bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the use of lake sedimentary DNA in palaeolimnology: A comparison with long‐term microscopy‐based monitoring of the phytoplankton community
Authors: Thorpe Amy C. , Mackay Eleanor B. , Goodall Tim , Bendle James A. , Thackeray Stephen J. , Maberly Stephen C. , Read Daniel S.
Published: November 2023

Palaeolimnological records provide valuable information about how phytoplankton respond to long‐term drivers of environmental change. Traditional palaeolimnological tools such as microfossils and pigments are restricted to taxa that leave sub‐fossil remains, and a method that can be applied to the wider community is required. Sedimentary DNA (sedDNA), extracted from lake sediment cores, shows promise in palaeolimnology, but validation against data from long‐term monitoring of lake water is necessary to enable its development as a reliable record of past phytoplankton communities. To address this need, 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was carried out on lake sediments from a core collected from Esthwaite Water (English Lake District) spanning ~105 years. This sedDNA record was compared with concurrent long‐term microscopy‐based monitoring of phytoplankton in the surface water. Broadly comparable trends were observed between the datasets, with respect to the diversity and relative abundance and occurrence of chlorophytes, dinoflagellates, ochrophytes and bacillariophytes. Up to 20% of genera were successfully captured using both methods, and sedDNA revealed a previously undetected community of phytoplankton. These results suggest that sedDNA can be used as an effective record of past phytoplankton communities, at least over timescales of <100 years. However, a substantial proportion of genera identified by microscopy were not detected using sedDNA, highlighting the current limitations of the technique that require further development such as reference database coverage. The taphonomic processes which may affect its reliability, such as the extent and rate of deposition and DNA degradation, also require further research.
Pan‐genome analysis highlights the role of structural variation in the evolution and environmental adaptation of Asian honeybees
Authors: Li Yancan , Yao Jun , Sang Huiling , Wang Quangui , Su Long , Zhao Xiaomeng , Xia Zhenyu , Wang Feiran , Wang Kai , Lou Delong , Wang Guizhi , Waterhouse Robert M. , Wang Huihua , Luo Shudong , Sun Cheng
Published: November 2023

The Asian honeybee, Apis cerana, is an ecologically and economically important pollinator. Mapping its genetic variation is key to understanding population‐level health, histories and potential capacities to respond to environmental changes. However, most efforts to date were focused on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on a single reference genome, thereby ignoring larger scale genomic variation. We employed long‐read sequencing technologies to generate a chromosome‐scale reference genome for the ancestral group of A. cerana. Integrating this with 525 resequencing data sets, we constructed the first pan‐genome of A. cerana, encompassing almost the entire gene content. We found that 31.32% of genes in the pan‐genome were variably present across populations, providing a broad gene pool for environmental adaptation. We identified and characterized structural variations (SVs) and found that they were not closely linked with SNP distributions; however, the formation of SVs was closely associated with transposable elements. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis using SVs revealed a novel A. cerana ecological group not recoverable from the SNP data. Performing environmental association analysis identified a total of 44 SVs likely to be associated with environmental adaptation. Verification and analysis of one of these, a 330 bp deletion in the Atpalpha gene, indicated that this SV may promote the cold adaptation of A. cerana by altering gene expression. Taken together, our study demonstrates the feasibility and utility of applying pan‐genome approaches to map and explore genetic feature variations of honeybee populations, and in particular to examine the role of SVs in the evolution and environmental adaptation of A. cerana.
Forsythiaside A exhibits anti‐migration and anti‐inflammation effects in rheumatoid arthritis in vitro model
Authors: Su Minhui , Zhou Dinghua , Huang Jiamin , Yang Ting , Zhou Qi , Tan Yaju
Published: November 2023

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a kind of systemic autoimmune disease, and the joint inflammation and cartilage destruction are the major features. Some traditional Chinese medicine have been discovered to exhibit regulatory roles in the treatment of RA. Forsythiaside A (FA) as an active ingredient isolated from forsythia suspensa has been discovered to participate into the regulation of some diseases through improving inflammation. However, the regulatory effects of FA on the progression of RA keep indistinct.

Methods

IL‐1β treatment (10 ng/mL) in MH7A cells was built to mimic RA in vitro (cell) model. The cell viability was examined through CCK‐8 assay. The cell proliferation was detected through Edu assay. The levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐8 were evaluated through ELISA. The protein expressions were measured through western blot. The cell apoptosis was assessed through flow cytometry. The cell migration and invasion abilities were tested through Transwell assay.

Results

In this study, it was revealed that the cell proliferation was strengthened after IL‐1β treatment (p < .001), but this effect was reversed after FA treatment in a dose‐increasing manner (p < .05). Furthermore, FA suppressed inflammation in IL‐1β‐triggered MH7A cells through attenuating the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐8 (p < .05). The cell apoptosis was lessened after IL‐1β treatment (p < .001), but this effect was rescued after FA treatment (p < .05). Besides, the cell migration and invasion abilities were both increased after IL‐1β treatment (p < .001), but these changes were offset after FA treatment (p < .05). Eventually, FA retarded the JAK/STAT pathway through reducing p‐JAK/JAK and p‐STAT/STAT levels (p < .01).

