fierce young activists; (b) adultified children; (c) innocent victims; and/or (d) ultimate saviors. In turn, articles considered parents and adults in one of four paradigmatic ways: (a) experiencing eco‐anxiety through parenthood; (b) taming children’s eco‐anxiety; (c) criticizing youth‐led activism; and/or (d) reimagining climate action as a source of meaning in the lives of young people.

Conclusion

Through the framework of childism, or prejudice against children, we conceptualize immature ways for adults to respond to youths’ concerns as a defensive stance against overwhelming climate change anxiety. Alternatively, principles of existential psychology can help inform healthier and more productive responses from parents, clinicians, educators, and public health officials as they seek truthful yet supportive responses to address legitimate ecological threats that will disproportionately affect generations to come.
Hippocampal subregional alterations and verbal fluency in the early stage of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lee Suji , Kim Tammy D. , Kim Rye Young , Joo Yoonji , Chung Yong‐An , Lim Soo Mee , Lyoo In Kyoon , Kim Jungyoon , Yoon Sujung
Published: October 2021

Growing evidence indicates that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)‐related cognitive dysfunction may develop in the early stage of the disease and is often accompanied by hippocampal structural alterations. In the current study, we investigated volume and shape alterations of the hippocampus at a subregional level in patients with T2DM. With the use of high‐resolution brain structural images that were obtained from 30 T2DM patients with less than 5 years of disease duration and 30 healthy individuals, volumetric and shape analyses were performed. We also assessed the relationship between T2DM‐related hippocampal structural alterations and performance on verbal fluency. In volumetric analysis, total hippocampal volume was smaller in the T2DM group, relative to the control group. At a subregional level, T2DM patients showed significant inward deformation and volume reduction of the right dentate gyrus and cornu ammonis 2/3 subregions as compared with healthy individuals. In particular, T2DM patients with lower performance on verbal fluency had smaller right dentate gyrus volumes relative to those with higher performance. These findings suggest that the hippocampus may undergo atrophy at a subregional level even in the early stage of T2DM, and this subregion‐specific atrophy may be associated with reduced performance on verbal fluency.
Glucocorticoid modulation of synaptic plasticity in the human temporal cortex of epilepsy patients: Does chronic stress contribute to memory impairment?
Authors: Brandner Sebastian , Schroeter Sarah , Çalışkan Gürsel , Salar Seda , Kobow Katja , Coras Roland , Blümcke Ingmar , Hamer Hajo , Schwarz Michael , Buchfelder Michael , Maslarova Anna
Published: October 2021

Objective

Memory impairment is common in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and seriously affects life quality. Chronic stress is a recognized cofactor in epilepsy and can also impair memory function. Furthermore, increased cortisol levels have been reported in epilepsy patients. Animal models have suggested that aggravating effects of stress on memory and synaptic plasticity were mediated via glucocorticoids. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the effect of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulation on synaptic plasticity in the human cortex of epilepsy patients.

Methods

We performed field potential recordings in acute slices from the temporal neocortex of patients who underwent surgery for drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Synaptic plasticity was investigated by a theta‐burst stimulation (TBS) protocol for induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the presence of GR modulators.

Results

LTP was impaired in temporal cortex from epilepsy patients. Pretreatment of the slices with the GR antagonist mifepristone (RU486) improved LTP induction, suggesting that LTP impairment was due to baseline GR activation in the human cortex. The highly potent GR agonist dexamethasone additionally weakened synaptic strength in an activity‐dependent manner when applied after TBS.

Significance

Our results show a direct negative glucocorticoid effect on synaptic potentiation in the human cortex and imply chronic activation of GRs. Chronic stress may therefore contribute to memory impairment in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Furthermore, the activity‐dependent acute inhibitory effect of dexamethasone suggests a mechanism of synaptic downscaling by which postictally increased cortisol levels may prevent pathologic plasticity upon seizures.
An ambiguous function of an alarm pheromone in the collective displays of the Australian meat ant, Iridomyrmex purpureus
Authors: Han Shaolin , Chen Wenman , Elgar Mark A.
Published: October 2021

