bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cash Transfers, International Finance and Neoliberal Debt Relations: The Case of Post‐apartheid South Africa
Authors: Ansari Shaukat
Published: April 2022

This article situates South Africa's cash transfer programme within the country's financialized neoliberal regime. The adoption of economic liberalization by the African National Congress in the aftermath of the democratic transition has raised the profile of international investors in the domestic bond market. It is argued that this development, in the context of rising public debt and stagnating economic growth, has facilitated the financialization of the post‐apartheid state and has linked the sustainability of fiscal policy, and hence state‐led redistributive measures, to deepening debt relations with global asset managers. Additionally, a cluster of orthodox economic measures, such as inflation targeting and reserve accumulation, have served to thwart the potential for industrial upgrading. Moreover, it is posited that financial liberalization has further strengthened the influence of the Treasury over heterodox bureaucratic centres such as the Department of Trade and Industry, thereby serving to lock in the post‐transition neoliberal programme. Finally, the article argues that the integration of cash transfer recipients into the circuits of debt and finance is an outgrowth of the limitations of the social welfare programme and the broader financialization of the state. Overall, the analysis offered here serves as a counter‐argument to the notion that South Africa's cash transfer programme could offer a progressive alternative to market orthodoxy.
The special role of middle childhood in self‐control development: Longitudinal and genetic evidence
Authors: Pener‐Tessler Roni , Markovitch Noam , Knafo‐Noam Ariel
Published: April 2022

Despite the importance of self‐control for well‐being and adjustment, its development from early childhood to early adolescence has been relatively understudied. We addressed the development of mother‐reported self‐control in what is likely the largest and longest longitudinal twin study of the topic to this day (N = 1889 individual children with data from at least one of five waves: ages 3, 5, 6.5, 8–9 and 11 years). We examined rank‐order change in self‐control from early childhood to early adolescence, genetic and environmental contributions to variance in the trait and differential developmental trajectories. The relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to change and stability was also examined. Results point at middle childhood as a period of potential transition and change. During this period the rank‐order stability of self‐control increases, heritability rates substantially rise, and a cross‐over occurs in two of the self‐control trajectories. Nonadditive genetic effects contribute to both stability and change in self‐control while the nonshared environment contributes mostly to change, with no effect for the shared environment. Our findings suggest that new genetic factors, that emerge around age 6.5 and whose effect on self‐control is carried on along development, may partially account for changes in self‐control around late middle childhood, and explain the growing stability in the trait approaching early adolescence. We discuss the implications of the special role of middle childhood for self‐control development.
Selecting a target population for type 2 diabetes lifestyle prevention programs: A cost‐effectiveness perspective
Authors: Park Joohyun , Zhang Ping , Shao Hui , Laxy Michael , Imperatore Giuseppina
Published: April 2022

Aims

Cost‐effectiveness (CE) of lifestyle change programs (LCP) for type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention is influenced by a participant's risk. We identified the risk threshold of developing T2D in the intervention population that was cost‐effective for three formats of the LCP: delivered in‐person individually or in groups, or delivered virtually. We compared the cost‐effectiveness across program formats when there were more than one cost‐effective formats.

Methods

Using the CDC‐RTI T2D CE Simulation model, we estimated CEs associated with 3 program formats in 8 population groups with an annual T2D incidence of 1% to 8%. We generated a nationally representative simulation population for each risk level using the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. We used an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER), cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained in 25‐years, to measure the CEs of the programs. We took a health care system perspective.

Results

To achieve an ICER of $50,000/QALY or lower, the annual T2D incidence of the program participant needed to be ≥5% for the in‐person individual program, ≥4% for the digital individual program, and ≥3% for the in‐person group program. For those with T2D risk of ≥4%, the in‐person group program always dominated the digital individual program. The in‐person individual program was cost‐effective compared with the in‐person group program only among persons with T2D risk of ≥8%.

Conclusions

Our findings could assist decision‐makers in selecting the most appropriate target population for different formats of lifestyle intervention programs to prevent T2D.
Positive allosteric γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor modulation prevents lipotoxicity‐induced injury in hepatocytesin vitro
Authors: Rohbeck Elisabeth , Hasse Birgit , Koopmans Guido , Romero Alejandra , Belgardt Bengt‐Frederik , Roden Michael , Eckel Jürgen , Romacho Tania
Published: April 2022

Aim

To determine if a novel positive allosteric modulator of the γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor, the thioacrylamide‐derivative HK4, which does not penetrate the blood–brain barrier, protects human hepatocytes against lipotoxicity‐induced injury.

Materials and Methods

Allosteric modulation of the GABAAreceptor by HK4 was determined by patch clamp in HEK‐293 cells, calcium influx in INS‐1E cells and by using the specific GABAAchannel blockers picrotoxin and tert‐butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) in HepG2 cells. Apoptosis was analysed using caspase 3/7, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and array assays in HepG2 cells and/or human primary hepatocytes. Phosphorylation of STAT3 and the NF‐κB subunit p65, protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) was detected by Western blotting.