Conclusion

Our study manifested that FA exhibited anti‐migration and anti‐inflammation effects in RA in vitro model (IL‐1β‐triggered MH7A cells) through regulating the JAK/STAT pathway. This work hinted that FA can be an effective drug for RA treatment.
The challenges facing Chinese accounting scholars publishing in English (and Chinese) language journals
Authors: Dellaportas Steven , Xu Lina , Ji Sophia , Luo Dudu , Song Xiaoming
Published: November 2023

Interviews with accounting scholars in China found that the pressure to publish in English language journals is high for reasons of tenure and promotion, but the expectation of acceptance is low. Publishing in Chinese language journals is equally as difficult because of socio‐cultural factors that favour a limited group of scholars with reputational capital. Scholars in China either avoid submitting articles to English language journals, collaborate with western scholars to enhance the probability of success, or focus on quantitative methodologies because of a perception that it is less demanding on language capability compared with qualitative approaches to research.
Socio‐economic inequalities in smoking and drinking in adolescence: Assessment of social network dynamics
Authors: Radó Márta K. , Kisfalusi Dorottya , Laverty Anthony A. , van Lenthe Frank J. , Been Jasper V. , Takács Károly
Published: November 2023

Aims

We investigated whether (1) adolescents selected friends with a similar socio‐economic status (SES), (2) smoking and alcohol consumption spread in networks and (3) the exclusion of non‐smokers or non‐drinkers differed between SES groups.

Design

This was a longitudinal study using stochastic actor‐oriented models to analyze complete social network data over three waves.

Setting

Eight Hungarian secondary schools with socio‐economically diverse classes took part.

Participants

This study comprised 232 adolescents aged between 14 and 15 years in the first wave.

Measurements

Self‐reported smoking behavior, alcohol consumption behavior and friendship ties were measured. SES was measured based upon entitlement to an income‐tested regular child protection benefit.

Findings

Non‐low‐SES adolescents were most likely to form friendships with peers from their own SES group [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.11]. Adolescents adjusted their smoking behavior (OR = 24.05, 95% CI = 1.27–454.86) but not their alcohol consumption (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 0.62–4.39) to follow the behavior of their friends. Smokers did not differ from non‐smokers in the likelihood of receiving a friendship nomination (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.87–1.10), regardless of their SES. Alcohol consumers received significantly more friendship nominations than non‐consumers (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.01–1.33), but this association was not significantly different according to SES.

Conclusions

Hungarian adolescents appear to prefer friendships within their own socio‐economic status group, and smoking and alcohol consumption spread within those friendship networks. Socio‐economic groups do not differ in the extent to which they encourage smoking or alcohol consumption.
Damage reduction of Acromyrmex lobicornis in Pinus ponderosa using mixed pine species in combination with push–pull tools
Authors: Alma Andrea M. , Fernández Patricia , Serra M. Noel , Villacide José , Buteler Micaela
Published: November 2023

Leaf‐cutting ants (LCAs) cause significant damage to forest plantations and are mainly managed by broad‐spectrum synthetic insecticides. In Patagonia, Pinus ponderosa (Pinales: Pinaceae) (Douglas 1836) and Pinus contorta (Pinales: Pinaceae) (Dluglas 1838) are the predominant pine species in forest plantations. Previous research has shown that dehydrated citrus pulp is an LCAs attractant, and tea tree essential oil acts as an LCAs repellent.

We evaluated the use of dehydrated citrus pulp and tea tree oil to manage LCAs behaviour in a push–pull setting, using mixed pine species in small plot fields, to reduce the LCA Acromyrmex lobicornis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) (Emery, 1888) damage in young P. ponderosa plants. We combined the treatment with attractant and repellent in a mono‐specific plantation design (three ponderosa plants surrounded with pulp and three sprayed with tea tree extract) or mixed plantation designs (three contorta plants with pulp and three ponderosa plants with tea tree).

The combination of both mono‐specific and mixed plantations with push–pull stimuli delayed discovery and decreased the damage in pines sprayed with the repellent. Mono‐specific as well as mixed species designs were equally effective, reducing ant damage and increasing ~50% the survival probability of P. ponderosa when push–pull stimuli were applied.

