bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioenergetic and vascular predictors of potential super‐ager and cognitive decline trajectories – A UK Biobank random forest classification study
Authors: Parvin Mohammadiarvejeh , Klinedinst Brandon S , Wang Qian , Pollpeter Amy , Larsen Brittany A , Moody Shannin , Li Tianqi , Barnett Neil , Pappas Colleen , Willette Sara A , Jonathan Mochel , Allenspach‐Jorn Karin , Willette Auriel A
Published: June 2023

Background

Aging is often characterized by progressive cognitive decline in memory and executive function. Yet, some adults aged 80 years or older, are “Super‐Agers” that exhibit cognitive performance akin to younger adults. It is unknown if there are adults in mid‐life with similar superior cognitive performance (“positive‐aging”) versus cognitive decline over time, and if there are blood biomarkers that can distinguish between these groups.

Method

Among 1303 participants in UK Biobank, latent growth curve models classified participants into different cognitive groups based on longitudinal Fluid Intelligence (FI) scores over 7‐9 years. Random Forest (RF) classification was then used to predict cognitive trajectory types using longitudinal predictors including demographic, vascular, bioenergetic, and immune factors. Feature ranking importance and performance metrics of the model were reported.

Result

Despite model complexity, we achieved a precision of 77% when determining who would be in the “positive‐aging” group. Among the top fifteen features, an equal number were related to either vascular health or cellular bioenergetics but not demographics like age, sex, or socioeconomic status (see figure).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that optimal cognitive aging may not be driven by age per se, but biological factors that may be amenable to lifestyle or pharmacological changes.
Adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia caused by a novel mutation of CSF1R gene
Authors: Ding Cong , Zhao Li , Zhong Rujia , Zhan Yu , Dong Chunbo
Published: June 2023

Background

Adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) gene. As of 2022, more than 100 different CSF1R mutations were reported in patients with CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy.

Method

In this case report, we described ALSP in a previously healthy 46‐year‐old woman. The patient underwent detailed neurological examinations including cognitive assessment, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and whole‐exome sequencing.

Result

The patient manifested as memory impairment, poor interpersonal behavior and decreased verbal fluency. Brain MRI showed confluent white matter changes and atrophy of the corpus callosum. Whole‐exome sequencing identified a novel splice site mutation (C.1858 + 5G > A) in intron 13 of the CSF1R gene, which has not been reported worldwide.

Conclusion

ALSP has a wide range of clinical manifestations and genetic heterogeneity. It should be considered when diagnosing rapidly progressive dementia with or without motor impairment. We recommend biopsy or genetic testing in these patients to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. We will continue to monitor this family in the future to improve our understanding of ALSP, so as to correctly diagnose ALSP in clinic and provide clinical data for better research on the pathogenesis and treatment of this disease.
METTL14‐Mediated m6A Modification of TNFAIP3 Involved in Inflammation in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Tang Jifeng , Yu Ziqing , Xia Jinfang , Jiang Renquan , Chen Shuhui , Ye Detai , Sheng Huiming , Lin Jinpiao
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with RA and healthy controls were collected. The expression of m6A modification‐related proteins and m6A levels were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blot, and m6A enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The roles of methyltransferase‐like 14 (METTL14) in the regulation of inflammation in RA was explored using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) sequencing and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Collagen antibody‐induced arthritis (CAIA) mice were used as an in vivo model to study the role of METTL14 in the inflammation progression of RA.

Results

We found that m6A writer METTL14 and m6A levels were decreased in PBMCs of patients with active RA and correlated negatively with the disease activity score using 28 joint counts (DAS28). Knockdown of METTL14 downregulated m6A and promoted the secretion of inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and IL‐17 in PBMCs of patients with RA. Consistently, METTL14 knockdown promoted joint inflammation accompanied by upregulation of IL‐6 and IL‐17 in CAIA mice. MeRIP sequencing and functional studies confirmed that tumor necrosis factor α induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), a key suppressor of the nuclear factor‐κB inflammatory pathway, was involved in m6A‐regulated PBMCs. Mechanistic investigations revealed that m6A affected TNFAIP3 expression by regulation of messenger RNA stability and translocation in TNFAIP3 protein coding sequence.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the critical roles of m6A on regulation of inflammation in RA progression. Treatment strategies targeting m6A modification may represent a new option for management of RA.

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Characterizing the Impact of Oligomerization on Redox Flow Cell Performance
Authors: Weiss Trent A. , Fan Gang , Neyhouse Bertrand J. , Moore Evan B. , Furst Ariel , Brushett Fikile R.
Published: June 2023