Results

Patch clamping, calcium influx measurements and apoptosis assays with the non‐competitive GABAAchannel blockers picrotoxin and TBPS proved HK4 as a selective positive allosteric modulator of the GABAAreceptor. In HepG2 cells, which expressed the main GABAAreceptor subunits, HK4 prevented palmitate‐induced apoptosis. This protective effect was mediated by downregulation of caspase 3/7 activity and was additionally verified by TUNEL assay. HK4 effectively prevented palmitate‐induced apoptosis in human primary hepatocytes. HK4 reduced STAT3 and NF‐κB phosphorylation, reduced cleaved PARP‐1 expression and upregulated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone PDI.

Conclusions

HK4 reduced lipotoxic‐induced apoptosis by preventing inflammation, DNA damage and ER stress. We propose that the effect of HK4 is mediated by STAT3 and NF‐κB. It is suggested that thioacrylamide compounds represent an innovative pharmacological tool to treat or prevent non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis as first‐in‐class drugs.
Pulmonary artery sling in a 22‐month‐old boy with 18q deletion syndrome: A rare but possible association
Authors: Delogu Angelica Bibiana , Mariani Francesco , Graziani Francesca , Onesimo Roberta , Savino Giancarlo , Leoni Chiara , Zampino Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

The 18q deletion syndrome is a rare genetic condition characterized by a large variability in clinical phenotype and severity. Congenital heart diseases have been described by several previous reports, most commonly including pulmonary valve anomalies and septal defects. We describe a new case of a 22‐month‐old boy affected by 18q del syndrome found to have a symptomatic pulmonary artery sling. This study reports a new case of pulmonary artery sling associated with 18q del syndrome, providing an alert for pediatric cardiologists about less common cardiovascular anomalies, which can easily be missed, allowing for early diagnosis and appropriate care.
Aggregate emission intensity targets: Applications to the Paris Agreement
Authors: Zhao Jinhua
Published: April 2022

We develop the concept of aggregate emission targets, which are cost effectively implemented national emission goals, and welfare rank expected‐emission‐equivalent aggregate emission intensity, quantity, and price targets. As targets become more stringent, it is more likely that the intensity target dominates the quantity target. A higher correlation between a country's gross domestic product and emission intensity favors aggregate intensity over price and quantity targets. Concerns about global welfare favor the aggregate quantity target. Applying the ranking conditions to the top 12 CO2 emitting nations, we obtain a robust finding that aggregate intensity targets dominate quantity targets for most of them.
Soil fungal and bacterial communities are altered by the incorporation of leaf litter containing a fungal endophyte
Authors: Jin Yuanyuan , Wei Xuekai , White James F. , Chen Taixiang , Li Xiuzhang , Chen Zhenjiang , Li Chunjie
Published: April 2022

Litter decomposition plays a key role in nutrient cycling across ecosystems. The presence of Epichloë endophytes in grass plants affects litter decomposition. The overall effects of leaf litter containing Epichloë endophytes on the chemical and biological properties in non‐rhizosphere soils have not previously been examined. The current study is aimed to understand the effect of direct incorporation of leaf litter from Epichloë endophyte‐infected perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) on soil chemical characteristics, and fungal and bacterial biodiversity. Firstly, fresh leaf litter of the endophyte Epichloë festucae var. lolii‐infected (E+) and endophyte‐free (E−) L. perenne were incorporated into the soil, and then samples were collected from E+ and E− litter incorporated soil at T0, T1, T2 and T3 (0, 120, 240 and 360 days) for chemical and sequencing analyses. The Epichloë‐containing leaf litter incorporation changed the soil microbial environment by enhancing the soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus, NH4+–N and NO3−–N contents, and acidifying soil pH. The endophyte had stronger effects on soil bacteria than soil fungi when the litter was determined with and without the endophyte. Litter containing the Epichloë endophyte significantly increased the absolute abundance of the 16S rRNA gene and relative abundances of the Actinobacteria, Nitrospirae and Gemmatimonadetes, while significantly decreasing the relative abundances of the Planctomycetes and Rokubacteria and the diversity in soil bacteria community. There was no significant effect of endophyte‐containing leaf litter incorporation on the absolute abundance and diversity of the soil fungal community except the increment in the relative abundance of Rozellomycota. Soil pH and the SOC‐to‐TN ratio (C:N) were the main factors influencing the soil bacterial community, and the presence of E. festucae var. lolii was directly and positively related to the soil bacterial diversity. The current study established that Epichloë endophyte‐infection altered the abundance and diversity of the soil bacterial community by affecting leaf litter quality and increasing soil chemical properties after litter incorporation.

Highlights

Soil microbial habitat was changed by leaf litter with Epichloë endophyte incorporation.

Litter containing endophytes increased the absolute abundance of the 16S rRNA gene.

Epichloë endophytes altered the diversity of bacteria during litter incorporation.