The use of a push–pull strategy with plant‐based compounds provides potential as a management tool that reduces and delays LCA damage in pine trees.
Genome‐wide analyses based on a novel donkey 40K liquid chip reveal the gene responsible for coat color diversity in Chinese Dezhou donkey
Authors: Liu Shuqin , Su Jiangtian , Yang Qiwen , Sun Minhao , Wang Zhaofei , Yu Jie , Jafari Halima , Lei Chuzhao , Sun Yujiang , Dang Ruihua
Published: November 2023

Dezhou donkey is one of the representative local breeds in China, which is mainly divided into two strains: Sanfen and Wutou. There are obvious differences in coat color between the two strains. The former shows light points around the eyes, around the muzzle and under the belly, while the latter is completely solid black. In this study, genome‐wide association analysis was performed for the differences in coat color traits between the Sanfen (n = 97) and Wutou (n = 108) strains using a novel donkey 40K liquid chip developed based on GenoBaits technology, to identify genomic regions and causal genes that could explain this variation. We also used FST and The cross‐population composite likelihood ratio test (XPCLR) analyses to explore selected regions related to coat color differences. We identified one significant region on chromosome 15, with the most significant SNP located within the agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene. At the same time, both FST and XPCLR methods detected the same selected region on chromosome 15, and ASIP was the gene with the strongest signal. ASIP and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) control the ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin through their protein activity. They are deeply involved in the process of melanosome organation and melanogenesis, thus affecting mammals’ coat color variation. We used a range of genome‐wide approach to identify the genetic basis of coat color variation in Dezhou donkeys. The results provide a supplement to the color variation study in Chinese donkeys at the genome‐wide level, and preliminarily verified the reliability of the Molbreeding Donkey No. 1 40K liquid chip.
Basic psychological needs: A framework for understanding childbirth satisfaction
Authors: Brand Rebecca J. , Gartland Casey A.
Published: November 2023

Women often report being dissatisfied with their childbirth experience, which in turn predicts negative outcomes for themselves and their children. Currently, there is no consensus as to what constitutes a satisfying or positive birth experience. We posit that a useful framework for addressing this question already exists in the form of Basic Psychological Needs Theory, a subtheory of Self‐Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, Can. Psychol., 49, 2008, 182). Specifically, we argue that the degree to which maternity care practitioners support or frustrate women's needs for relatedness, competence, and autonomy predicts their childbirth satisfaction. Using this framework provides a potentially powerful lens to better understand and improve the well‐being of new mothers and their infants.
R‐CHOP treatment for patients with advanced follicular lymphoma: Over 15‐year follow‐up of JCOG0203
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Tobinai Kensei , Wakabayashi Masaki , Maruyama Dai , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Kubota Nobuko , Shimada Kazuyuki , Asagoe Kohsuke , Yamaguchi Motoko , Ando Kiyoshi , Ogura Michinori , Kuroda Junya , Suehiro Youko , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Nagai Hirokazu
Published: November 2023

Anti‐CD20 antibody in combination with chemotherapy extends overall survival (OS) in untreated advanced‐stage follicular lymphoma (FL), yet the optimal associated therapy is unclear. Data on the cumulative incidence of secondary malignancies postrelapse after conventional immunochemotherapy are scarce. A long‐term analysis of rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R‐CHOP) as first‐line treatment was conducted in a randomised clinical trial. A six‐cycle R‐CHOP regimen was administered every 2 or 3 weeks without rituximab maintenance. A prespecified evaluation was conducted 15 years after the completion of enrolment, following initial analysis results that showed no significant differences in outcomes at the 3‐year mark. In‐depth analyses were performed on the cohort of 248 patients with FL who were allocated to the two treatment arms. With a median follow‐up period of 15.9 years, the 15‐year OS was 76.2%. There were no protocol treatment‐related deaths, nor were there any fatal infections attributable to subsequent lymphoma treatment. At 15 years, the cumulative incidence of non‐haematological and haematological malignancies was 12.8% and 3.7% respectively. Histological transformation appeared after a median of 8 years. R‐CHOP maintains safety and efficacy in patients with advanced FL over extended follow‐up, making it a viable first‐line option for patients with advanced‐stage FL.
Humanization: The humanistic perspective as a guide for supporting people with intellectual disability
Authors: Neuman Ran
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite humanistic declarations regarding the rights of people with intellectual disability to live a full, meaningful life, in practice, resulting from dilemmas experienced by direct support provides, support is often limited to a focus on functional independence. The aim of this research was to define the theoretical principles by which the gap between humanistic declarations and practice can be overcome.

Method

The research focused on the role perception of 30 direct support providers who participated in semistructured interviews. A case study methodology was used applying an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Findings

The interviews revealed that a humanistic perspective has been partially incorporated into the general attitudes of direct support providers. In practice, however, they indicated that they face dilemmas that challenge them in their daily work.

Conclusion

To assist direct support providers in resolving their dilemmas, by adhering to humanistic principles, a ‘humanization’ model is offered. The theoretical principles underlying the model focus on meaningful life as the aim of support, enhancing recipients’ autonomy, adhering to a holistic perspective and conducting dialogues acknowledging the abilities of people with intellectual disability to understand, choose and face challenges. Further examination of the model and its application in practice is recommended.
Neon ion (20Ne10+) charged particle beams manipulate rapid tumor reoxygenation in syngeneic mouse models
Authors: Imaizumi Akiko , Hirayama Ryoichi , Ikoma Yoko , Nitta Nobuhiro , Obata Takayuki , Hasegawa Sumitaka
Published: November 2023