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are hindered by complex failure modes, particularly crossover through the membrane, resulting in capacity fade and reduced cycling efficiencies. Redox‐active oligomers (RAOs) have recently been proposed for mitigating this phenomenon while maintaining sufficient transport properties; however, to date, few studies have quantified how the chemical and electrochemical properties of RAOs influence their performance in redox flow cells. Here, we demonstrate that oligomeric derivatives of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine 1‐oxyl (TEMPO) exhibit lower diffusivities than the monomeric species but retain facile charge transfer characteristics. The size‐dependent variations in mass transport rates directly translate to differences in flow cell polarization and symmetric cycling performance. Post‐mortem analyses reveal that oligomerization does not meaningfully alter decay processes as evinced by similar capacity fade across all species. Broadly, these findings corroborate and extend upon previously developed relationships between molecular size, electrochemical properties, and flow cell performance.
Two Layers of Computational Screening on Silaborane‐based Clusters Filter Ca(SiB11H11CH3)2 as the Promising Electrolyte for Calcium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sharma Abhiruchi , Thomas Anson , Gupta Puneet
Published: June 2023

Calcium‐ion batteries (CIBs) are promising energy storage systems, but the unavailability of adept electrolytes has hindered their development. In this work, a range of silaborane clusters (
; n=5–15) were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) at ωB97XD3/6‐311+G(d,p) level of theory. The vertical detachment energy (VDE), electrochemical stability window (ESW) and binding energy (BE) of the silaboranes were computed at the same level of DFT. A methodology based on molecular electrostatic potential surface analysis was designed to locate the most suitable binding site for calcium ions on the clusters. DFT results show that the SiB11
cluster turns out to be superior to other candidates. Effect of substitution on silaboranes (
R− R=−CH3, −NCS, −CF3, −F and −Cl) was computed. −NCS and −CF3 substituted SiB11
ions were found to be the best from DFT. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) studies were performed to explore the interactions between silaborane‐based electrolytes and the Ca anode. AIMD results highlight the decomposition of −NCS and −CF3 substituted SiB11
on Ca anode. DFT and AIMD studies reveal that −CH3 substituted silaborane‐based Ca‐salt (Ca(SiB11H11CH3)2) is the promising electrolyte for CIBs.
Managing fuels and fluids: Network integration of osmoregulatory and metabolic hormonal circuits in the polymodal control of homeostasis in insects
Authors: Koyama Takashi , Rana Danial Wasim , Halberg Kenneth Veland
Published: June 2023

Osmoregulation in insects is an essential process whereby changes in hemolymph osmotic pressure induce the release of diuretic or antidiuretic hormones to recruit individual osmoregulatory responses in a manner that optimizes overall homeostasis. However, the mechanisms by which different osmoregulatory circuits interact with other homeostatic networks to implement the correct homeostatic program remain largely unexplored. Surprisingly, recent advances in insect genetics have revealed several important metabolic functions are regulated by classic osmoregulatory pathways, suggesting that internal cues related to osmotic and metabolic perturbations are integrated by the same hormonal networks. Here, we review our current knowledge on the network mechanisms that underpin systemic osmoregulation and discuss the remarkable parallels between the hormonal networks that regulate body fluid balance and those involved in energy homeostasis to provide a framework for understanding the polymodal optimization of homeostasis in insects.
Changes in physical activity level of adolescents and its relationship with mental health during regular COVID‐19 prevention and control
Authors: Dong Ru‐bao , Dou Kai‐yun
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the impact of regular prevention and control of COVID‐19 on the physical activity level (PAL) of adolescents and the relationship between PAL and mental health.

Methods

Using the convenience sampling method, two stages of the on‐site cross‐sectional investigation were conducted in 11 middle schools in Guiyang City in China. There were 1132 participants who completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for old children (PAQ‐C) in October 2020, and 1503 participants who completed the PAQ‐C and Mental Health Inventory of Middle‐school students (MMHI‐60) in October 2021. All participants reported their demographic data. Descriptive, quantitative statistics were used for data analysis. One‐way ANOVA was used to explore associations between PAL and mental health.

Results

The results of statistical analysis showed a gradual yearly increase in the PAL of teenagers, and the PAL of male junior middle school students has a significant increase (p < .05); while that of adolescents in Grade 10 significantly decreased (p < .001). There is a statistically significant correlation between adolescents’ mental health (except for anxiety) and PAL (p < .05). The overall abnormal rate of mental health was 27.9%; The PAL and the total mean score of mental health had a negative correlation (p < .001). There was a significant difference between mental health scores and corresponding PAL (p < .001). Furthermore, there are statistically significant differences in scores of mental health factors corresponding to varying PAL among junior high school students and male students (p < .05).

Conclusions

The regular epidemic prevention and control measures had significant adverse effects on the PAL of girls and high school adolescents, especially Grade 10 adolescents. Improving adolescents’ PAL can promote their mental health. Interventions based on PAL slightly lower than the level recommended in the physical activity guidelines can bring significant mental health effects.
The mRNA and protein levels of the glycolytic enzymes lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and phosphofructokinase platelet (PFKP) are good predictors of survival time, recurrence, and risk of death in cervical cancer patients
Authors: Bolaños‐Suárez Verónica , Alfaro Ana , Espinosa Ana María , Medina‐Martínez Ingrid , Juárez Eligia , Villegas‐Sepúlveda Nicolás , Gudiño‐Zayas Marco , Gutiérrez‐Castro América , Román‐Bassaure Edgar , Salinas‐Nieves María Eugenia , Bruno‐Muñoz Sergio , Aranda Carlos , Flores‐Herrera Oscar , Berumen Jaime
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Patients with cervical cancer (CC) may experience local recurrence very often after treatment; when only clinical parameters are used, most cases are diagnosed in late stages, which decreases the chance of recovery. Molecular markers can improve the prediction of clinical outcome. Glycolysis is altered in 70% of CCs, so molecular markers of this pathway associated with the aggressiveness of CC can be identified.