Alarm pheromones, which have been documented in many species of ants, are thought to elicit responses related to aggressive or defensive behaviour. The volatile odour 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one is described as an alarm pheromone in several species of ants, including the Australian meat ant, Iridomyrmex purpureus. The alarm pheromone is released by displaying workers that aggregate in the characteristic collective display grounds, located mid‐way between colonies or near contested food trees. Workers are typically more aggressive at the latter location, and the alarm pheromone may regulate the collective level of aggression. We investigated this possibility by exposing displaying workers to synthesised alarm pheromone 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one in a field experiment, and measuring their aggressive behaviour. We found no evidence that exposure to synthesised alarm pheromone caused changes in the aggressive level of workers. Subsequent field experiments revealed that the pheromone functions as an attractant, thereby increasing the density of displaying workers. More densely populated workers also display more aggressively, indicating that the interaction rate of displaying workers may determine the level of aggression in collective displays. This underlying mechanism can explain why displaying ants are more aggressive at the more densely populated food‐tree locations than those displaying at locations midway between two neighbouring colony nest sites.
Mycorrhizal associations of tree species influence soil nitrogen dynamics via effects on soil acid–base chemistry
Authors: Lin Guigang , Craig Matthew E. , Jo Insu , Wang Xugao , Zeng De‐Hui , Phillips Richard P.
Published: October 2021

Aim

Plants and their associated microbes influence nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, yet we have a limited understanding of how soil acidity mediates the process. Here, we investigate whether reported differences in nitrogen (N) cycling between forests dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) trees are related to changes in soil acid–base chemistry induced by mycorrhizal associations.

Location

Global.

Time period

1969–2018.

Major taxa studied

Trees.

Methods

We measured and synthesized variables of leaf litter quality, soil acid–base chemistry and N cycling from: (1) a landscape‐scale study of 230 subplots varying widely in AM tree dominance in a 25 ha forest plot; (2) a regional‐scale study of 40 AM‐ and 56 ECM‐dominated plots in 10 temperate forests across the eastern USA; (3) a continental‐scale study of > 3,000 forest plots from 10 ecoregions across the contiguous USA; and (4) a global meta‐analysis of 105 study sites with co‐occurring AM and ECM forest stands.

Results

Across all spatial scales, ECM‐dominated forests were associated with greater soil acidity. In particular, ECM‐dominated soils exhibited lower soil pH and base cations, although the magnitude of mycorrhizal‐associated differences in soil acid–base chemistry depended on the biomes, with differences being more pronounced in temperate than in sub/tropical forests. Higher lignin and lower base cations in ECM tree leaf litter were related to greater soil acidity in ECM‐dominated forests. Moreover, the lower inorganic N concentrations and slower N transformation rates in ECM‐dominated forests were associated with their greater soil acidity.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that the scale‐invariant feedbacks between plant nutrient‐use strategies and soil properties have the potential to impact forest community assembly and ecosystem processes, particularly in the context of global change.
Use of toothbrushing in conjunction with chlorhexidine for preventing ventilator‐associated pneumonia: A random‐effect meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sozkes Serda , Sozkes Sarkis
Published: October 2021

Objective

The oral cavity with poor hygiene is a reservoir of a complex community of commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Improved oral hygiene (OH) may reduce the incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP); however, research on the efficacy of different OH treatments and their potential synergistic effects has remained inconclusive. The objective of this study was to examine whether in patients on mechanical ventilation, using a toothbrushing (T) in conjunction with chlorhexidine (CHX), as opposed to only CHX, reduced the incidence of VAP.

Method

A random‐effect meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials, which compare the effect of CHX+T (intervention) with CHX (control) on the risk of VAP, was conducted. The Mantel–Haenszel model was used to determine the mean differences (MD), relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Seven studies with 1424 patients were included. Oral care with CHX+T reduced the incidences of VAP (RR = 0.67; CI = [0.50, 0.88], p = 0.005) compared with that with CHX alone. The former also reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation (MD = −1.38; CI = [−2.43, −0.33], p = 0.01) and length of stay in the ICU (MD = −1.47; CI = [−2.74, −0.20], p = 0.02), although the risk of ICU mortality did not reduce (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = [0.72, 1.04], p = 0.17).

Conclusions

Toothbrushing along with CHX significantly reduced the risk of VAP. Further well‐designed randomized controlled trials with a careful focus on the OH are needed to fully establish the advantage of toothbrushing along with CHX for reducing the risk of VAP.
Impact of several NiTi‐thermally treated instrumentation systems on biomechanical preparation of curved root canals in extracted mandibular molars
Authors: de Carvalho Kleber Kildare Teodoro , Petean Igor Bassi Ferreira , Silva‐Sousa Alice Corrêa , de Camargo Rafael Verardino , Mazzi‐Chaves Jardel Francisco , Silva‐Sousa Yara Teresinha Corrêa , Sousa‐Neto Manoel Damião
Published: October 2021

Aim

To evaluate the shaping ability of several heat‐treated nickel–titanium systems used to prepare root canals with moderate and severe curvature, in extracted mandibular molars, by micro‐computed tomography, considering their variation in kinematics and design.