Charged particle beams induce various biological effects by creating high‐density ionization through the deposition of energy along the beam's trajectory. Charged particle beams composed of neon ions (20Ne10+) hold great potential for biomedical applications, but their physiological effects on living organs remain uncertain. In this study, we demonstrate that neon‐ion beams expedite the process of reoxygenation in tumor models. We simulated mouse SCCVII syngeneic tumors and exposed them to either X‐ray or neon‐ion beams. Through an in vivo radiobiological assay, we observed a reduction in the hypoxic fraction in tumors irradiated with 8.2 Gy of neon‐ion beams 30 h after irradiation compared to 6 h post‐irradiation. Conversely, no significant changes in hypoxia were observed in tumors irradiated with 8.2 Gy of X‐rays. To directly quantify hypoxia in the irradiated living tumors, we utilized dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion‐weighted imaging. These combined MRI techniques revealed that the non‐hypoxic fraction in neon‐irradiated tumors was significantly higher than that in X‐irradiated tumors (69.53% vs. 47.67%). Simultaneously, the hypoxic fraction in neon‐ion‐irradiated tumors (2.77%) was lower than that in X‐irradiated tumors (4.27%) and non‐irradiated tumors (32.44%). These results support the notion that accelerated reoxygenation occurs more effectively with neon‐ion beam irradiation compared to X‐rays. These findings shed light on the physiological effects of neon‐ion beams on tumors and their microenvironment, emphasizing the therapeutic advantage of using neon‐ion charged particle beams to manipulate tumor reoxygenation.
Design and synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine‐chalcone conjugates as antikinetoplastid agents
Authors: Agarwal Devesh S. , Beteck Richard M. , Ilbeigi Kayhan , Caljon Guy , Legoabe Lesetja J.
Published: November 2023

A library of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine‐appended chalcones were synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. The synthesized analogues were screened for their antikinetoplastid activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Leishmania infantum. The analogues were also tested for their cytotoxicity activity against human lung fibroblasts and primary mouse macrophages. Among all screened derivatives, 7f was found to be the most active against T. cruzi and T. b. brucei exhibiting IC50 values of 8.5 and 1.35 μM, respectively. Against T. b. rhodesiense, 7e was found to be the most active with an IC50 value of 1.13 μM. All synthesized active analogues were found to be non‐cytotoxic against MRC‐5 and PMM with selectivity indices of up to more than 50.
Gender brilliance stereotype emerges early and predicts children's motivation in South Korea
Authors: Kim Seowoo , Jin Kyong‐sun , Bian Lin
Published: November 2023

Recent work suggests that the stereotype associating brilliance with men may underpin women's underrepresentation in prestigious careers, yet little is known about its development and consequences in non‐Western contexts. The present research examined the onset of this stereotype and its relation to children's motivation in 5‐ to 7‐year‐old Korean children (N = 272, 50% girls, tested 2021 to 2022). At age 7, children attributed brilliance to men when evaluating Asians and Whites, and girls became less interested in participating in intellectually challenging tasks than boys. Notably, this gender difference in interest was mediated by children's endorsement of the stereotype. The generalizable early emergence of the gender brilliance stereotype and its detrimental implications press the need to tackle gender imbalance in early childhood.
Nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Metabolic and hormonal profile
Authors: Piróg Magdalena , Pulka Anna , Zabiegło Ewa , Jach Robert
Published: November 2023

Objective

To investigate both metabolic and hormonal profiles of untreated women with nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH). The secondary objective was to compare above profiles with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women and healthy controls.

Design

Retrospective, case‐control study.

Patients

Women assigned to one of the groups: (1) NCCAH (n = 216), (2) PCOS (n = 221), (3) regularly menstruating (n = 216).

Measurements

Lipid profile including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol along with both fasting glucose (Glu) and insulin (Ins) levels and hormonal parameters were determined among all participants.

Results

Both NCCAH and PCOS women had higher body mass index in comparison to the controls (+7% and 18.9%, respectively). NCCAH women exhibited higher TC (+34.1%) and fasting glucose levels (+18.9%) together with elevated testosterone (60.2%), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (28.1%), free androgen index (91.9%) and antimüllerian hormone (58%) in comparison to healthy controls. PCOS group showed unfavourably altered metabolic profile reflected by higher TC (+35.4%), TG (+25%), fasting Glu (+22%), fasting Ins (+34.4%) along with homoeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR; 36.2%) in comparison to the controls. NCCAH women showed both lower insulin (−28.5%) and HOMA‐IR (−31.8%) levels when compared to the PCOS.

Conclusions

NCCAH women showed less adversely altered metabolic profile than PCOS women, but not as favourable as in the healthy controls. Optimisation of screening for metabolic and reproductive health may help to initiate the treatment and improve treatment outcomes.
Systematic review of guidelines on neonatal hypoglycemia
Authors: Luo Keren , Tang Jun , Zhang Meng , He Yang
Published: November 2023

Objective

In recent years, a series of clinical guidelines on neonatal hypoglycemia have been developed in different countries and regions. This systematic review was aimed at providing evidence for clinical decision‐making and providing ideas for future research by comparatively analyzing the contents of various guidelines.

