bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone development in offspring of pregnant rats treated with carbamazepine: Evaluation by three different methods
Authors: Güler Hatice , Esen Eda Esra , Balcıoğlu Esra , Göktepe Özge , Yılmaz Halil , Yay Arzu Hanım , Nisari Mehtap , Al Özge , Uçar Sümeyye , Güçlü Ekinci Hilal Kübra , Tokpınar Adem , Yılmaz Seher
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study was carried out to determine the effect of intrauterine carbamazepine (CBZ) exposure on fetal bone development during pregnancy.

Methods

In the study, 24 female Wistar pregnant rats were used. Rats were 20 weeks old. They had an average body weight of 150–200 g. Pregnant rats were randomly selected and divided (n = 6) into a control group, low‐dose CBZ (10 mg/kg/day) group, medium‐dose CBZ (25 mg/kg/day) group, and high‐dose CBZ (50 mg/kg/day) group. The ossification length (mm) and ossification area (mm2) of the long bones of the fetuses in the experimental and control groups were calculated. The densities of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were analyzed. The ossification regions of the femurs of the fetuses were examined under a light microscope. Microstructural images of the femurs were evaluated with scanning electron microscope photographs. The densities of minerals involved in the ossification process were analyzed.

Results

According to the results of the study, all three doses of CBZ caused loss of ossification areas, and it was observed that this bone loss also increased statistically significantly depending on the dose increase (p < .05). Calcium concentration decreased in the CBZ groups. When the electron microscope images were examined, it was determined that the cartilage matrix of the CBZ groups was thinned. In the histological evaluation of the groups, narrowing of the primary bone collar and smaller bone spicules in the ossification region compared to the control group were noted due to the increase in dose in the CBZ groups. In immunohistochemical staining, it was observed that the TRAP and AP expression values of the femurs were the lowest in the CBZ groups. These decreases were also statistically significant when compared with the control group.

Significance

It was revealed with both microscopic and macroscopic findings that exposure to intrauterine CBZ negatively affected ossification and bone growth.
Acute symptomatic seizures secondary to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease
Authors: Montalvo Mayra , Khattak Jamal F. , Redenbaugh Vyanka , Britton Jeffrey , Sanchez Cristina Valencia , Datta Abhigyan , Tillema Jan‐Mendelt , Chen John , McKeon Andrew , Pittock Sean J. , Flanagan Eoin P. , Dubey Divyanshu
Published: September 2022

Objective

To report the clinical presentations and outcomes of patients with seizure and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease (MOGAD).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records for clinical and paraclinical features among patients with seizures and MOG‐IgG (immunoglobulin G) seropositivity.

Results

We identified 213 patients with MOG‐IgG seropositivity who fulfilled criteria for MOGAD. Seizures attributed to central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity were observed in 10% of patients (n = 23: 19 children, 4 adults). The majority (n = 19, 83%) had pediatric disease onset. Focal motor seizures were the most common seizure semiology (16/23; 70%). Focal to bilateral tonic‐clonic seizures were present in 12 patients (53%), and 3 patients (13%) developed status epilepticus. All patients had features of encephalitis at onset of seizures. Cerebral cortical encephalitis (CCE) was the most common radiological finding (10 unilateral and 5 bilateral cases). Eight of 23 patients (35%) had only CCE, six of 23 patients (26%) had only acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and seven of 23 patients (30%) had features of both. Fifteen patients (65%) had leptomeningeal enhancement. Three patients (13%) had coexistence ofN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) IgG. Only 3 of 23 patients (13%) developed drug‐ resistant epilepsy. Although the majority had MOGAD relapses (14/23, 60%) had only 5 of 23 patients had recurrence of episodes of encephalitis with associated seizures. Twenty‐one of 23 patients (91%) had seizure freedom at last follow‐up.

Significance

MOG‐IgG evaluation should be considered in patients who present with encephalitis and focal motor and/or focal to bilateral tonic‐clonic seizures, especially pediatric patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain findings consistent with CCE, ADEM, or other MOGAD presentations. The majority of these seizures are self‐limited and do not require maintenance/chronic antiseizure medications. Although seizure recurrence is uncommon, many patients have MOGAD relapses in the form of encephalitis and optic neuritis.
Patterns of genetic diversity: Stepping‐stone dispersal of an invasive fish introduced by an inter‐basin water transfer project
Authors: Qin Jiao , Bjorn Victor Schmidt , Zhang Lei , Cheng Fei , Xie Songguang
Published: September 2022

Knowledge of large‐scale dispersal processes and their associated genetic diversity patterns is significant for managing invasive species. These patterns remain unclear for invasive species that colonise new habitats through inter‐basin water transfer projects. A worm goby Taenioides cirratus colonised several large inland lakes in China, thereby expanding its distribution through the East Route of the South‐to‐North Water Transfer Project (ESNT).

Here, we used nuclear microsatellites to analyse patterns of genetic diversity, population structure, gene flow and, invasion history across its native and invasive ranges in China. Our objectives were to: (a) reveal contemporary genetic diversity patterns of T. cirratus in two native and four invasive populations in China; and (b) identify its main model of dispersal in the ESNT.