The response of soil bacteria to a litter containing endophytes was greater than that of soil fungi.
Cerebral small vessel disease and prognosis in intracerebral haemorrhage: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Cheng Zicheng , Zhang Wenyuan , Zhan Zhenxiang , Xia Lingfan , Han Zhao
Published: April 2022

Background and purpose

The aim was to investigate whether cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers and the total CSVD burden are associated with functional outcome, mortality, stroke recurrence and haematoma expansion in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

Following a previously registered protocol (PROSPERO protocol: CRD42021287743), PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were systematically searched to identify relevant literature up to November 2021. Cohort studies that examined the association between CSVD markers (white matter hyperintensity [WMH], lacune, enlarged perivascular space [EPVS], cerebral microbleed [CMB] and brain atrophy) or CSVD burden and prognosis in patients with ICH were included. The pooled estimates were calculated using random effects models.

Results

Forty‐one studies with 19,752 ICH patients were pooled in the meta‐analysis. WMH (odds ratio [OR] 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–1.70), lacune (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.18–1.49), CMB (OR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.13–5.97) and brain atrophy (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.48–3.31) were associated with worse functional outcome. CSVD markers concerning increased risk of mortality were WMH (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.38–1.79) and brain atrophy (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.11–3.04), and markers concerning increased risk of stroke recurrence were WMH (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.28–2.04) and lacune (OR = 3.00, 95% CI 1.68–5.37). Enlarged perivascular space was not related to prognosis. There was a lack of association between CSVD markers and haematoma expansion. CSVD burden increased the risk of worse functional outcome, mortality and stroke recurrence by 57%, 150% and 44%, respectively.

Conclusions

In patients with spontaneous ICH, WMH, lacune, CMB, brain atrophy and the total CSVD burden are associated with substantially increased risk of worse functional outcome, mortality or stroke recurrence.
Pentosan polysulfate exerts anti‐inflammatory effect and halts albuminuria progression in diabetic nephropathy: Role of combined losartan
Authors: Eita Mai Abdel Hamid , Ashour Rehab Hamdy , El‐Khawaga Omali Youssef
Published: April 2022

Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan approved for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. It also showed renoprotective effects in chronic kidney injury models, for example, 5/6 nephrectomy and diabetic nephropathy (DN). In the present study, we addressed to evaluate the therapeutic value of PPS in DN of rats in combination with losartan (LSR). Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, untreated diabetic groups (8 and 16 weeks after diabetes induction by streptozotocin “STZ”, 60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [I.P.]), LSR‐treated diabetic group (10 mg/kg/day, P.O.), PPS‐treated diabetic group (25 mg/kg/day, P.O.), and combination‐treated diabetic group. Drug treatment was started 8 weeks after induction of diabetes and continued for a further 8 weeks. Renal functions, albuminuria, renal IL‐6, oxidative stress, and renal histopathology were evaluated. STZ‐treated diabetic rats developed progressive albuminuria, renal dysfunction, and significant glomerular change 16 weeks after induction of diabetes. Administration of PPS, alone or in combination with LSR, showed some beneficial effects on DN evolution and significantly decreased renal inflammation as detected by IL‐6 level. The best beneficial effect on DN evolution was obtained by PPS sole therapy based on albuminuria evaluation and renal histopathology. However, the combination of PPS and LSR did not show additive benefits. This study reported that the renoprotection of PPS in the setting of DN is evident by exerting anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but this effect could be masked when combined with an angiotensin receptor blocker.
Coronary artery calcification is a risk factor for intradialytic hypotension in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Mizuiri Sonoo , Nishizawa Yoshiko , Doi Toshiki , Yamashita Kazuomi , Shigemoto Kenichiro , Usui Koji , Arita Michiko , Naito Takayuki , Doi Shigehiro , Masaki Takao
Published: April 2022

Introduction

We investigated the association between intradialytic hypotension (IDH) and coronary artery calcification and their effects on mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing maintenance HD were enrolled. The study timeline included the baseline (day 1), exposure assessment (day 1–day 22), and outcome assessment (day 23–3 years) periods. IDH was defined as a nadir systolic blood pressure (SBP) of <100 mmHg or vasopressor use during at least 2 of 10 HD sessions in the exposure assessment period. The clinical data at baseline and the Agatston coronary artery calcium score (CACS) were assessed in the exposure assessment period.

Findings

The median age and dialysis vintage were 67 years [60–75 years] and 73 months [37–138 months], respectively. IDH occurred in 37 patients (21.4%), and the CACS was higher in the IDH group than in the non‐IDH group (p = 0.08). IDH was associated with CACS, diabetes mellitus, mean predialysis SBP, and mean ultrafiltration volume (p < 0.05). The cutoff CACS for mortality was 1829 (sensitivity: 69%, specificity: 77%). In all, 45 all‐cause deaths and 19 cardiovascular deaths occurred over 3 years. Patients with both IDH and a CACS of ≥1829 had a lower 3‐year cumulative survival from cardiovascular death (66.7%) than those with a CACS of ≥1829 (80.3%), IDH (88.5%), or neither (95.5%) (p < 0.01). IDH, a CACS of ≥1829, and IDH + CACS of ≥1829 were predictors of 3‐year all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality (p < 0.05). The hazard ratio for cardiovascular mortality was highest in the group with IDH + CACS ≥ 1829.