Methods

A multilateral approach was used, including comprehensive literature searches and online research. The retrieved studies were screened by two independent reviewers according to our inclusion criteria. The two reviewers independently extracted the descriptive data. Four appraisers assessed the guidelines using the AGREE‐II instrument.

Results

Ten clinical guidelines on neonatal hypoglycemia were included, with a mean score of 45.28%–83.45% in six domains. The guidelines are relatively consistent in their recommendations on clinical symptoms of neonatal hypoglycemia, but different in risk factors, preventive measures, thresholds for clinical management of hypoglycemia, target glucose ranges for its control, and pharmacotherapy.

Conclusion

By summarising the recommendations in the guidelines on neonatal hypoglycemia, we found that blood glucose values were not the only observational indicator, and other indicators (e.g., ketone bodies, lactate) related to glucose metabolism should also be considered for a comprehensive assessment. There is still a lack of consensus on thresholds for the clinical management of hypoglycemia and target glucose ranges for its control, and the recommendations on its pharmacotherapy are rather simple and sketchy. In the future, more high‐quality studies are required to further improve the early identification of neonatal hypoglycemia and intervention strategies against it.
Uveitis masquerade syndromes: An approach to diagnosis
Authors: Lin Ming Lee , Hall Anthony J.
Published: November 2023

Uveitis masquerade syndromes are a diverse group of clinical entities which mimic conventional immune‐mediated uveitis due to the presence of inflammatory signs but are resistant to anti‐inflammatory therapy. Misdiagnosis hinders appropriate management in these conditions and may result in poor outcomes. This review discusses commonly encountered neoplastic and non‐neoplastic disease processes that masquerade as intraocular inflammation with a focus on relevant clinical features and adjunctive investigations that are helpful in reaching a correct diagnosis.
Real‐time Terrain Enhancement with Controlled Procedural Patterns
Authors: Grenier C. , Guérin É. , Galin É. , Sauvage B.
Published: November 2023

Assisting the authoring of virtual terrains is a perennial challenge in the creation of convincing synthetic landscapes. Particularly, there is a need for augmenting artist‐controlled low‐resolution models with consistent relief details. We present a structured noise that procedurally enhances terrains in real time by adding spatially varying erosion patterns. The patterns can be cascaded, i.e. narrow ones are nested into large ones. Our model builds upon the Phasor noise, which we adapt to the specific characteristics of terrains (water flow, slope orientation).
Relief details correspond to the underlying terrain characteristics and align with the slope to preserve the coherence of generated landforms. Moreover, our model allows for artist control, providing a palette of control maps, and can be efficiently implemented in graphics hardware, thus allowing for real‐time synthesis and rendering, therefore permitting effective and intuitive authoring.
Dual‐tDCS combined with sensorimotor training promotes upper limb function in subacute stroke patients: A randomized, double‐blinded, sham‐controlled study
Authors: Li Chong , Chen Yun , Tu Shuting , Lin Jiaying , Lin Yifang , Xu Shuo , Wu Maohou , Xie Yong , Jia Jie
Published: November 2023

Background

Dual transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the bilateral primary somatosensory cortex (PSC) has potential benefits in stroke. In addition, compared with traditional rehabilitation training, sensorimotor training can significantly improve the sensorimotor function of patients. However, the efficacy of dual‐tDCS combined with sensorimotor training in patients with subacute stroke is unknown.

Objective

To assess whether dual‐tDCS may enhance the efficacy of sensorimotor training on the upper limb functions in patients with subacute stroke. In addition, this study aims to explore the potential clinical mechanism of this combination therapy.

Methods

We randomized 52 individuals with first‐ever, unilateral subcortical stroke into the experimental group (n = 26) and the control group (n = 26). Patients in the experimental group received 20 min of dual‐tDCS over the PSC and 40 min of sensorimotor training each session, while patients in the control group received sham dual‐tDCS. The treatment cycle was a 1‐h session of therapy each day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The Fugl–Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA–UE) subscale, Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Box and Block test (BBT), Erasmus MC revised Nottingham sensory assessment scale (Em‐NSA), Neurometer sensory nerve quantitative detector (CPT), the Barthel index (BI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to assess upper limb function, activities of daily living (ADL), and mental health before and after the 4‐week treatment period. In addition, functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to explore potential clinical brain mechanisms.