Invasive populations experienced significant loss of genetic diversity because of bottlenecks and low levels of gene flow, and strong population genetic structure due to founder effects that occurred during expansions.

Significant genetic isolation‐by‐distance patterns were largely influenced by landscape connectivity and the reduced active dispersal ability of T. cirratus.

The one‐way stepping‐stone dispersal model was identified as being most likely for T. cirratus in the ESNT, influenced by the long distance of upstream dispersal and downstream water transfer events.

Our results highlight that T. cirratus could overcome low genetic diversity in founding populations, allowing for invasive spread. For management, we suggest physical removal of invasive populations and installation of deterrents near the pump intake area and the lake outflow to reduce further spread in the system. We provided a general paradigm for understanding dispersal patterns involved in inter‐basin water transfers.
Distribution patterns of macrophytes in shallow lakes of the lower Paraná River floodplain: Associations with environmental conditions
Authors: Gayol Maira Patricia , Morandeira Natalia Soledad , Gonzalez Eliana Belén , Kandus Patricia
Published: September 2022

Macrophytes play key functional and structural roles in floodplain shallow lakes (SL), determining the maintenance of ecosystem functions and sustaining several productive activities. We assessed the relationship between macrophyte community structure (composition, species abundance, and plant diversity) and environmental features (SL dynamics, connectivity, morphometry, flood frequency, and water and sediment physical and chemical variables) in the Lower Paraná River floodplain. Our main hypothesis was that SL macrophyte distribution depends on direct and indirect environmental controls operating at multiple scales.

The SL dynamics during the April–November 2017 Paraná River pulse were described according to their coverage changes (vegetation, and turbid or clear open water), which were assessed with supervised classifications on Landsat 8‐OLI scenes. Twenty‐five SL of the Lower Paraná River floodplain were selected to represent all the SL dynamics identified. Ten SL were permanently connected and 15 were disconnected from watercourses. Water and sediment physical and chemical characteristics, macrophyte assemblage composition, and plant species abundance were surveyed at each site in the 2018 summer. Also, SL morphometric parameters and flood frequency were estimated from ancillary geographic data.

The direct controlling factors of macrophyte assemblages were water ammonium and water nitrate concentrations, turbidity, and flood frequency. No clear effects of environmental conditions on macrophyte diversity were found. The connectivity of SL with watercourses affected their water and sediment physical and chemical features. Also, SL dynamics during the 2017 pulse were related to flood frequency.

As connectivity to watercourses affects SL chemical and physical variables, and SL dynamics were associated with flood frequency, connectivity and SL dynamics indirectly influenced macrophyte assemblage composition. This study improved our understanding of macrophyte distribution patterns in the study area, which was related to several environmental variables operating at different scales.

Our results highlight the importance of the variability of hydrological connectivity in promoting environmental heterogeneity in river floodplain systems, which is central to their functioning, and the high biodiversity that characterises these environments.
An assessment of people living by coral reefs over space and time
Authors: Sing Wong Amy , Vrontos Spyridon , Taylor Michelle L.
Published: September 2022

Human populations near ecosystems are used as both a proxy for dependency on ecosystems, and conversely to estimate threats. Consequently, the number of people living near coral reefs is often used in regional coral reef management, evaluation of risk at regional and global scales, and even considerations of funding needs. Human populations and their statistics, are ever‐changing and data relating to coral reefs have not been updated regularly. Here, we present an up‐to‐date analysis of the abundance, and density of people living within 5–100 km of coral reef ecosystems along with population proportion, using freely available data sets and replicable methods. We present trends of changes in human populations living near coral reefs over a 20‐year time period (2000–2020), divided by region and country, along with socio‐economic denominations such as country income category and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). We find that across 117 coral reef countries there are currently close to a billion people living within 100 km of a coral reef (~13% of the global population) compared with 762 million people in 2000. Population growth by coral reefs is higher than global averages. The Indian Ocean saw a 33% increase in populations within 100 km of a coral reef and 71% at 5 km. There are 60 countries with 100% of their population within 100 km of coral reefs. In SIDS, the proportion of the total population within 100 km of a coral reef is extremely high: 94% in 2020. Population density 5–10 km from coral reefs is 4× the global average. From 5 to 100 km, more people from lower‐middle‐income countries live by coral reefs than any other income category. Our findings provide the most up‐to‐date and extensive statistics on the regional and nation‐level differences in population trends that play a large role in coral reef health and survival.
Inferring the demographic history of the North American firefly Photinus pyralis
Authors: Catalan Ana , Höhna Sebastian , Lower Sarah E. , Duchen Pablo
Published: September 2022