Discussion

A high CACS may be a biomarker for IDH. Both IDH and CACS were risk factors for all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients undergoing HD, and there was a synergistic interaction between IDH and high CACS for cardiovascular mortality.
The L2 motivational self‐system: A meta‐analysis approach
Authors: Yousefi Moslem , Mahmoodi Mohammad Hadi
Published: April 2022

The L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) has strongly contributed to current understandings about the conceptualization of language motivation and the interconnections between L2 motivation and maximized learning outcomes. Research informed by the L2MSS has been extensive, and is on the increase. The accumulating body of empirical work in this area calls for meta‐analytic and synthetic assessments. Situated within the L2MSS framework, the present meta‐analysis examines the overall effectiveness of L2 motivation on language learning and addresses the relationship between L2 motivation and variables that moderate its effectiveness. A total of 17 published studies, involving 18,832 language learners, were meta‐analyzed through calculating effect sizes. The results indicate a large effect of L2 motivation on language learning. Moderator analyses also reveal that the overall L2 motivation construct is multifaceted, and its effectiveness is constituted and shaped in interaction with learner age, gender, educational level, learning context, target language, learning outcomes, and geographical locations. From this basis, we contextualize the findings, discuss implications, and consider areas for further work on L2 motivation.
Gluten‐free quinoa noodles: effects of intermediate moisture extrusion and soy protein isolates supplement on cooking quality and in vitro digestibility
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Huang Qicheng , Yang Ruijin
Published: April 2022

Quinoa is considered as a superior gluten‐free material due to its balanced composition of amino acids in protein and abundant nutrients. However, the processing behaviour of quinoa flour is limited by protein functional properties. In this study, twin‐screw extrusion was used for the production of gluten‐free quinoa noodles (GFQNs). Moisture was found to be closely related to the cooking quality and texture characteristics of extruded noodles by regulating the formation of starch gel. With this in concern, the moisture dose was optimised as 30%. Then, soy protein isolate (SPI) was supplemented into quinoa flour to improve the texture and cooking quality of GFQNs while decrease its in vitro starch digestibility. It was found that SPI could significantly reduce the cooking loss of GFQNs from 16.65% to 11.82% while increase the hardness of the noodles from 6.35 N to 7.99 N, and form a more porous structure as observed by SEM. Furthermore, the addition of SPI also delayed the in vitro hydrolysis rate of quinoa‐based noodles, as shown by the significant decrease in rapid digestible starch around 8%. Therefore, quinoa–SPI mixture flour with the intermediate moisture extrusion showed prospective to develop low glycaemic index GFQNs.
Effects of ultrafiltration combined with high‐pressure processing, ultrasound and heat treatments on the quality of a blueberry–grape–pineapple–cantaloupe juice blend
Authors: Xie Xinyao , Wang Xiaoqiong , Bi Xiufang , Ning Nan , Li Mingyuan , Xing Yage , Che Zhenming
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the effect of ultrafiltration (UF) combined with high‐pressure processing (HPP) at 550 MPa, 25 °C for 5 min, ultrasound (US) at 520 W, 40 °C for 10 min and heat treatment (HT) at 90 °C for 3 min on the microbial, physicochemical and sensory properties of a blueberry–grape–pineapple–cantaloupe juice blend during 104 days of storage at 4 °C. After UF, the shelf life of the HPP‐ and US‐treated clear juice blends were 104 and 72 days during the storage at 4 °C respectively. HPP, US and HT treatment minimally affected the anthocyanin and total phenol contents, while HPP better maintained the ascorbic acid levels and sensory properties in the clear juice blend during the storage. Therefore, HPP combined with UF was identified as a prospective processing technique in the fruit juice industry.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from fermented sausages inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum CD101 and Staphylococcus simulans NJ201
Authors: Huang Lanlan , Feng Mei‐qin , Sun Jian
Published: April 2022

Natural ACE inhibitory peptides derived from food are considered to be an effective supplement for lowering blood pressure. This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum CD101 and Staphylococcus simulans NJ201 on proteolysis and the sequence composition of ACE inhibitory peptides in fermented sausages. The ACE inhibitory activity of the inoculated group reached the maximum values on day 35 during the production of fermented sausages. A more positive effect in the hydrolysis of the sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein was observed in the inoculated group through sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). The free amino acid content of the inoculated group was 865.21 ± 12.55 mg/100 g, which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the control group. The molecular weight distribution showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in peptides with a molecular weight less than 1 kDa in the inoculated group. A total of thirty‐four peptides with high hydrophobicity were identified by liquid chromatograph‐mass spectrometer/mass spectrometer (LC–MS/MS). Furthermore, the peptides were isolated and purified using gel filtration chromatography (GFC) and reversed‐phased high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). Eleven novel peptides were identified by Nano‐LC‐ESI‐MS/MS, in which VALSLSRP with X‐Pro structure exhibited the highest ACE inhibition rate (75.36 ± 2.45%). These results indicated that mixed starters are conducive to protein degradation and the formation of peptides with high ACE inhibitory activity, especially peptides less than 1 kDa, and could be used as a functional material for antihypertensive drugs.
Homogeneities in in vitro starch digestion of compositionally heterogenous white wheat breads
Authors: Sopade Peter Adeoye
Published: April 2022