Methods

The expression of 14 glycolytic genes was analyzed in 97 CC and 29 healthy cervical tissue (HCT) with microarray; only LDHA and PFKP were validated at the mRNA and protein levels in 36 of those CC samples and in 109 new CC samples, and 31 HCT samples by qRT–PCR, Western blotting, or immunohistochemistry. A replica analysis was performed on 295 CC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Results

The protein expression of LDHA and PFKP was associated with poor overall survival [OS: LDHA HR = 4.0 (95% CI = 1.4–11.1);p = 8.0 × 10−3; PFKP HR = 3.3 (95% CI = 1.1–10.5);p = 4.0 × 10−2] and disease‐free survival [DFS: LDHA HR = 4.5 (95% CI = 1.9–10.8);p = 1.0 × 10−3;PFKP HR = 3.2 (95% CI = 1.2–8.2);p = 1.8 × 10−2] independent of FIGO clinical stage, and the results for mRNA expression were similar. The risk of death was greater in patients with overexpression of both biomarkers than in patients with advanced FIGO stage [HR = 8.1 (95% CI = 2.6–26.1;p = 4.3 × 10−4) versus HR = 7 (95% CI 1.6–31.1,p = 1.0 × 10−2)] and increased exponentially as the expression of LDHA and PFKP increased.

Conclusions

LDHA and PFKP overexpression at the mRNA and protein levels was associated with poor OS and DFS and increased risk of death in CC patients regardless of FIGO stage. The measurement of these two markers could be very useful for evaluating clinical evolution and the risk of death from CC and could facilitate better treatment decision making.
Efficacy and cost‐effectiveness analysis of pretreatment percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (GASTO 1059)
Authors: Ai XinLei , Zhang PengXin , Xie XinMin , Qiu Bo , Zhu YuJia , Zhao Lei , Xi Mian , Wu YingJia , Guo SuPing , Guo JinYu , Liu FangJie , Wang DaQuan , Chen NaiBin , He QianWen , Hu YongHong , Liu MengZhong , Ding ZhaoXia , Liu Hui
Published: June 2023

Background

We launched a single‐arm phase II study to determine the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) before concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

Eligible patients received pretreatment PEG and enteral nutrition during CCRT. The primary outcome was the change of weight during CCRT. The secondary outcome included nutrition status, loco‐regional objective response rate (ORR), loco‐regional progression‐free survival (LRFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities. A 3‐state Markov model was applied for cost‐effectiveness analysis. Eligible patients were matched and compared with those who had nasogastric tube feeding (NTF) or oral nutritional supplements (ONS).

Results

Sixty‐three eligible patients received pretreatment PEG‐based CCRT. The mean change of weight during CCRT was −1.4% (standard deviation, 4.4%), and after CCRT, 28.6% of patients gained weight and 98.4% had normal albumin levels. The loco‐regional ORR and 1‐year LRFS were 98.4% and 88.3%. The incidence of grade ≥3 esophagitis was 14.3%. After matching, another 63 patients were included in the NTF group and 63 in the ONS group. More patients gained weight after CCRT in the PEG group (p = 0.001). The PEG group showed higher loco‐regional ORR (p = 0.036) and longer 1‐year LRFS (p = 0.030). In cost analysis, the PEG group showed an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $3457.65 per quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALY) compared with the ONS group with a probability of cost‐effectiveness of 77.7% at the $10,000 per QALY willingness‐to‐pay threshold.

Conclusion

Pretreatment PEG is associated with better nutritional status and treatment outcome in ESCC patients treated with CCRT compared with ONS and NTF. Pretreatment of PEG can be cost‐effective because of its significant clinical benefits.
Systematic review of patients’ and healthcare professionals’ views on patient‐initiated follow‐up in treated cancer patients
Authors: Dretzke Janine , Lorenc Ava , Adriano Ada , Herd Clare , Mehanna Hisham , Nankivell Paul , Moore David J. ,   the PETNECK2 Research Team
Published: June 2023

Background

Current follow‐up models in cancer are seen to be unsustainable and inflexible, and there is growing interest in alternative models, such as patient‐initiated follow‐up (PIFU). It is therefore important to understand whether PIFU is acceptable to patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Methods

Standard systematic review methodology aimed at limiting bias was used for study identification (to January 2022), selection and data extraction. Thematic synthesis was undertaken for qualitative data, and survey findings were tabulated and described.

Results

Nine qualitative studies and 22 surveys were included, mainly in breast and endometrial cancer. Women treated for breast or endometrial cancer and HCPs were mostly supportive of PIFU. Facilitators for PIFU included convenience, control over own health and avoidance of anxiety‐inducing clinic appointments. Barriers included loss of reassurance from scheduled visits and lack of confidence in self‐management. HCPs were supportive of PIFU but concerned about resistance to change, unsuitability of PIFU for some patients and costs.