The firefly Photinus pyralis inhabits a wide range of latitudinal and ecological niches, with populations living from temperate to tropical habitats. Despite its broad distribution, its demographic history is unknown. In this study, we modelled and inferred different demographic scenarios for North American populations of P. pyralis, which were collected from Texas to New Jersey. We used a combination of ABC techniques (for multi‐population/colonization analyses) and likelihood inference (dadi, StairwayPlot2, PoMo) for single‐population demographic inference, which proved useful with our RAD data. We uncovered that the most ancestral North American population lays in Texas, which further colonized the Central region of the US and more recently the North Eastern coast. Our study confidently rejects a demographic scenario where the North Eastern populations colonized more southern populations until reaching Texas. To estimate the age of divergence between of P. pyralis, which provides deeper insights into the history of the entire species, we assembled a multi‐locus phylogenetic data covering the genus Photinus. We uncovered that the phylogenetic node leading to P. pyralis lies at the end of the Miocene. Importantly, modelling the demographic history of North American P. pyralis serves as a null model of nucleotide diversity patterns in a widespread native insect species, which will serve in future studies for the detection of adaptation events in this firefly species, as well as a comparison for future studies of other North American insect taxa.
Perspectives of (/memorandum for) systems thinking on COVID‐19 pandemic and pathology
Authors: Tretter Felix , Peters Eva M. J. , Sturmberg Joachim , Bennett Jeanette , Voit Eberhard , Dietrich Johannes W. , Smith Gary , Weckwerth Wolfram , Grossman Zvi , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Marcum James A.
Published: September 2022

Is data‐driven analysis sufficient for understanding the COVID‐19 pandemic and for justifying public health regulations? In this paper, we argue that such analysis is insufficient. Rather what is needed is the identification and implementation of over‐arching hypothesis‐related and/or theory‐based rationales to conduct effective SARS‐CoV2/COVID‐19 (Corona) research. To that end, we analyse and compare several published recommendations for conceptual and methodological frameworks in medical research (e.g., public health, preventive medicine and health promotion) to current research approaches in medical Corona research. Although there were several efforts published in the literature to develop integrative conceptual frameworks before the COVID‐19 pandemic, such associal ecologyfor public health issues andsystems thinkingin health care, only a few attempts to utilize these concepts can be found in medical Corona research. For this reason, we propose nested and integrative systemic modelling approaches to understandCorona pandemicandCorona pathology. We conclude that institutional efforts for knowledge integration and systemic thinking, but also for integrated science, are urgently needed to avoid or mitigate future pandemics and to resolve infection pathology.
Further insight into the genetic diversity of Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba hartmanni
Authors: Stensvold Christen Rune , Ascuña‐Durand Kasandra , Chihi Amal , Belkessa Salem , Kurt Özgür , El‐Badry Ayman , van der Giezen Mark , Clark C. Graham
Published: September 2022

Despite the species' wide distribution, studies of the genetic diversity within Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba hartmanni remain limited. In the present study, we provide further insight into the genetic diversity of both species based on analysis of partial nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences generated from human fecal DNAs from samples collected in Africa, South America, and Europe. Reinforcing the previous recognition that E. coli is a species complex, our data confirm the existence of the two subtypes, ST1 and ST2, previously identified plus, potentially, a new subtype, ST3. While ST1 appears to be genetically quite homogenous, ST2 shows a substantial degree of intrasubtype diversity. ST2 was more common in samples collected outside Europe, whereas ST1 showed no geographical restriction. The potentially novel subtype is represented to date exclusively by sequences from South American and African samples. In contrast to previous reports, our new data also indicate substantial variation in E. hartmanni that could also support the establishment of subtypes within this species. Here, however, no links were identified between subtype and geographical origin.
A situational analysis of registered dietitians' participation in network marketing
Authors: Hewko Sarah J. , Mann Kristen J.
Published: September 2022

Background

Registered dietitians (RDs) are allied health professionals with advanced training in nutrition and food science. To practice, RDs must maintain registration with the regulatory body in their jurisdiction.

Methods

We conducted a situational analysis to better understand: (i) RDs participation as independent sales consultants (ISCs) for network marketing companies and (ii) the role of regulatory bodies in overseeing network marketing participation among RDs. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with individuals who had, within the past 5 years, concurrently been an RD and an ISC, and with three representatives of non‐RD regulatory bodies in the province of Ontario. Other sources of discursive data included relevant articles published in academic journals and in the mainstream media, documentary series and circulating memes.

Results

Our results are depicted in three maps (ordered situational, arenas and positional). Overall, much of what was highlighted in the reviewed articles and expressed in the analytic maps about network marketing remained unsaid in RD interviews (n = 8).

Conclusions

RDs who participate in network marketing were often able to achieve a level of personal fulfilment that appeared unattainable through their professional work alone. However, the stigma of network marketing participation appeared to diminish the benefits of ISC work. Consistent, clear guidelines from RD regulatory bodies are desired by RD/ISCs.
An improved explants culture method: Sustainable isolation of keloid fibroblasts with primary characteristics
Authors: He Yan , Zhang Shengpeng , Bao Wu , Xue Yi , Yin Bin , Cheng Xialin , Zhang Zexin , Jia Chiyu
Published: September 2022

Background

Keloid (KD) is a complex fibroproliferative disease, but the exact mechanisms underlying keloid pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. The primary keloid fibroblasts (KFs) culture in vitro has always been a fundamental measure to study the pathogenesis of keloid. However, the traditional primary culture methods have some limitations, such as a long culture cycle, low specimen utilization rate and so on.

Aims

Improve the keloid explants culture method sts.