Methodology

Curved‐mesial roots of mandibular molars were randomly selected and assigned into 4 balanced experimental groups (n = 10), established by determining homogeneous 3D parameters of volume and surface area: R‐Motion (RM) size 30, 0.04 taper (RM; FKG Dentaire), Reciproc Blue (RCB) size 25, 0.08 taper (RCB; VDW GmbH), HyFlex CM (HFX) size 30, 0.04 taper (HFX; Coltène Whaledent) and XP‐endo Shaper size (XPS) 30, 0.01 taper (XPS; FKG Dentaire). The volume of irrigation was established at 10 ml of 2.5% NaOCl. Throughout the entire root canal preparation procedures, the samples were fixed in a vice submerged in a container with water monitored at 37°C. Dimensional cross‐sectional measures of area, perimeter, roundness, major/minor diameters and 3‐dimensional (volume, surface area, structure model index – SMI) parameters as well as the smallest dentine thickness along the cervical and middle root thirds were evaluated by micro‐CT. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests (α = 5%).

Results

Reciproc Blue and XPS had significantly greater mean increases in cross‐sectional area measurements, only in the middle third, when compared with RM and HFX (p < .05). RM, RCB and XPS had a similar increase in measurements of length and width of perimeter (p > .05), and HFX had significantly lower mean increases in perimeter values only when compared with XPS (p < .05). RCB and XPS had significantly greater mean increases in volume when compared with RM and HFX (p < .05). RM had a significantly lower difference in SMI after preparation, compared with RCB, HFX and XPS (p < .05). The smallest dentine thickness was observed after the use of RCB (p < .05), in the danger and safety zones.

Conclusions

XP‐endo Shaper and RM had a shaping ability similar to that of instruments with larger tapers, achieved with less dentine removal in danger and safe zones in curved‐mesial canals of extracted molar teeth treated on a laboratory benchtop.
Replacing eye trackers in ongoing studies: A comparison of eye‐tracking data quality between the Tobii Pro TX300 and the Tobii Pro Spectrum
Authors: De Kloe Yentl J.R. , Hooge Ignace T.C. , Kemner Chantal , Niehorster Diederick C. , Nyström Marcus , Hessels Roy S.
Published: October 2021

The Tobii Pro TX300 is a popular eye tracker in developmental eye‐tracking research, yet it is no longer manufactured. If a TX300 breaks down, it may have to be replaced. The data quality of the replacement eye tracker may differ from that of the TX300, which may affect the experimental outcome measures. This is problematic for longitudinal and multi‐site studies, and for researchers replacing eye trackers between studies. We, therefore, ask how the TX300 and its successor, the Tobii Pro Spectrum, compare in terms of eye‐tracking data quality. Data quality—operationalized through precision, accuracy, and data loss—was compared between eye trackers for three age groups (around 5‐months, 10‐months, and 3‐years). Precision was better for all gaze position signals obtained with the Spectrum in comparison to the TX300. Accuracy of the Spectrum was higher for the 5‐month‐old and 10‐month‐old children. For the three‐year‐old children, accuracy was similar across both eye trackers. Gaze position signals from the Spectrum exhibited lower proportions of data loss, and the duration of the data loss periods tended to be shorter. In conclusion, the Spectrum produces gaze position signals with higher data quality, especially for the younger infants. Implications for data analysis are discussed.
Microstructure and electrical properties of Nb‐doped SrTiO3‐BiFeO3 based lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Liu Hongbo , Yan Tingnan , Zhao Jianwei , Guo Shifeng , Sun Rong , Lu Zhilun , Wang Dawei
Published: October 2021

In this work, Nb‐doped 0.75SrTiO3‐0.25BiFeO3 (ST‐BF) lead‐free ceramics are designed and synthesized using a conventional solid‐state reaction method. The influence of Nb doping on the microstructure, dielectric, and electrical properties are systematically investigated. With the increase of Nb concentration, the crystal structure of ST‐BF remains pseudo‐cubic as exhibited in the X‐ray diffraction patterns. The grain size is found to increase from 0.33 to 6.23 μm, and then decrease to 1.88 μm by Nb doping, along with a clear heterogeneous core–shell microstructure. A relatively low dielectric loss (∼0.1, at 1 kHz) and a stable dielectric constant (∼700, at 1 kHz) are obtained for the 0.03 Nb‐doped ST‐BF composition at room temperature. Impedance spectroscopy analysis shows that Nb doping in ST‐BF increases the total resistivity, forming an electrically conductive core and a nonconductive shell, with enhanced activation energy. The results may provide a feasible approach to develop novel ST‐based lead‐free dielectric ceramics for capacitor applications.