In vitro starch digestion of five fresh and shelved white wheat breads, compositionally heterogeneous, was investigated for heterogeneities or homogeneities in digestion patterns. The breads were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) in some chemical and functional properties. The Rapid Visco‐Analyser (RVA) revealed different pasting properties in the breads, but the breads showed monophasic starch digestograms, as there were no practical slope changes or discontinuities in the digestograms. The monophasic starch digestograms were suitably described (r2 > 0.90; P ≤ 0.05) by five starch digestion kinetic models (the modified first‐order kinetic, Peleg, Paolucci‐Jeanjean, Logistic, and Weibull), and their parameters were mainly non‐significant (P > 0.05) between the breads. The heterogeneous breads were, therefore, homogeneous in their in vitro starch digestion patterns. The study also strengthens a novel modelling approach for starch digestograms to be widely used in starch digestion research, easing inter‐laboratory comparisons.
Structuring social media assessments in employee selection
Authors: Hartwell Christopher J. , Harrison Jake T. , Chauhan Rahul S. , Levashina Julia , Campion Michael A.
Published: April 2022

Social media assessments (SMAs) are a common, relatively new, practice in employee selection. However, SMAs are generally conducted in an informal way, leaving organizations with a practice low in reliability and validity, as well as opening up potential legal and ethical issues. We propose a framework of nine SMA structural components based on previously developed interview structural components. Effects of each component on reliability, validity, user reactions, and legality are discussed. We conduct two studies that measure the utilization of each structural component in research literature and in practice. Study 1 is a content analysis of prior SMA academic research. Results indicate the highest use for theprocedural consistencyandrating scales usedand the lowest utilization ofdocumentation. Study 2 surveyed hiring professionals to examine the structure level typically utilized for SMAs in practice. Results indicate low levels of structure for most components, which demonstrates a need for structural improvement when SMAs are used in hiring. We discuss the implications of our research and provide recommendations for structuring SMAs in both research and practice.
Clinical impact of a novel device delivery system in the diagnosis of bile duct lesions: A single‐center experience
Authors: Matsumori Tomoaki , Uza Norimitsu , Shiokawa Masahiro , Maruno Takahisa , Nishikawa Yoshihiro , Morita Toshihiro , Kuwada Takeshi , Marui Saiko , Okada Hirokazu , Taura Kojiro , Kodama Yuzo , Seno Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim

Pathological evaluation is essential for the diagnosis of biliary tract diseases. However, existing evaluation methods have various challenges in terms of operability and diagnostic performance. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, utility, and safety of a novel device delivery system for bile duct biopsy.

Methods

This study was conducted as a retrospective, descriptive analysis at a single center. Overall, 25 examinations in 14 consecutive patients who underwent transpapillary biopsies for biliary lesions using the novel device delivery system from July to November 2020 were reviewed. Number and time of biopsy, technical success rate, adequate tissue sampling rate, adverse events, and diagnostic performance of bile duct biopsies using the novel device were evaluated. Moreover, negative surgical margins were assessed in patients who underwent surgical resection after mapping biopsy.

Results

The median number of biopsy samples was five (range: 2–13), with a median biopsy time of 11.6 min. The technical success rate was 100% (140/140), with an adequate sampling rate of 82.9% (116/140). These rates did not differ depending on the biopsy site or purpose. There were no serious adverse events related to the procedures. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of biliary stricture were 90%, 100%, and 92.3%, respectively. Negative surgical margins were confirmed in all patients undergoing surgical resection, including one patient with a surgical procedure changed based on the results of mapping biopsy.

Conclusions

The novel device delivery system has potentials in diagnosing biliary tract diseases and determining appropriate treatment strategies.
Efficacy of non‐pharmacological interventions in females with overactive bladder: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Wenzhen , Fu Chengwei , Wu Boyu , Zhou Hong , Chen Erfei , Wu Qionghua , Yuan Juan
Published: April 2022

Aims and objectives

To compare and rank the effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions for symptoms of Overactive Bladder (OAB) in network meta‐analysis.

Background

Overactive Bladder affects many patients, which often generates bothersome symptoms and debilitates the quality of life. Non‐pharmacological therapies have been widely used in OAB. However, due to insufficient evidence, it remains unclear which strategies are most suitable for OAB.

Methods

We integrated randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which were searched up to 1 January 2021, from 8 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine disc). Studies that met the eligible criteria were assessed the risk of bias. Then, network meta‐analyses were conducted by STATA, R, and OpenBUGS. The review followed PRISMA statement.

Results

A total of 24 studies comprising 2347 patients with OAB were included in this review, most of which were low to moderate risk of bias. The results of network meta‐analysis implied that electric stimulation (ES) was the most effective intervention to reduce voided frequency and nocturia frequency of OAB.

Conclusions

Electric stimulation ranked the best in the management of OAB, and future studies should pay more attention to ES.
Bayesian deep learning outperforms clinical trial estimators of intracerebral and intraventricular hemorrhage volume
Authors: Sharrock Matthew F. , Mould W. Andrew , Hildreth Meghan , Ryu E. Paul , Walborn Nathan , Awad Issam A. , Hanley Daniel F. , Muschelli John
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) clinical trials rely on manual linear and semi‐quantitative (LSQ) estimators like the ABC/2, modified Graeb and IVH scores for timely volumetric estimation from CT. Deep learning (DL) volumetrics of ICH have recently approached the accuracy of gold‐standard planimetry. However, DL and LSQ strategies have been limited by unquantified uncertainty, in particular when ICH and IVH estimates intersect. Bayesian deep learning methods can be used to approximate uncertainty, presenting an opportunity to improve quality assurance in clinical trials.