Materials & Methods

We proposed an improved new “explants multiple culture method”—reusing keloid explants for primary culture and harvesting the primary KFs in specific culture times. Meanwhile, the purity, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, extracellular matrix synthesis, and some fibrosis and inflammation‐related proteins of KFs obtained from the first, fifth, and tenth explants cultures were detected.

Results

The results showed that the culture cycle of this new method (Cell Isolation: 2.67 ± 0.86 days, Explants removal: 8.83 ± 0.79 days, Cell Passage: 15.17 ± 1.39 days) was significantly shorter than that of the traditional method (Cell Isolation: 8.67 ± 1.84 days, Explants removal: 17.67 ± 2.17 days, Cell Passage: 22.67 ± 1.84 days). No significant difference was observed between the phenotypes of the fibroblasts obtained from the first explants culture and cultures less than 10 times (p > 0.05).

Disscussion

Taken together, this study provides an effective method for the primary culture of KFs with a higher specimen utilization rate and shorter culture cycle.

Conclusion

This method breaks through the limitation of traditional explants culture requiring a large number of keloid specimens and provides a rich source of KFs for the study of keloid.
Platform Encroachment and Own‐Content Bias*
Authors: Zennyo Yusuke
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a model of platform encroachment, in which a platform not only acts as an intermediary between consumers and third‐party sellers, but also sells its first‐party products. When encroaching, the platform chooses between fair and biased search engines. Under the fair search, all products are equally likely to appear in search results, whereas the first‐party product is more likely to appear under biased search. Biased encroachment makes the platform impose a lower commission on sellers, which leads to a lower equilibrium price which consequently attracts more consumers. Increased consumer participation can raise seller participation through indirect network externalities.
Development and performance of a sleep estimation algorithm using a single accelerometer placed on the thigh: an evaluation against polysomnography
Authors: Johansson Peter J. , Crowley Patrick , Axelsson John , Franklin Karl , Garde Anne Helene , Hettiarachchi Pasan , Holtermann Andreas , Kecklund Göran , Lindberg Eva , Ljunggren Mirjam , Stamatakis Emmanuel , Theorell Haglöw Jenny , Svartengren Magnus
Published: September 2022

Accelerometers placed on the thigh provide accurate measures of daily physical activity types, postures and sedentary behaviours, over 24 h and across consecutive days. However, the ability to estimate sleep duration or quality from thigh‐worn accelerometers is uncertain and has not been evaluated in comparison with the ‘gold‐standard’ measurement of sleep polysomnography. This study aimed to develop an algorithm for sleep estimation using the raw data from a thigh‐worn accelerometer and to evaluate it in comparison with polysomnography. The algorithm was developed and optimised on a dataset consisting of 23 single‐night polysomnography recordings, collected in a laboratory, from 15 asymptomatic adults. This optimised algorithm was then applied to a separate evaluation dataset, in which, 71 adult males (mean [SD] age 57 [11] years, height 181 [6] cm, weight 82 [13] kg) wore ambulatory polysomnography equipment and a thigh‐worn accelerometer, simultaneously, whilst sleeping at home. Compared with polysomnography, the algorithm had a sensitivity of 0.84 and a specificity of 0.55 when estimating sleep periods. Sleep intervals were underestimated by 21 min (130 min, Limits of Agreement Range [LoAR]). Total sleep time was underestimated by 32 min (233 min LoAR). Our results evaluate the performance of a new algorithm for estimating sleep and outline the limitations. Based on these results, we conclude that a single device can provide estimates of the sleep interval and total sleep time with sufficient accuracy for the measurement of daily physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep, on a group level in free‐living settings.
Coral larvae suppress heat stress response during the onset of symbiosis decreasing their odds of survival
Authors: Kitchen Sheila A. , Jiang Duo , Harii Saki , Satoh Noriyuki , Weis Virginia M. , Shinzato Chuya
Published: September 2022

The endosymbiosis between most corals and their photosynthetic dinoflagellate partners begins early in the host life history, when corals are larvae or juvenile polyps. The capacity of coral larvae to buffer climate‐induced stress while in the process of symbiont acquisition could come with physiological trade‐offs that alter behaviour, development, settlement and survivorship. Here we examined the joint effects of thermal stress and symbiosis onset on colonization dynamics, survival, metamorphosis and host gene expression of Acropora digitifera larvae. We found that thermal stress decreased symbiont colonization of hosts by 50% and symbiont density by 98.5% over 2 weeks. Temperature and colonization also influenced larval survival and metamorphosis in an additive manner, where colonized larvae fared worse or prematurely metamorphosed more often than noncolonized larvae under thermal stress. Transcriptomic responses to colonization and thermal stress treatments were largely independent, while the interaction of these treatments revealed contrasting expression profiles of genes that function in the stress response, immunity, inflammation and cell cycle regulation. The combined treatment either cancelled or lowered the magnitude of expression of heat‐stress responsive genes in the presence of symbionts, revealing a physiological cost to acquiring symbionts at the larval stage with elevated temperatures. In addition, host immune suppression, a hallmark of symbiosis onset under ambient temperature, turned to immune activation under heat stress. Thus, by integrating the physical environment and biotic pressures that mediate presettlement event in corals, our results suggest that colonization may hinder larval survival and recruitment under projected climate scenarios.
Some universal patterns in income distribution: An econophysics approach
Authors: Shaikh Anwar , Ragab Amr
Published: September 2022