Conclusion

PIFU is viewed mostly positively by women treated for breast or endometrial cancer, and by HCPs, but further evidence is needed from a wider range of cancers, men, and more representative samples.

A protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020181412).
Cold atmospheric nitrogen plasma induces metal‐initiated cell death by cell membrane rupture and mitochondrial perturbation
Authors: Iuchi Katsuya , Fukasawa Mami , Murakami Tomoyuki , Hisatomi Hisashi
Published: June 2023

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel biomedical tool used for cancer therapy. A device using nitrogen gas (N2CAP) produced CAP that induced cell death through the production of reactive nitrogen species and an increase in intracellular calcium. In this study, we investigated the effect of N2CAP‐irradiation on cell membrane and mitochondrial function in human embryonic kidney cell line 293T. We investigated whether iron is involved in N2CAP‐induced cell death, as deferoxamine methanesulfonate (an iron chelator) inhibits this process. We found that N2CAP induced cell membrane disturbance and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in an irradiation time‐dependent manner. BAPTA‐AM, a cell‐permeable calcium chelator, inhibited N2CAP‐induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. These results suggest that disruption of intracellular metal homeostasis was involved in N2CAP‐induced cell membrane rupture and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, N2CAP irradiation generated a time‐dependent production of peroxynitrite. However, lipid‐derived radicals are unrelated to N2CAP‐induced cell death. Generally, N2CAP‐induced cell death is driven by the complex interaction between metal movement and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced by N2CAP.
Tuning the Electronic Structures of TMNs‐Modified Ni‐Based Catalysts to Enhance the Performance for MOR in Alkaline Media
Authors: Bai Yanxin , Xiong Hui , Jiang Zhao , Zhang Riguang , Fang. Tao
Published: June 2023

Transition metal nitrides are considered as the promising materials in the energy conversion processes due to the similar electronic structures to Pt. In this work, a series of Ni/TMN−C (TM=V, Mo, Nb, Ta) catalysts were synthesized and investigated the catalytic performance for methanol oxidation reaction in alkaline media. The electrochemical measurements indicated that the TNNs‐modified Ni/C catalysts exhibited higher activity, kinetics, charge transfer and stability for alkaline MOR compared with Ni/C. It was found that the incorporation of TMNs improved the activity and stability for MOR in various degree. Specially, Ni/VN−C showed the highest catalytic activity, nearly three times higher than that of Ni/C due to the highest coverage of the surface component NiOOH, consistent with the Tafel and EIS results that it exhibited the fastest charge transfer kinetics and reaction rate. XPS characterization indicated that the obvious electron interaction occurred between the TMNs and Ni species and Ni would transfer electrons to the transition metal nitrides, resulting in the electron‐rich states of TMNs. Interestingly, combining the d‐band center and activity of the corresponding catalysts, it could be found that a volcano plot existed between them, suggesting that the introduction of appropriate nitrides would change the electronic structure of Ni and enhance the catalytic performance for MOR in alkaline media.
ECG compression technique using fast fractals in the Internet of medical things
Authors: Ibaida Ayman , Abuadbba Sharif , Al‐Shammary Dhiah , Khalil Ibrahim
Published: June 2023

ECG signal is widely used in most cardiology e‐health systems. Patients may be monitored continuously for at least 12 h a day. Therefore, the ECG signal size transmitted to a hospital server during continuous monitoring is significant. Furthermore, transmission of the large size ECG signal is a power consuming process. ECG compression is one of the proposed solutions to overcome this problem. In this paper, a new fractal‐based ECG lossy compression technique is proposed. It is clear that fractal can use ECG signal self similarity characteristics efficiently to achieve high compression ratios. The proposed technique is based on developing the fractal model in conjunction with Iterated Function System. Fractal is well known as a time consuming technique, and therefore, new mathematical development is proposed to potentially reduce fractal computations. Experiments have proven the significant performance of fast fractal in comparison with the traditional version. Furthermore, the resultant compression ratios are close to the traditional fractal results and higher than other existing techniques.
Development of the hippocampal CA2 region and the emergence of social recognition
Authors: Diethorn Emma J. , Gould Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Social memories formed in early life, like those for family and unrelated peers, are known to contribute to healthy social interactions throughout life, although how the developing brain supports social memory remains relatively unexplored. The CA2 subregion of the hippocampus is involved in social memory function, but most literature on this subject is restricted to studies of adult rodents. Here, we review the current literature on the embryonic and postnatal development of hippocampal subregion CA2 in mammals, with a focus on the emergence of its unusual molecular and cellular characteristics, including its notably high expression of plasticity‐suppressing molecules. We also consider the connectivity of the CA2 with other brain areas, including intrahippocampal regions, such as the dentate gyrus, CA3, and CA1 regions, and extrahippocampal regions, such as the hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area, basal forebrain, raphe nuclei, and the entorhinal cortex. We review developmental milestones of CA2 molecular, cellular, and circuit‐level features that may contribute to emerging social recognition abilities for kin and unrelated conspecifics in early life. Lastly, we consider genetic mouse models related to neurodevelopmental disorders in humans in order to survey evidence about whether atypical formation of the CA2 may contribute to social memory dysfunction.
U.S. higher education: Positives and negatives
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: June 2023