Methods

A DL model was trained to simultaneously segment ICH and IVH using diagnostic CT data from the Minimally Invasive Surgery Plus Alteplase for ICH Evacuation (MISTIE) III and Clot Lysis: Evaluating Accelerated Resolution of IVH (CLEAR) III clinical trials. Bayesian uncertainty approximation was performed using Monte‐Carlo dropout. We compared the performance of our model with estimators used in the CLEAR IVH and MISTIE II trials. The reliability of planimetry, DL, and LSQ volumetrics in the setting of high ICH and IVH intersection is quantified using consensus estimates.

Results

Our DL model produced volume correlations and median Dice scores of .994 and .946 for ICH in MISTIE II, and .980 and .863 for IVH in CLEAR IVH, respectively, outperforming LSQ estimates from the clinical trials. We found significant linear relationships between ICH uncertainty, Dice scores (r = –.849), and relative volume difference (r = .735).

Conclusion

In our validation clinical trial dataset, DL models with Bayesian uncertainty approximation provided superior volumetric estimates to LSQ methods with real‐time estimates of model uncertainty.
Grounding co‐writing: An analysis of the theoretical basis of a new approach in mental health care
Authors: Faccio Elena , Pocobello Raffaella , Vitelli Roberto , Stanghellini Giovanni
Published: April 2022

This contribution aims to highlight the theoretical and epistemological premises of the co‐writing experience, a practice where a clinician and a patient are mutually engaged in jointly or collaboratively writing a narrative related to the patient’s experience. Unlike a typical set of therapeutic techniques, co‐writing is based on sharing perspectives and meanings about the experience of crisis, recovery, and the therapeutic process. The paper identifies and briefly describes four non‐clinical epistemological paradigms on which it is grounded: ethnography, values‐based practice, narrative care, and phenomenology. Although they differ in several ways, at the same time, they seem to share some common features that the paper investigates and comments.

For clinicians, nurses, researchers and Mental Health Service managers, attention to the users and to the improvement of their active roles represents not only a strategy for the empowerment of results, but also the access door to a different perspective which relies on a renewed conceptualization of the mental disease nature that may lead to overcoming the epistemic asymmetry between the ‘expert’ and the ‘other’ in favor of intersubjective dialogue.
Effects of dietary supplementation of N‐carbamylglutamate on the haematology parameters, secondary sexual characteristics and testicular gene expression in roosters
Authors: Ma Wei , Dang De Xin , Zhang Jiehui , Wang Chunqiang , Li Desheng
Published: April 2022

A total of 288 11‐week‐age roosters were used to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of N‐carbamylglutamate (NCG) on reproductive traits and testicular gene expression. The experimental periods were 12 weeks. All birds were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment and 12 birds per replicate. Dietary conditions were based on a basal diet and supplemented with 0%, 0.08%, 0.12%, or 0.16% NCG to form C, N1, N2 and N3 groups respectively. Dietary supplementation of NCG had positive effects on the seminiferous tubule parameters, serum gonadotropin‐releasing hormone and testosterone levels and the secondary sexual characteristics. Transcriptomics analysis was performed on the testicular tissues between C and N3 groups at the 16‐week‐age. Genes were mainly enriched in nine pathways, such as cytochrome P450 exogenous metabolism, drug metabolism, steroid hormone synthesis and glutathione metabolism, in which the ZP4 gene, cytochrome P450 family member 11A1 and other genes involved in the maintenance of gonadal function, steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism, and so forth, exist differences in expression levels. In summary, dietary supplementation of NCG had positive effects on the reproductive traits of roosters. NCG supplementation improved the development of reproductive traits of roosters by regulating the genes expression in testicular tissues and thus improved the synthesis of reproductive hormones in vivo.
Dysphagia thickeners in context of use: Changes in thickened drinks viscosity and thixotropy with temperature and time of consumption
Authors: Badia‐Olmos Celia , Laguna Laura , Rizo Arantxa , Tárrega Amparo
Published: April 2022