The econophysics “two‐class” approach yields a novel theoretical and empirically robust relation: The per capita income of any bottom fraction (x) of the population equals a(x)∙(1−G) , where a(x) is a coupling coefficient, G the Gini, and is national per capita income. For the bottom 70%, a(70) = 1, which yields the Sen inequality adjustment to the 1993 UNDP Human Development Index, without any reliance on social welfare functions. Alternately, a(80) = 1.1 yields the bottom 80% per capita income (Vast Majority Income). We propose the latter as a new inequality‐adjusted measure of wellbeing.
Diagnostic yield of colonoscopy for organic disease in irritable bowel syndrome and its risk factors: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Jie , Wang Chunlian , Lv Liang
Published: September 2022

Background

Colonoscopy is commonly performed in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to rule out organic disease. We performed a meta‐analysis to assess the prevalence of organic disease detected at colonoscopy in IBS and its potential risk factors.

Methods

Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched through January 2022. Observational studies that reported diagnostic yield of colonoscopy for organic disease including colorectal cancer (CRC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or microscopic colitis (MC) in adult IBS patients were eligible. Pooled prevalence and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Of 2490 citations identified, 12 studies were eligible containing 28,630 patients with IBS undergoing colonoscopy. Pooled prevalence of CRC, IBD, and MC in IBS was 0.78%, 4.48%, and 2.35%, respectively. No difference in the yield for CRC, IBD, and MC was seen between IBS and non‐IBS patients. CRC was rare in IBS patients without alarm symptoms or younger than 40 years (<0.1%). Pooled Prevalence of CRC (2.47% vs. 0.11%; RD 2.57%, 95% CI 0.37%–4.78%) and IBD (8.86% vs. 4.25%; RD 10.75%, 95% CI 4.81%–16.68%) was significantly higher in IBS patients with alarm symptoms compared with those without. IBD and MC were more likely to be detected at colonoscopy in IBS‐D compared with IBS‐C. The prevalence of CRC and MC was higher in IBS patients with older age than younger age.

Conclusion

We provide the first pooled estimate of yield of colonoscopy in IBS and its risk factors, which may be used to inform clinical decision and support guidelines.
Norges Bank Output Gap Estimates: Forecasting Properties, Reliability, Cyclical Sensitivity and Hysteresis
Authors: Furlanetto Francesco , Hagelund Kåre , Hansen Frank , Robstad Ørjan
Published: September 2022

This paper documents the suite of models (SoMs) used by Norges Bank to estimate the output gap. The models are estimated using data on GDP, unemployment, inflation, wages, investment, house prices and credit. We evaluate the estimated output gap series in terms of its forecasting properties, its reliability and its cyclical sensitivity to various measures of demand and supply shocks. A simple equally weighted average of estimates from different models features a better forecasting performance than each individual model. In addition, it helps predicting inflation in pseudo real time and exhibits limited variations when new data become available. The summary measure of potential output responds strongly and rapidly to permanent shocks and to narrative measures of technology shocks but, although to a more limited extent, also to demand shocks, thus partly capturing hysteresis effects.
Association of egg protein levels in dust with allergy status and related factors
Authors: Kojima Reiji , Miyake Kunio , Shinohara Ryoji , Kushima Megumi , Horiuchi Sayaka , Otawa Sanae , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Akiyama Yuka , Ooka Tadao , Yamagata Zentaro
Published: September 2022

Background

Levels of peanut protein in dust have been reported to be associated with sensitization and allergy to it, so controlling food protein in dust may help prevent food allergy. However, studies of factors associated with egg protein levels in dust are scarce. This study aimed to determine the factors contributing to egg protein levels in dust.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 159 participants in the Sub‐Cohort Study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study in Yamanashi Prefecture at a 6 year follow up. House dust at 6 years was collected and egg protein concentrations were measured for whole egg protein. Household factors, including the maternal frequency of egg consumption, were assessed by questionnaires. A linear regression model was used to analyze the effect of household environmental factors on egg protein in dust.

Results

In multivariate analysis, frequent maternal egg consumption (≥5 times a week) was associated with higher egg protein concentrations in house dust (β = 0.96, P = 0.01). The egg protein load was significantly associated with a higher number of cohabitants (≥5, β = 0.85, P = 0.02) in addition to frequent maternal egg consumption. Among the participants, 140 (88.1%) had no egg allergy, 15 (9.4%) were egg tolerant, and 4 (2.5%) had an egg allergy at 6 years old. There was no significant association between the current egg allergy status and egg protein concentrations in dust.