Hardly a day passes when we don’t read an article or report about what is wrong with American higher education. While COVID‐19 did expose some of the flaws in the current way students are admitted, financed, and graduated from U.S. colleges and universities, there are many positive facts and trends that should be acknowledged.
Differences in the content of human milk oligosaccharides between foremilk and hind milk
Authors: Pu Zhiping , Sun Zhaona , Liu Jun , Zhang Jinyue , Cheng Mengdi , Zhang Lina , Zhou Peng
Published: June 2023

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the second largest carbohydrate component and the third largest nutrient after lactose, and their content and composition are related to the genetic characteristics of the mother, lactation period, geography, and other factors. This study examined the differences in fat content, protein composition, and oligosaccharides content between foremilk and hind milk in human milk. The results showed that the fat content of human milk was significantly higher in the hind milk than in the foremilk. However, no significant differences in the composition and content of protein in the fore and hind milk. With respect to oligosaccharides, the total amount of HMOs (based on seven oligosaccharides, lacto‐N‐neotetraose (LNnT), lacto‐N‐tetraose (LNT), 2′‐fucosyllactose (2′‐FL), 3′‐fucosyllactose (3′‐FL), 3′‐galactosyllactose (3′‐GL), 3′‐sialyllactose (3′‐SL), and 6′‐sialyllactose (6′‐SL) in the hind milk was always higher than in the foremilk in almost all mothers. Similar trend was found in specific oligosaccharide including LNnT, LNT, 2′‐FL, 3′‐FL, and 3′‐GL. On the other hand, sialylated oligosaccharides, 3′‐SL, and 6′‐SL were quite consistent in foremilk and hind milk.
Remote sensing monitoring of wheat leaf rust based on UAV multispectral imagery and the BPNN method
Authors: Ju Chengxin , Chen Chen , Li Rui , Zhao Yuanyuan , Zhong Xiaochun , Sun Ruilin , Liu Tao , Sun Chengming
Published: June 2023

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leaf rust is the most common and widely distributed wheat disease. Non‐destructive and real‐time methods for monitoring wheat leaf rust can help prevent and control plant diseases in agricultural production. In this study, we obtained multispectral imagery of the wheat canopy acquired by an unmanned aerial vehicle, selected the vegetation index using the K‐means algorithm (KA) and genetic algorithm (GA), and established a wheat leaf rust monitoring model based on the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) method. The results showed that the R2 and RMSE of the KA‐BPNN model were 0.902% and 5.45% for the modeling set, respectively, and 0.784% and 4.76% for the validation set, respectively; and the R2 and RMSE of the GA‐BPNN model was 0.922% and 4.88% for the modeling set, respectively, and 0.780% and 4.28% for the validation set, respectively. The prediction model after optimizing the variables using KA and GA had higher accuracy than the BPNN model, implying that using variable dimensionality reduction methods and complex machine learning algorithms to construct estimation models can improve model accuracy significantly. These models accurately monitored leaf rust in winter wheat, providing a theoretical basis and technical support for assessing plant diseases and screening disease‐resistant wheat varieties.
The Need for Reporting Rationale and Detailed Methods in Studies that Surgically Implant Fish with Electronic Tracking Devices
Authors: Clemens Benjamin J , Matley Jordan K , Klinard Natalie V , Lennox Robert J , Sortland Lene K , Cooke Steven J
Published: June 2023

Each year, thousands of fishes are tagged with electronic devices to study their biology and inform fisheries management. Such research assumes that the process of capturing, tagging, and then holding fish to allow them to recover before release (i.e., the “tagging process”) does not alter the physiology, behavior, and survival of these fish. However, the fish can experience physiological challenges during the tagging process that may affect their behavior and survival. We have observed that the rationale used to establish protocols for holding durations and conditions of fish before and following surgery has received little attention. Here, we provide a perspective that: (1) provides an overview of the tagging process and its effects on the physiology, behavior, and survival of fish; (2) highlights the diverse holding conditions and durations used by researchers (that are often inadequately described and seem arbitrary); and (3) identifies key research needs. We conclude that decisions of whether, how, and for how long to hold tagged fish before release depend on diverse circumstances that need to be evaluated by researchers. We recommend that researchers explicitly report the details of how, when, where, and why tagged fish are held to facilitate protocols that benefit fish welfare, science, and management.
Using cortico‐cerebellar structural patterns to classify early‐ and late‐trained musicians
Authors: Shenker Joseph J. , Steele Christopher J. , Zatorre Robert J. , Penhune Virginia B.
Published: June 2023