Results

Both groups showed significant improvement in all clinical scales (All p < 0.05) after treatment. Compared with sham‐tDCS plus sensorimotor training, active dual‐tDCS coupled with sensorimotor training can significantly improve the FMA‐UE, ARAT, Em‐NSA‐Stereognosis, and CPT‐2K Hz. In addition, dual‐tDCS combined with sensorimotor training can significantly activate the left pre‐Motor and supplementary motor cortex (PM–SMC) and enhance the functional connection between the left somatosensory association cortex (SAC) and RPM–SMC. Furthermore, the difference of FMA–UE in the experimental group was positively correlated with the functional connectivity of RPM‐SMC‐LSAC (r = 0.815, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Dual‐tDCS over the PSC combined with sensorimotor training can improve upper limb sensory and motor dysfunction, enhance ADL, and alleviate depression and anxiety for subacute stroke patients. Our results indicated that RPM‐SMC‐LSAC may be potential therapeutic targets for dual‐tDCS in upper limb rehabilitation on stroke.
The impact of operative approach for obese colorectal cancer patients: analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2015–2019
Authors: Logie Kathleen , McKechnie Tyler , Talwar Gaurav , Lee Yung , Parpia Sameer , Amin Nalin , Doumouras Aristithes , Hong Dennis , Eskicioglu Cagla
Published: November 2023

Aim

Obesity is a well‐established risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer. As such, patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer have increasingly higher body mass indices (BMIs). The advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques in recent years have helped surgeons circumvent some of the challenges associated with operating in the setting of obesity. While previous studies suggest that laparoscopy improves outcomes compared with open surgery in obese patients, this has never been established at the population level. Therefore, we designed a retrospective database study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) with the aim of comparing laparoscopic with open approaches for obese patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.

Method

A retrospective analysis of the NIS from 2015 to 2019 was conducted including patients with a BMI of greater than 30 kg/m2 undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. The primary outcomes were postoperative in‐hospital morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative system‐specific complications, total admission healthcare cost and length of stay (LOS). Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were utilized to compare the two operative approaches.

Results

A total of 4742 patients underwent open surgery and 3231 underwent laparoscopic surgery. We observed a significant decrease in overall postoperative morbidity [17.5% vs. 31.4%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50–0.64; p < 0.001], gastrointestinal morbidity (8.1% vs. 14.5%, aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.50–0.69; p < 0.001) and genitourinary morbidity (10.1% vs. 18.6%, aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.52–0.70; p < 0.001) with the use of laparoscopy. Postoperative LOS was 1.7 days shorter (95% CI 1.5–2.0, p < 0.001) and cost of admission was decreased by $9106 (95% CI $4638–$13 573, p < 0.001) with laparoscopy.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery for obese patients with colorectal cancer is associated with significantly decreased postoperative morbidity and improved healthcare resource utilization compared with open surgery. Laparoscopic approaches should be relied upon whenever feasible for these patients.
Conflict between cultural development and wildlife conservation: A potential threat to Reeves's pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii)
Authors: Li Xinming , Wang Bochi , Zhang Jing , Davison Geoffrey W. H. , Wang Nan
Published: November 2023

Reeves's pheasant feathers are used to make headgears for the Chinese opera—Xiqu; however, this posed a considerable threat to the bird's population before it was banned from hunting/trade. It is unclear whether Xiqu‐troupes currently use feathers from wild or captive breeding; therefore, we investigated their source and scale of feather utilization. Through interviews, we clarified the current status of feather‐use by state‐run troupes. We conducted a cluster analysis and established a “random forest” model using stable isotopes as variables to distinguish sources of feathers from Xiqu‐troupes. Annual demand for feathers in China was estimated as 1159.4 pairs. Isotope analysis revealed that feathers used by Xiqu‐troupes are likely derived from wild sources. We suggest strengthening the supervision of acquisition of Reeves's pheasant feathers and harvesting feathers through captive breeding. Stable isotope analysis can be an effective method for identifying the source of tail feathers, which will support law enforcement efforts.
Vericiguat, a novel sGC stimulator: Mechanism of action, clinical, and translational science
Authors: Trujillo Maria E. , Ayalasomayajula Surya , Blaustein Robert O. , Gheyas Ferdous
Published: November 2023

Vericiguat, a novel soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator, is approved for the treatment of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Decreased nitric oxide (NO) availability, sGC desensitization to NO, sGC deficiency, and reduced cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling are potential contributing factors for HF disease progression. Vericiguat works via stimulation of sGC in the critical NO‐sGC‐cGMP pathway. Vericiguat is primarily metabolized by glucuronidation via uridine diphosphate‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms UGT1A1 and UGT1A9. Urinary excretion and renal clearance of vericiguat are low. No intrinsic factor had a clinically relevant effect on vericiguat exposure. Vericiguat has low drug–drug interaction potential with no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions observed with warfarin, digoxin, aspirin, or sacubitril/valsartan. The global phase III study VICTORIA included patients with HFrEF who had a recent HF hospitalization or intravenous diuretic treatment for HF. Treatment with vericiguat on top of standard of care resulted in a 10% relative reduction in the primary composite outcome of death from cardiovascular causes or first hospitalization for HF. Vericiguat was well‐tolerated with low incidence of symptomatic hypotension and syncope compared to placebo. Given its positive benefit–risk profile, vericiguat is an important option for high‐risk patients with HFrEF who are already on guideline‐directed medical therapy and had recent worsening of HF. Future efforts to develop additional effective therapies are needed to further reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with HF.
Associations between complexity of glucose time series and cognitive function in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yu Congcong , Wang Yaxin , Zhang Bing , Xu Xiang , Zhang Wen , Ding Qun , Miao Yingwen , Hou Yinjiao , Ma Xuelin , Wu Tianyu , Yang Sijue , Fu Linqing , Zhang Zhou , Zhou Jian , Bi Yan
Published: November 2023

Aims

To characterize the comparative contributions of different glycaemic indicators to cognitive dysfunction, and further investigate the associations between the most significant indicator and cognitive function, along with related cerebral alterations.