Conclusions

The frequency of maternal egg consumption and the number of inhabitants are contributing factors to egg protein levels in dust.
Pre‐transplant angiotensin II receptor type I antibodies in pediatric renal transplant recipients: An observational cohort study
Authors: Pizzo Helen , Mirocha James , Choi Jua , Garrison Jonathan , Haas Mark , Zhang Xiaohai , Kamil Elaine S. , Kim Irene , Jordan Stanley C. , Puliyanda Dechu P.
Published: September 2022

Background

The role of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies (AT1R‐Ab) in pediatric renal transplantation is unclear. Here, we evaluated pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab on transplant outcomes in the first 5 years. Secondary analysis compared pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab levels by age.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients, 2–20 years old, were divided into two groups: pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab− (<17 U/ml; n = 18) and pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab+ (≥17 U/ml; n = 18). eGFR was determined at 6‐month, 1‐, 2‐, and 4‐year post‐transplant. Allograft biopsies were performed in the setting of strong HLA‐DSA (MFI > 10 000), AT1R‐Ab ≥17 U/ml, and/or elevated creatinine.

Results

Mean age in pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab− was 13.3 years vs. 11.0 in pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab+ (p = 0.16). At 6 months, mean eGFR was 111.3 ml/min/1.73 m2 in pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab− vs. 100.2 in pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab + at 1 year, 103.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 100.5; at 2 years, 98.9 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. and 93.7; at 4 years, 72.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 80.9. 11/36 patients had acute rejection (6 in pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab−, 5 in pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab + ). There was no difference in rejection rates. All 6 subjects with de novo HLA‐DSA and AT1R‐Ab ≥17 U/ml at the time of biopsy experienced rejection. Mean age in those with the AT1R‐Ab ≥40 U/ml was 10.0 years vs. 13.2 in those <40 U/ml (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

In our small cohort, pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab ≥17 U/ml was not associated with reduced graft function or rejection. The pathogenicity of pre‐transplant AT1R‐Ab in pediatric kidney transplantation requires further investigation.
Clinicopathological significance of the overexpression of MUC1 in upper tract urothelial carcinoma and possible application as a diagnostic marker
Authors: Kobayashi Go , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Sentani Kazuhiro , Takemoto Kenshiro , Sekino Yohei , Uraoka Naohiro , Hanamoto Masanori , Nose Hiroyuki , Teishima Jun , Arihiro Koji , Hinata Nobuyuki , Oue Naohide
Published: September 2022

Mucin 1 (MUC1) overexpression has been reported in many malignancies and is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the clinicopathological significance of MUC1 in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has not been investigated. We analyzed the expression and distribution of MUC1 in UTUC by immunohistochemistry. In normal urothelium, MUC1 expression was observed on the surface of umbrella cells. Meanwhile, the strong expression of MUC1 was observed in cell membranes and cytoplasm in UTUC tissues, and it was detected in 64 (58%) of a total of 110 UTUC cases. MUC1‐positive UTUC cases were associated with nodular/flat morphology, high grade, high T stage, and lymphatic and venous invasion and poor prognosis. Additionally, MUC1 expression was associated with high expression of Ki‐67, programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), CD44 variant 9 (CD44v9), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and p53 in UTUC. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry for MUC1 on urine cytology slides demonstrated that the strong staining of MUC1 was more frequently found in tumor cells than in nonneoplastic cells. The diagnostic accuracy of urine cytology was improved by combining MUC1 immunostaining with cytology. These results suggest that MUC1 may be a prognostic biomarker in UTUC, and MUC1 exression has a potential application as a diagnostic immunomarker for urine cytology.
Tracking disclosure change trajectories for financial fraud detection
Authors: Liu Rong , Huang Jujun , Zhang Zhongju
Published: September 2022

The global economic disruption brought by COVID‐19 crisis can set a stage for the prevalence of financial statement frauds, which jeopardize the efficient functioning of capital markets. In this paper, we propose a nuanced method to detect frauds by tracking granular changes in disclosures over time. Specifically, we first align paragraphs between consecutive disclosures by their similarities. This alignment can be solved as an optimization‐based matching problem. Then we identify three types of changed contents: recurrent, newly added, and deleted contents. For each type, we measure the changes in terms of fraud‐relevant linguistics features, such as sentiment and uncertainties. Further, we formulate a firm's Management Discussion and Analysis change trajectory over years as a multivariate time series composed of these granular metrics. We implement a deep learning model to predict frauds using the change trajectory as an input. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our model significantly outperforms benchmark models, and its performance increases with the length of the change trajectory. Moreover, we found specific types of changes are strongly associated with frauds, including weak modal or reward words in newly added or deleted contents. Our work provides an optimization‐based method to define change trajectories and trace information mutation in narratives. Finally, our study contributes to the fraud detection literature with a new predictive signal—disclosure change trajectories with an effective deep learning architecture.
Integrating advancements in root phenotyping and genome‐wide association studies to open the root genetics gateway
Authors: Abbas Mubashir , Abid Muhammad Ali , Meng Zhigang , Abbas Manzar , Wang Peilin , Lu Chao , Askari Muhammad , Akram Umar , Ye Yulu , Wei Yunxiao , Wang Yuan , Guo Sandui , Liang Chengzhen , Zhang Rui
Published: September 2022