A body of current evidence suggests that there is a sensitive period for musical training: people who begin training before the age of seven show better performance on tests of musical skill, and also show differences in brain structure—especially in motor cortical and cerebellar regions—compared with those who start later. We used support vector machine models—a subtype of supervised machine learning—to investigate distributed patterns of structural differences between early‐trained (ET) and late‐trained (LT) musicians and to better understand the age boundaries of the sensitive period for early musicianship. After selecting regions of interest from the cerebellum and cortical sensorimotor regions, we applied recursive feature elimination with cross‐validation to produce a model which optimally and accurately classified ET and LT musicians. This model identified a combination of 17 regions, including 9 cerebellar and 8 sensorimotor regions, and maintained a high accuracy and sensitivity (true positives, i.e., ET musicians) without sacrificing specificity (true negatives, i.e., LT musicians). Critically, this model—which defined ET musicians as those who began their training before the age of 7—outperformed all other models in which age of start was earlier or later (between ages 5–10). Our model's ability to accurately classify ET and LT musicians provides additional evidence that musical training before age 7 affects cortico‐cerebellar structure in adulthood, and is consistent with the hypothesis that connected brain regions interact during development to reciprocally influence brain and behavioral maturation.
Management of massive airway hemorrhage associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A retrospective case series study
Authors: Zhou Hong , Shi Qindong , Guo Litao
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an important means of treating patients with respiratory failure. Massive airway hemorrhage is a rare complication of ECMO, with high mortality. The aim of this study was to provide a reference for improving the success rate of treatment of this complication by analyzing and summarizing patient clinical data.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE databases for case reports of massive airway bleeding associated with ECMO from January 2000 to January 2022 and included one case treated at our facility. All patients were disconnected from the ventilator, and the endotracheal tube was clamped during treatment, resulting in complete airway packing for hemostasis. The clinical data of these patients were analyzed.

Results

Through searching and further screening, two works of literature reported four cases that met our inclusion criteria. Including our patient's case, five patients were included in this study (four adults and one neonate). The longest ECMO treatment time before bleeding was 14 days, and the shortest was 20 min. In all patients, conservative treatment was ineffective after a major airway hemorrhage. They were disconnected from the ventilator and the tracheal tube was clamped for 13–72 h. The four adult patients underwent bronchial artery embolization in the interventional radiology suite. All patients' bleeding stopped after treatment; they were successfully weaned off ECMO and discharged.

Conclusions

Treatment measures to disconnect the ventilator and clamp the endotracheal tube with full support from ECMO are feasible for massive airway bleeding associated with ECMO. Early bronchial arteriography and embolization can prevent rebleeding.
ERα/LKB1 complex upregulates E‐cadherin expression and stimulates breast cancer growth and progression upon adiponectin exposure
Authors: Naimo Giuseppina Daniela , Forestiero Martina , Paolì Alessandro , Malivindi Rocco , Gelsomino Luca , Győrffy Balázs , Leonetti Adele Elisabetta , Giordano Francesca , Panza Salvatore , Conforti Francesca Luisa , Ruffo Paola , Panno Maria Luisa , Mauro Loredana , Andò Sebastiano
Published: June 2023

Adiponectin is the major adipocytes‐secreted protein involved in obesity‐related breast cancer growth and progression. We proved that adiponectin promotes proliferation in ERα‐positive breast cancer cells, through ERα transactivation and the recruitment of LKB1 as ERα‐coactivator. Here, we showed that adiponectin‐mediated ERα transactivation enhances E‐cadherin expression. Thus, we investigated the molecular mechanism through which ERα/LKB1 complex may modulate the expression of E‐cadherin, influencing tumor growth, progression and distant metastasis. We demonstrated that adiponectin increases E‐cadherin expression in ERα‐positive 2D and higher extent in 3D cultures. This occurs through a direct activation of E‐cadherin gene promoter by ERα/LKB1‐complex. The impact of E‐cadherin on ERα‐positive breast cancer cell proliferation comes from the evidence that in the presence of E‐cadherin siRNA the proliferative effects of adiponectin is no longer noticeable. Since E‐cadherin connects cell polarity and growth, we investigated if the adiponectin‐enhanced E‐cadherin expression could influence the localization of proteins cooperating in cell polarity, such as LKB1 and Cdc42. Surprisingly, immunofluorescence showed that, in adiponectin‐treated MCF‐7 cells, LKB1 and Cdc42 mostly colocalize in the nucleus, impairing their cytosolic cooperation in maintaining cell polarity. The orthotopic implantation of MCF‐7 cells revealed an enhanced E‐cadherin‐mediated breast cancer growth induced by adiponectin. Moreover, tail vein injection of MCF‐7 cells showed a higher metastatic burden in the lungs of mice receiving adiponectin‐treated cells compared to control. From these findings it emerges that adiponectin treatment enhances E‐cadherin expression, alters cell polarity and stimulates ERα‐positive breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo, sustaining higher distant metastatic burden.
People are people: A comparative analysis of risk attitudes across Europe
Authors: Brooks Chris , Williams Louis
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we conduct a detailed examination of the determinants of attitudes to financial risk among retail investors in six European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom). We find that respondents from the United Kingdom and Belgium are the most risk tolerant while those from Spain are the least. We observe remarkable similarities in the distributions of risk tolerance across countries despite cultural differences and considerable variations in the extent to which risky investing is undertaken as a routine part of financial planning. We further show that country effects in the cross‐sectional variation of attitude to risk scores are swamped by the impacts of gender, salary and wealth, while financial knowledge and prior investment experience are much more important still. Our results have implications for regulators and those who wish to encourage European investors to consider going beyond bank savings and guaranteed products to more prevalent stock market investing in an era of negative real interest rates.
A validation and modification of PLASMIC score by adjusting the criteria of mean corpuscular volume and international normalized ratio
Authors: Lee Jia‐Arng , Lin Mei‐Hwa , Kang Chun‐Min , Chuang Ming‐Kai , Fung Chi Kwan Boris , Lo Shyh‐Chyi
Published: June 2023