Dysphagia patients might need to thicken drinks. The viscosity of these thickened drinks varies among commercial thickeners and drinks compromising the ingesta safety. The aim of this study was to investigate how temperature and resting time affect the rheological properties of thickened drinks. Four commercial thickeners were used to thicken water, coffee, orange juice, and milk at two concentration levels used in dysphagia drinks (nectar and pudding). To study the effect of temperature, flow curves of thickened drinks at 10°C and 50°C were obtained and to study the effect of resting time, flow curves of thickened drinks at 25°C were obtained at different times (0, 30, and 60 min). All samples displayed shear‐thinning and time‐dependent behavior (thixotropy or antithixotropy). The effect of temperature on viscosity values and relative thixotropic area (RTA) depended on the thickener and the drink. Overall, apparent viscosity showed higher values at 50°C than 10°C, especially in thickeners containing starch and in drinks with higher soluble solids (milk and orange juice). This was attributed to the water absorption of pregelatinized starch granules favored by temperature. Antithixotropy was mainly observed at pudding concentration for the starch‐containing thickeners, and decreased with temperature. The effect of resting time on apparent viscosity and RTA depended also on the drink and thickener. Mostly, apparent viscosity values increased with resting time and antithixotropic behavior decreased. Both effects, increase in viscosity and decrease of antithixotropy with time, indicated that thickening action was being developed over the resting time.
Context and Generalizability in Multisite L2 Classroom Research: The Impact of Deductive Versus Guided Inductive Instruction
Authors: Moranski Kara , Zalbidea Janire
Published: April 2022

This study employed a multisite design to investigate the differential impact of deductive and guided inductive instruction for second language (L2) grammar development in ecologically valid classroom contexts. Students (n = 138) from eight intact third‐year L2 Spanish classes in three public high schools in the United States received deductive instruction (n = 49), guided inductive instruction via PACE (n = 49), or no explicit instruction (n = 40) on the pronoun se in non‐agentive constructions. Learning was measured with pre‐, post‐, and delayed posttests of auditory acceptability judgment and written production tasks. Multilevel models indicated that both instructional groups evidenced L2 development in producing se in non‐agentive contexts, but only deductive groups were more accurate than controls for acceptability judgments. Findings also provided evidence of overgeneralization of se, especially for deductive groups. Intraclass correlation coefficients revealed variance related to the socio‐local contexts of classrooms, teachers, and schools.
Troubles with Rey's linguistic Eliminativism
Authors: Stainton Robert J. , Viger Christopher
Published: April 2022

We focus on Folieism, Rey's brand of Eliminativism about languages, according to which words, sentences, phonemes, and such, and consequently languages, do not exist; they are intentional inexistents, on a par with unicorns that speakers, under an ineluctable illusion, mistake as real. We present a simplified reconstruction of his argument, challenge what we take to be its presuppositions, and argue that its conclusion has unwanted social/ethical consequences and construes linguistics writ large in a strange light, as a kind of pretense, leading us to reject Folieism.
Progressive supranuclear palsy with predominant frontal presentation exhibiting progressive nonfluent aphasia due to crossed aphasia
Authors: Ono Yoya , Higashida Kazuhiro , Yoshikura Nobuaki , Hayashi Yuichi , Kimura Akio , Iwasaki Yasushi , Yoshida Mari , Shimohata Takayoshi
Published: April 2022

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) with predominant frontal presentation (PSP‐F) is a clinical phenotype of PSP that is characterized by frontal cognitive impairment and behavioral changes. Here, we report on a patient with pathologically diagnosed PSP‐F in whom we were able to observe temporal changes of the clinical manifestations. A 77‐year‐old right‐handed man developed progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA) at the age of 69 years, festinating gait, and clumsiness of his left arm at age 75, disinhibition at age 76, and unprovoked falls at age 77. Neurological examination at age 77 revealed limb‐kinetic apraxia of the left upper and lower limbs, rigidity, cortical sensory loss, and vertical supranuclear gaze palsy. According to the Movement Disorder Society clinical diagnostic criteria for PSP, his clinical manifestations shifted from suggestive PSP with predominant speech/language disorder to probable PSP‐F over nine years. Cerebral atrophy on brain magnetic resonance imaging and decreased accumulation of 99mTc‐ECD on cerebral blood flow single‐photon emission computed tomography were noted with right side predominance. Pathologically, 4‐repeat tau‐immunoreactive globose‐type neurofibrillary tangles, coiled bodies, tufted astrocytes, and neuropil threads were observed predominantly in the frontal cortex. Tau pathology of the substantia nigra, locus coeruleus and subthalamic nucleus was mild. These findings suggested that localized tau pathology involving the pars opercularis extended to the precentral gyrus, prefrontal cortex, and brainstem. This case report demonstrates that PSP‐F can present as a PNFA due to crossed aphasia.
Auxin response factors are keys to the many auxin doors
Authors: Cancé Coralie , Martin‐Arevalillo Raquel , Boubekeur Kenza , Dumas Renaud
Published: April 2022

In plants, most developmental programs depend on the action of auxin. The best described model of the auxin signaling pathway, which explains most, but not all, of the auxin transcriptional responses, relies on a de‐repression mechanism. The auxin/indole‐3‐acetic acid repressors (Aux/IAAs) interact with the auxin response factors (ARFs), the transcription factors of the auxin signaling pathway, leading to repression of the ARF‐controlled genes. Auxin induces Aux/IAA degradation, releases ARFs and activates transcription. However, this elegant model is not suitable for all ARFs. Indeed, in Arabidopsis, which has 22 ARFs, only five of them fit into the model since they are the ones able to interact with Aux/IAAs. The remaining 17 have a limited capacity to interact with the repressors, and their mechanisms of action are still unclear. The differential interactions between ARF and Aux/IAA proteins constitute one of many examples of the biochemical and structural diversification of ARFs that affect their action and therefore affect auxin transcriptional responses. A deeper understanding of the structural properties of ARFs is fundamental to obtaining a better explanation of the action of auxin in plants.
Systematic review of electronically delivered behavioral obesity prevention interventions targeting men
Authors: Knowlden Adam P. , Wilkerson Amanda H. , Dunlap Kandyce B. , Stellefson Michael , Elijah Odunayo A.
Published: April 2022