Plant adaptation to challenging environmental conditions around the world has made root growth and development an important research area for plant breeders and scientists. Targeted manipulation of root system architecture (RSA) to increase water and nutrient use efficiency can minimize the adverse effects of climate change on crop production. However, phenotyping of RSA is a major bottleneck since the roots are hidden in the soil. Recently the development of 2‐ and 3D root imaging techniques combined with the genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have opened up new research tools to identify the genetic basis of RSA. These approaches provide a comprehensive understanding of the RSA, by accelerating the identification and characterization of genes involved in root growth and development. This review summarizes the latest developments in phenotyping techniques and GWAS for RSA, which are used to map important genes regulating various aspects of RSA under varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, we discussed about the state‐of‐the‐art image analysis tools integrated with various phenotyping platforms for investigating and quantifying root traits with the highest phenotypic plasticity in both artificial and natural environments which were used for large scale association mapping studies, leading to the identification of RSA phenotypes and their underlying genetics with the greatest potential for RSA improvement. In addition, challenges in root phenotyping and GWAS are also highlighted, along with future research directions employing machine learning and pan‐genomics approaches.
Genome‐wide identification, phylogeny, and gene duplication of the epigenetic regulators in Fagaceae
Authors: Alves Sofia , Braga Ângelo , Parreira Denise , Alhinho Ana Teresa , Silva Helena , Ramos Miguel Jesus Nunes , Costa Maria Manuela Ribeiro , Morais‐Cecílio Leonor
Published: September 2022

Epigenetic regulators are proteins involved in controlling gene expression. Information about the epigenetic regulators within the Fagaceae, a relevant family of trees and shrubs of the northern hemisphere ecosystems, is scarce. With the intent to characterize these proteins in Fagaceae, we searched for orthologs of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and demethylases (DDMEs) and Histone modifiers involved in acetylation (HATs), deacetylation (HDACs), methylation (HMTs), and demethylation (HDMTs) in Fagus, Quercus, and Castanea genera. Blast searches were performed in the available genomes, and freely available RNA‐seq data were used to de novo assemble transcriptomes. We identified homologs of seven DNMTs, three DDMEs, six HATs, 11 HDACs, 32 HMTs, and 21 HDMTs proteins. Protein analysis showed that most of them have the putative characteristic domains found in these protein families, which suggests their conserved function. Additionally, to elucidate the evolutionary history of these genes within Fagaceae, paralogs were identified, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with DNA and histone modifiers. We detected duplication events in all species analyzed with higher frequency in Quercus and Castanea and discuss the evidence of transposable elements adjacent to paralogs and their involvement in gene duplication. The knowledge gathered from this work is a steppingstone to upcoming studies concerning epigenetic regulation in this economically important family of Fagaceae.
A risk science perspective on liability/guilt and uncertainty judgements in courts
Authors: Aven Terje , Flage Roger
Published: September 2022

This article aims to provide new insights about risk and uncertainty in law contexts, by incorporating ideas and principles of contemporary risk science. The main focus is on one particular aspect of the law: its operation in courts where a defendant has been charged with a violation of civil or criminal law. Judgements about risk and uncertainty—typically using the probability concept—and how these relate to the evidence play a central role in such situations. The decision on whether the defendant is liable/guilty or not may strongly depend on how these concepts are understood and communicated. Considerable work has been conducted to provide theoretical and practical foundations for the risk and uncertainty characterizations in these contexts. Yet, it can be argued that a proper foundation for linking the evidence and the uncertainty (probability) judgements is lacking, the result being poor communication in courts about risk and uncertainties. The present article seeks to clarify what the problems are and provide guidance on how to rectify them.
E‐learning/online education in transfusion medicine: A cross‐sectional international survey
Authors: Al‐Riyami Arwa Z. , Peterson David , Vanden Broeck Jana , Das Soumya , Saxon Ben , Lin Yulia , Rahimi‐Levene Naomi , So‐Osman Cynthia , Stanworth Simon
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This survey aims to assess the scope of transfusion e‐learning courses in blood establishments and transfusion services internationally.

Background

E‐learning/online education is increasingly used in the education of medical professionals. There is limited published data on the use of e‐learning for transfusion medicine.

Material and Methods

An International survey was designed and distributed to all members of the International Society of Blood Transfusion to assess utilisation of e‐learning in their institutions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the results.

Results

A total of 177 respondents participated, 68 of which had e‐learning modules in their institutions. Approximately two‐thirds of the courses were developed in‐house (66%), and 63% are available to learners from outside the host institutions. In one‐third of institutions, these courses were established during the COVID‐19 pandemic, while 15% had used e‐learning courses for more than 10 years.

The courses target different audiences and topics ranging from blood donation to hemovigilance. The most common audiences were physicians (71%), laboratory scientists/technologists (69%) and transfusion practitioners (63%). Formal assessment of learning outcomes is used in 70% of the programs.