Materials and Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study in 449 subjects with type 2 diabetes who completed continuous glucose monitoring and cognitive assessments. Of these, 139 underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate cerebral structure and olfactory neural circuit alterations. Relative weight and Sobol's sensitivity analyses were employed to characterize the comparative contributions of different glycaemic indicators to cognitive dysfunction.

Results

Complexity of glucose time series index (CGI) was found to have a more pronounced association with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to glycated haemoglobin, time in range, and standard deviation. The proportion and multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for MCI increased with descending CGI tertile (Tertile 1: reference group [≥4.0]; Tertile 2 [3.6‐4.0] OR 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68‐2.24; Tertile 3 [<3.6] OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.29‐4.00). Decreased CGI was associated with cognitive decline in executive function and attention. Furthermore, individuals with decreased CGI displayed reduced olfactory activation in the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and disrupted functional connectivity between the left OFC and right posterior cingulate gyrus. Mediation analysis demonstrated that the left OFC activation partially mediated the associations between CGI and executive function.

Conclusion

Decreased glucose complexity closely relates to cognitive dysfunction and olfactory brain activation abnormalities in diabetes.
Pegcetacoplan in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria: Its use, its clinical effectiveness, and its influence on health‐related quality of life and productivity
Authors: Wilson Koo , Rich Carly , Hakimi Zalmai , Horneff Regina , Fishman Jesse , Mellor Jennifer , Earl Lucy , Taylor Yasmin , Simons Alice , Conyers Joe , Mulherin Brian , Majerus Elaine , Röth Alexander
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To describe real‐world use/effectiveness of pegcetacoplan (PEG) in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH).

Methods

Data were drawn from the Adelphi PNH Disease Specific Programme™, a cross‐sectional survey conducted in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the United States from January to November 2022. Patients had a confirmed PNH diagnosis and received PEG for ≥1 month. Physicians reported patient characteristics, treatment use/satisfaction and their perception of patients' fatigue and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Patients reported treatment satisfaction and completed questionnaires assessing fatigue, HRQoL and productivity. Descriptive statistics were reported.

Results

Overall, 14 physicians provided data for 61 patients who had received 1080 mg/dose PEG for 1.3–14.8 months. At data collection compared to PEG initiation: haemoglobin was 2.5 g/dL higher on average; proportion of patients with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥1.5 × upper limit of normal was reduced by 27.4%; physician‐perceived fatigue was lower and HRQoL better. Physician‐ and patient‐reported treatment satisfaction was high for >90% of patients. Physicians and patients were more satisfied with PEG than previously prescribed C5 complement inhibitors. Mean work impairment and activity impairment in the 7 days prior to data collection were 32.9% and 22.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

These real‐world data support the effectiveness of PEG through positive effects on haemoglobin, LDH, fatigue and HRQoL.
Adult‐onset Still's disease with concurrent thrombotic microangiopathy: Observations from pooled analysis for an uncommon finding
Authors: Ananthaneni Anil , Shimkus Gaelen , Weis Francesca , Adu‐Dapaah Eunice , Lakra Rachaita , Ramadas Poornima , Hayat Samina
Published: November 2023

Background

Adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder that is characterized by quotidian fevers, arthritis, and an evanescent rash. Occurrence of concurrent thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in AOSD is rare. The treatment aspects of TMA in AOSD are actively being debated.

Methods

Medline search using MeSH terms and snowballing yielded a total of 29 articles with co‐occurrence of AOSD and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) including our own. Pooled data were synthesized for descriptive analysis.

Results

Median age was 35 years with a majority of females (68.96%). A majority of these studies/patients were either Asian (34.48%) or Caucasian (31.03%). Concurrent TMA at the time of AOSD diagnosis was seen in 65.51% patients. Only 3/29 patients had ADAMTS13 level less than 10%, consistent with TTP and 3/29 were diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The remainder were diagnosed clinically. Complication rate was high, and 15/29 (51.72%) patients died or had permanent neurological/renal/vision/gangrenous complications. Median and mean ferritin peak was observed to be higher (7458 and 12 349, respectively) in patients who either died/had partial remission, compared to those who had complete response (3257 and 10 899, respectively), p = .829.