Background

The PLASMIC score was developed for distinguishing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) from other types of thrombotic microangiopathy. However, two components of the PLASMIC score, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and international normalized ratio (INR), showed non‐significant differences between TTP and non‐TTP patients in previous validations. Here, we validate the PLASMIC score and aim to modify it by adjusting the criteria of MCV and INR.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective validation of suspected TTP patients was performed by reviewing electronic medical records from two medical centers in Taiwan. The performance of different modified types of the PLASMIC score was carried out.

Results

Among 50 patients included in the final analysis, 12 were diagnosed with TTP based on deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity and clinical judgement. When stratified by high (score ≥ 6) and low‐intermediate risk (score < 6), the positive predictive value (PPV) of the PLASMIC score to predict TTP was 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29‐0.61). The area under curve (AUC) was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56‐0.82). When adjusting the criteria of the PLASMIC score from MCV < 90 fL to MCV ≥ 90 fL, the PPV increased to 0.57 (95% CI: 0.37‐0.75). The AUC was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.61‐0.87). When adjusting the INR from >1.5 to >1.1, the PPV increased to 0.56 (95% CI: 0.39‐0.71). The AUC was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68‐0.90).

Conclusion

MCV ≥ 90 fL and/or INR > 1.1 might be suitable modifications for PLASMIC score but should be validated in a larger sample size.
Variability and predictability of the Northeast India summer monsoon rainfall
Authors: Sharma Devabrat , Das Santu , Goswami B. N.
Published: June 2023

The mesoscale orography over one of the wettest regions of the world makes the Northeast India (NEI) vulnerable to hydrological disasters while sustaining a biodiversity “hotspot.” The monsoon rainy season over the NEI is known to be longer than June–September (JJAS), but an objective definition has been lacking. Understanding the drivers and predictability of rainfall variability over the region is key for sustainable development planning and adaptation to increasing disasters in the backdrop of a warming climate but remained poor due to lack of a working definition of “summer monsoon season” over NEI. Here, using the relationship between rainfall over the region and winds at 850 hPa over North Bay of Bengal (BoB), we provide an objective definition of the monsoon season over NEI and argue that the “summer monsoon rainy season” over the NEI (NEIR) is from May to September (MJJAS). In contrast to a significant negative relationship between JJAS Central India (CI) rainfall and a JJAS El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) index, the MJJAS rainfall over the NEI has no relationship with MJJAS or JJAS ENSO. Instead, we unravel that (a) the tropical Northwest‐Pacific (TNWP) sea surface temperature (SST), (b) the South Equatorial Indian Ocean Dipole (SEIOD) and (c) the Atlantic Zonal mode (AZM) are potential drivers of the NEIR variability. Using a causal inference algorithm, namely the Peter and Clark Momentary Conditional Independence (PCMCI) method, we show that SEIOD directly influences NEIR while TNWP SST has a two‐way connection with the NEIR. While “internal variability” may be higher over the NEI, significant modulation of the variances of the subseasonal fluctuations by predictable drivers like the Atlantic Niño and North Atlantic water temperature provides optimism for seasonal prediction of the NEIR.
Histological and immunohistochemical guide to tendon tissue
Authors: Chatterjee Monideepa , Evans Mary K. , Bell Rebecca , Nguyen Phong K. , Kamalitdinov Timur B. , Korntner Stefanie , Kuo Catherine K. , Dyment Nathaniel A. , Andarawis‐Puri Nelly
Published: June 2023

Tendons are unique dense connective tissues with discrete zones having specific structure and function. They are juxtaposed with other tissues (e.g., bone, muscle, and fat) with different compositional, structural, and mechanical properties. Additionally, tendon properties change drastically with growth and development, disease, aging, and injury. Consequently, there are unique challenges to performing high quality histological assessment of this tissue. To address this need, histological assessment was one of the breakout session topics at the 2022 Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) Tendon Conference hosted at the University of Pennsylvania. The purpose of the breakout session was to discuss needs from members of the ORS Tendon Section related to histological procedures, data presentation, knowledge dissemination, and guidelines for future work. Therefore, this review provides a brief overview of the outcomes of this discussion and provides a set of guidelines, based on the perspectives from our laboratories, for histological assessment to assist researchers in their quest to utilize these techniques to enhance the outcomes and interpretations of their studies.
Differential effects of resolvin D1 and resolvin E1 on cementoblast function
Authors: Bozkurt Serife Buket , Hakki Sema Sezgin , Kantarci Alpdogan
Published: June 2023

Background

Resolvins are endogenous mediators of the resolution of inflammation. They are derived from omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid precursors. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) and Resolvin E1 (RvE1) are the best‐characterized members for actively promoting periodontal regeneration in experimental animal models. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of RvD1 and RvE1 on cementoblasts, the key cells involved in dental cementum regeneration and the attachment of the tooth to the alveolar bone.