Conclusions

The survey demonstrates the widespread use of e‐learning courses in transfusion education, with a substantial proportion being developed during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Evaluation of a modified radiographic union scale for tibial fractures scoring system in staged bilateral tibial plateau leveling osteotomy procedures and comparison of first and second side radiographic bone healing
Authors: Walker Kyle J. , Litterine‐Kaufman John , Barnes Roy F. , French John M. , Tsai Steven L. , Keys Deborah A.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To evaluate the inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) modified radiographic union scale for tibial fractures (mRUST), a semiquantitative scoring system, as compared with the subjective evaluation of radiographic union for staged TPLOs.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Forty‐eight dogs, 96 stifles.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for dogs with bilateral cranial cruciate ligament injuries diagnosed at presentation that underwent staged bilateral TPLOs within 6 months and had both immediate and recheck postoperative radiographs. Radiographs were anonymized, reviewers were blinded, radiographic union was evaluated subjectively, and TPLO mRUST scores were assigned.

Results

The subjective evaluation's intra‐rater reliability was 0.72 (Kappa 95% CI 0.65‐0.79) and inter‐rater reliability was 0.33 (Kappa 95% CI 0.28‐0.39). The TPLO mRUST scoring system intra‐rater reliability was 0.73 (95% CI 0.68‐0.78) and inter‐rater reliability was 0.56 (95% CI 0.41‐0.68). There was no difference in the degree of bone healing quantified by the TPLO mRUST scoring system (95% CI ‐ 0.1‐1.2, P = .09) or subjective evaluation (P = .48) between the first and second side TPLOs. The TPLO mRUST scores were positively correlated with subjective healing (r = 0.94, 95% CI 0.92‐0.96, P < .0001, and for scores ≥10/12, 99%, 244/246) were subjectively assigned as radiographically healed.

Conclusion

The TPLO mRUST scoring system improved inter‐rater reliability compared to subjective evaluation of radiographic union.

Clinical significance

The TPLO mRUST scoring system should be considered as a semiquantitative supplemental tool for evaluating radiographic union.
A simplified method for monitoring cytokines in wound fluid
Authors: Burian Ewa Anna , Enevold Christian , Karlsmark Tonny , Ågren Magnus S.
Published: September 2022

Cytokines in wound fluid are used as surrogates for wound healing in clinical research. The current methods used to collect and process wound fluid are noninvasive but not optimal. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate a method (NovaSwab) by which wound fluid is collected by a surface swab and eluted in a physiological buffer for subsequent cytokine analysis. Wound fluid from 12 patients with leg ulcers was assessed by NovaSwab at the start (Day 0) and at the end of a 23‐h collection period of wound fluid retained by foam oblates beneath an occlusive film dressing (Day 1). GM‐CSF, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, PDGF‐AA, TNF‐α and VEGF levels were measured by multiplex and electrochemiluminescence assays. IL‐1α (2.4×), IL‐1β (2.0×) and IL‐8 (1.8×) levels increased from Day 0 to Day 1 as detected by NovaSwab, indicating local production of these polypeptides in the wounds. On Day 1, the NovaSwab method yielded higher levels of IL‐1α (4.0×), IL‐1β (2.7×) and IL‐6 (2.7×), and 35% lower levels of VEGF than those in wound fluid accumulated for 23 h in foam oblates (on average, 5 ml of wound fluid). In vitro experiments showed that the investigated cytokines in cell‐free wound fluid were recovered in a quantitative manner by the NovaSwab method. We conclude that the method presented here is a promising research tool to study the kinetics of soluble cytokines over the course of wound healing. More studies are needed to determine the interobserver variation and reproducibility of the NovaSwab method.
Natural Convection From an Isothermally Heated Hollow Vertical Cylinder Submerged in Quiescent Power-Law Fluids
Authors: Rana Basanta Kumar , Senapati Jnana Ranjan
Published: September 2022

An attempt has been made to study the natural convection around a hollow vertical cylinder numerically which is suspended in motionless power-law fluids in the laminar range. The influence of various non-dimensional pertinent parameters, such as Grashof number (10 ≤ Gr ≤ 105), Prandtl number (0.71 ≤ Pr ≤ 100), and power-law index (0.2 ≤ n ≤ 1.8) on thermofluid characteristics around the hollow cylinder, is predicted computationally. Simulations are performed by varying the cylindrical aspect ratio (L/D) over the range of 1 ≤ L/D ≤ 20. It is reported that the average Nusselt number appreciably grows with the rise of Gr or/and Pr for a constant L/D. Moreover, the rate of rising of Nusselt number (Nu) with Gr or/and Pr strongly depends upon the power-law index (n); i.e., Nu finds a stronger dependence on Gr than that of Pr with a lower value of n (shear-thinning fluids, (n < 1)) and a completely different pattern has been noticed in shear-thickening fluids (n > 1). Furthermore, the average Nu on the outer wall (Nuouter) grows approximately in a linear way with an increase in aspect ratio for a particular Gr, Pr, and n. In contrast, Nuinner drops drastically and almost attains the asymptotic trend at a greater value of aspect ratio for lower Gr or/and Pr. The decreasing pattern of Nuinner is found to be remarkably steep for n < 1 (shear-thinning fluids) in comparison to n > 1 (shear-thickening fluids). Correlations are developed for Nuouter and Nuinner in terms of Gr, Pr, n, and L/D, which operate extremely well within ± 6% of the computational data.