Conclusions

A majority of patients with AOSD‐associated TMA either died or had permanent complications. TMA was diagnosed alongside AOSD in 65% patients, while the rest developed TMA during the course of their disease. Blurred vision may precede TMA and could help risk‐stratify high‐risk AOSD patients clinically. Glycosylated ferritin remains low several weeks to months after disease remission and may be used to monitor severity of disease process. Further studies are necessary to confirm the existing vascular endothelial growth factor hypothesis in AOSD‐associated TMA.
Knowledge maps for large‐scale group decision making in social media content analysis
Authors: Capatina Alexandru , Micu Adrian , Micu Angela‐Eliza , Ribeiro‐Navarrete Samuel
Published: November 2023

Large‐scale group decision making in social media content analysis, empowered by Artificial Intelligence tools, offers valuable insights in management research. The purpose of this paper is to identify and interpret the knowledge maps that emerge in social media research, based on deep learning algorithms and neural networks' impact in social content analytics. We conducted qualitative research, by analysing relevant articles focused on the role played by deep learning and neural networks in social media content analysis. The key themes retrieved from the selected articles have been included in visual representations, provided by Nvivo12 software, considering its text‐mining capabilities. We are aware that large‐scale group decision making (LSGDM) offers solutions for research issues on social media content analysis. This qualitative research highlights the value of LSGDM skills for researchers that developed an AI platform prototype for social media content analysis.
Simulating benefits, costs and trade‐offs of spatial management in marine social‐ecological systems
Authors: Ovando Daniel , Bradley Darcy , Burns Echelle , Thomas Lennon , Thorson James
Published: November 2023

Designing effective spatial management strategies is challenging because marine ecosystems are highly dynamic and opaque, and extractive entities such as fishing fleets respond endogenously to ecosystem changes in ways that depend on ecological and policy context. We present a modelling framework, marlin, that can be used to efficiently simulate the bio‐economic dynamics of marine systems in support of both management and research. We demonstrate marlin's capabilities by focusing on two case studies on the conservation and food production impacts of marine protected areas (MPAs): a coastal coral reef and a pelagic tuna fishery. In the coastal coral reef example, we explore how heterogeneity in species distributions and fleet preferences can affect distributional outcomes of MPAs. In the pelagic case study, we show how our model can be used to assess the climate resilience of different MPA design strategies, as well as the climate sensitivity of different fishing fleets. This paper demonstrates how intermediate complexity simulation of coupled bio‐economic dynamics can help communities predict and potentially manage trade‐offs among conservation, fisheries yields and distributional outcomes of management policies affected by spatial bio‐economic dynamics.
Chlorogenic acid co‐administration alleviates cisplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy in rats
Authors: Ünel Çiğdem Çengelli , Eroğlu Ezgi , Özatik Orhan , Erol Kevser
Published: November 2023

Background

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is still an unresolved problem in cisplatin (CIS) use.

Objectives

This study investigates possible anti‐neuropathic effect of chlorogenic acid (CGA) against CIS‐induced CIPN in rats while also investigating the contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to this phenomenon.

Methods

Initially, CGA (250–1000 μM) was tested by MTT assay on primary DRG neurons. Subsequently, CIPN was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats by 3 mg/kg intraperitoneal injections of CIS once/week for 5 weeks. CGA (100 mg/kg) was co‐administered with CIS, both alone and in combination with l‐arginine (LARG) or l‐nitro‐arginine‐methyl‐ester (LNAME), to elucidate the contribution of nitrergic system to anti‐neuropathic effects. Mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, and cold plate tests were performed to test CIPN. Rotarod, footprint analysis, and activitymeter were used to evaluate motor coordination and performance. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) was measured as a marker of inflammation. Histological evaluations of DRG and sciatic nerves (SNs) were performed utilizing toluidine blue staining. Two‐way analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis following Tukey's test were used as statistical analysis.

Results

Higher concentration of CGA (1000 μM) exhibited protective effect against in vitro neurotoxicity. Neither LARG nor LNAME exerted significant change in this effect. Co‐administration of CGA alleviated histological abnormalities and neuropathic effects induced by CIS. Ameliorative effect of CGA was not changed in mechanical allodynia but attenuated in cold allodynia, and motor activity/coordination tests by LARG and LNAME. Neuropathic effects of CIS remained unchanged with LARG and LNAME in behavioral experiments.

Conclusion

The study identified CGA as candidate agent in mitigating CIPN. NO seems to play a modulatory role in this effect.
Experiment and numerical simulation study of thermal fatigue of an aluminum alloy piston
Authors: Li Ziliang , Zhu Ye , Xiong Peiyou , Zheng Hongguo , Wang Jun
Published: November 2023

In this study, a magneto‐thermo‐structural coupling finite element method was proposed to calculate the electromagnetic field, temperature field, stress field, and strain field of an aluminum alloy piston during thermal shock process. The computed temperature results at the measurement points of T3 and T4 agree well with the measured data. The concept of tensile strain energy density was proposed as a thermal fatigue damage parameter, and the thermal fatigue life of the piston was predicted on the basis of the calculated results by magneto‐thermo‐structural coupling analysis and tensile strain energy density‐life equation; the discrepancy between the predicted life and the experimental one is 16%. The thermal fatigue failure mechanism of the piston was also clarified. High cyclic stresses occur on the edge of Si due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficient of Al and Si; micro cracks first originate on the edge of Si, then grow through combining other micro cracks, and eventually form macro cracks.