Methods

Immortalized mouse cementoblasts (OCCM‐30) were treated with different concentrations (0.1‐1000 ng/mL) of RvD1 and RvE1. Cell proliferation was measured using an electrical impedance‐based real‐time cell analyzer. Mineralization was evaluated with von Kossa staining. The mRNA expression of mineralized tissue‐associated markers of bone sialoprotein (BSP), Type I collagen (COL I), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RunX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) (RANK), receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL), and extracellular matrix‐degrading enzymes [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2)], RvE1 receptor (ChemR23) and RvD1 receptor (ALX/PFR2), cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha {TNF‐α}, interleukin {IL}‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐17), oxidative stress enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2)] were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

Both RvD1 and RvE1 (10‐100 ng/mL) significantly increased the proliferation of cementoblasts and mineralized nodules at all concentrations (p < 0.05). RvE1 increased BSP, RunX2, and ALP compared with the RvD1 dose and time‐dependently, while RvD1 and RvE1 differentially regulated COL‐I. RvE1 increased OPG mRNA expression, whereas RANK‐RANKL mRNA expression decreased by RvE1. MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 expressions were reduced by RvE1 compared with RvD1. Treatment of cementoblasts with RvD1 and RvE1 differentially affected cytokine and oxidative stress enzymes while significantly increasing their receptor expressions (ChemR23 and ALX/PFR2).

Conclusions

RvD1 and RvE1 regulate proliferation, mineralization, and gene expression in cementoblasts using similar pathways while differentially affecting tissue degradation, suggesting a targeted therapeutic approach for cementum turnover during periodontal regeneration.
Modelling the climate change impact of mitigation (RCP 2.6) and high emission (RCP 8.5) scenarios on maize yield and possible adaptation measures in different agroclimatic zones of Punjab, India
Authors: Kothiyal Shivani , Prabhjyot‐Kaur  , Sandhu Sandeep Singh , Kaur Jatinder
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

A simulation study was performed for assessing climate change impact on maize under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs 2.6 and 8.5) for Punjab, India. The study area comprised five agroclimatic zones (AZs) including seven locations. The bias corrected temperature and rainfall data from four models (CSIRO‐Mk‐3‐6‐0, FIO‐ESM, IPSL‐CM5A‐MR and Ensemble) were used as input in CERES‐Maize model which was run with constant management practices for two Punjab maize hybrids (PMH 1 and PMH 2). The maize yield for upcoming 70 years (2025–2095) was simulated and its deviations from the baseline (2010–2021) yield were computed under optimized sowing (early‐May to early‐July) and current sowing (end‐May to end‐June) period.

RESULTS

With current sowing dates, the maize yield declined under both RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, respectively in all the AZs, that is, by 4–23% and 60–80% in AZ II, by 5–60% and 60–90% in AZ III, by 9–30% and 50–90% in AZ IV and by 13–40% and 30–90% in AZ V. Though yield decline was lesser under RCP 2.6 as compared to RCP 8.5, but still it indicates that adaptive strategy such as shifting of sowing dates may be helpful in stabilizing the maize yield.

CONCLUSION

The results for iterative combinations of sowing period revealed that early June sowing in AZ II for both the hybrids, mid‐ to end‐June (Ludhiana and Amritsar) and end‐May to mid‐June (Patiala) sowings for PMH 1 were able to nullify the negative impact of climate change. Maize cultivation in AZ IV and AZ V would not be a suitable venture for farmers of the region. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Immunisation status during biologic therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis
Authors: Stone Corey , Sheriff Tabrez , Liang Yicong , Murrell Dédée F.
Published: June 2023

Background

The use of biologic agents has significantly improved the quality of life for patients with chronic skin diseases, and many other autoinflammatory diseases, over the past two decades. Due to the immunosuppressive nature of biologic agents, patients on these treatments are at increased risk of infection. Compulsory serological testing and vaccine optimisation before commencing biologic therapy is not common practice, potentially leaving some of these patients exposed to vaccine‐preventable disease.

Objectives

Our real‐world data aims to assess if the use of biologic agents in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis leads to an accelerated loss of immunity to diseases commonly vaccinated against.

Methods

We present 77 patients with psoriasis and hidradenitis who underwent serological testing before and after commencing biologic treatment. Statistical analysis, using the Z‐test for differences between two populations, was used to determine if a significant number of patients lost immunity after commencing biologic therapy for the treatment of their skin disease.

Results

A significant number of our patients lost immunity, especially to Hepatitis B (p < 0.001) and Diphtheria (p < 0.001), whilst being treated with a biologic agent.

Conclusions

Whilst no control group was included in this real‐world study, our findings suggest that biologic agents may shorten the longevity of vaccine‐induced immunity and calls for future, larger‐scale, prospective studies. We recommend pre‐biologic serology testing and vaccine optimisation to reduce the risk of vaccine‐preventable illnesses and unnecessary treatment interruptions.