Globally, obesity persists at epidemic rates. Men are underrepresented within behavior‐based obesity prevention research. As men prefer individualized, self‐guided interventions, electronic delivery of treatment modalities has potential to reach this population. The purpose of this study was to systematically review primary, secondary, or tertiary behavioral obesity prevention interventions that used controlled designs; targeted men; and incorporated at least one electronically delivered treatment modality explicitly designed to elicit an intervention effect. Literature searches were delimited to peer‐reviewed articles; published between 2000 and 2021; in the English language; and indexed in PsycINFO, CINHAL, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and WOS electronic databases. Interventions satisfying inclusion criteria were critiqued for methodological quality using the Jadad Scale (0 = lowest quality; 10 = highest quality). Eleven studies satisfied the inclusion criteria (n = 1748; total participants) with five reporting group‐by‐time intervention effects on the primary variable targeted. Jadad scale quality assessment scores ranged from 5.00 to 9.00 with a mean of 7.72. Majority of the interventions applied a randomized control trial design (n = 10). Most interventions were theory based, with eight rooted in social cognitive theory. Behavior change strategies included self‐monitoring (n = 10), personalized feedback (n = 8), health counseling (n = 8), and goal setting (n = 9). Community‐level theories have the potential to guide future obesity prevention interventions targeting men.
Avoiding Misdiagnosis and Missed Diagnosis for Appropriately Treating Spinal Osteoid Osteomas: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: Xu Qiming , Liu Wensheng , Xu Hairong , Cui Lijia , Li Yuan , Shan Huachao , Huang Zhen , Ma Ke , Niu Xiaohui
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To analyze the causes of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis in spinal osteoid osteoma, and to put forward solutions to improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment efficacy in patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study on patients with spinal osteoid osteoma in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 1983 to September 2019. All patients underwent surgery. The outcome measures were the extent of local pain, nocturnal pain, radicular symptoms of extremities after surgery, and reduction or disappearance of lesions on CT after surgery.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients with spinal osteoid osteoma were recruited in the study. A total of 27% were female, and the mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 21.3 (8.7) years. A total of 87.0% of patients presented with nocturnal pain, and 94.7% of patients were responsive to NSAIDS treatment. The mean (SD) time from the initial onset of symptoms to the final diagnosis was 14.7 (12.5) months. Only four of 37 (10.8%) patients were correctly diagnosed with spinal osteoid osteoma on the first visit to the local hospital. CT is associated with a higher diagnosis rate than X‐ray or MRI on the first visit. Surgical navigation was used in 88.9% of patients who underwent curettage resection, and in 10% of patients who underwent en bloc resection. A total of 37 of 37 patients (100%) reported relief of local pain and radicular symptoms of extremities after surgery, and no recurrence of tumors was found during follow‐ups.

Conclusions

Spinal CTs are recommended to be performed if osteoid osteoma is suspected based on clinical manifestation, including nocturnal pain and responsiveness to NSAIDS treatment, to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of spinal osteoid osteoma.
Reaction of three potato cultivars to potato virus S and alteration of miRNAs and mRNA targets in the resistant genotypes
Authors: Yin Zhimin , Michalak Krystyna , Lebecka Renata
Published: April 2022

Reactions of three Polish potato cultivars to potato virus S (PVS) were investigated at 22°C. Cultivars Tajfun and Tonacja exhibited partial resistance with systemic infection detected in some inoculated plants; cultivar Bryza was susceptible to PVS with systemic infection detected in all inoculated plants. The virus was not detectable by ELISA at 23 days postinoculation (dpi) but was detected after 40 dpi. Infection rate and viral accumulation were significantly lower in Tonacja and Tajfun than in Bryza, but no statistically significant difference between Tajfun and Tonacja was detected. Both susceptible and resistant genotypes displayed various, either common or cultivar‐specific, symptoms. Delayed systemic infection at 56 dpi was observed in some cases in Tonacja and Tajfun. Resistance‐related alteration of a set of miRNAs and mRNA targets in the tested cultivars in response to PVS at 22°C exhibited inter‐ and intracultivar variability. The majority of tested genes were altered only in the partially resistant Tajfun and Tonacja but not in the susceptible Bryza. Enhanced expression of AGO1‐2, DCL1, stu‐miR482 and its target Gpa2 was observed in Tonacja and plants of Tajfun in which PVS was detected, with the highest induction of Gpa2 in Tajfun (30.2‐fold). However, their expression remained unchanged or decreased in plants of Tajfun in which PVS was undetected. Increased expression of stu‐miR168a and stu‐miR172e was observed in Tonacja and the PVS‐undetected plants of Tajfun, respectively, but not in the PVS‐detected plants of Tajfun. This is the first report on cultivar‐specific alteration of miRNA in a potato–PVS resistance interaction.