bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation insult during COVID‐19 pandemic on the psychological status of medical students
Authors: Faeck Jaafar Israa , Ahmed Mehdi Sahar , M. Fawzi Al‐Hasan
Published: September 2022

Background

COVID‐19 is a newly discovered infectious disease that spread and caused a global health problem. Medical students, especially those in clinical stages are among groups exposed to the disease. The study aimed to show the impact of social distancing on the mental health of Iraqi medical students.

Method

A convenient sampling technique involved 105 participants was obtained through a questionnaire. The participants were from all stages of College Of Medicine. Questions were regarding the mental health status of the students, which included sleeping hours, nightmares, eating habits, weight problems, relationship with the family, starting to have bad habits, memory loss, attention problems, irritability, and study rank affect.

Results

Of about 105 participants, 64 (60.9%) of them were females and 41 (39.1%) were males. The mean age of the participants was (21.26 ± 1.065) ranging from 19 to 24 years. Feeling stressful when hearing news about COVID‐19″ found in 82 (78.1%) of the participants. A high statistical significant difference (p = 0.035) among feeling isolated. About 77 (73.3%) of the participants had become easily irritable and angry. About 82 (78.1%) student started for having calculation problems. The stress with sleeping hours (p = 0.019), sleeping disturbance (p = 0.022), eating habit (p = 0.015), weight problems (p = 0.002), fear of familiar places (p = 0.004), recent memory loss (p = 0.034) and being easily irritable or angry (p = 0.0001), revealed a statistical significant association, respectively.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 news and social distancing had made medical students more stressed and irritable, affecting their sleeping hours and pattern with a general tendency for weight gain and recent memory loss in stressful students.
Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling Combined With Machine Learning Approach Improved Tacrolimus Trough Concentration Prediction in Chinese Adult Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Li Zi‐ran , Li Rui‐dong , Niu Wan‐jie , Zheng Xin‐yi , Wang Zheng‐xin , Zhong Ming‐kang , Qiu Xiao‐yan
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a population pharmacokinetic (PPK) combined machine learning approach to predict tacrolimus trough concentrations for Chinese adult liver transplant recipients in the early posttransplant period. Tacrolimus trough concentrations were retrospectively collected from routine monitoring records of liver transplant recipients and divided into the training data set (1287 concentrations in 145 recipients) and the test data set (296 concentrations in 36 recipients). A PPK model was first established using NONMEM. Then a machine learning model of Xgboost was adapted to fit the estimated individual pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from the PPK model with Bayesian forecasting. The performance of the final PPK model and Xgboost model was compared in the test data set. In the final PPK model, tacrolimus daily dose, postoperative days, hematocrit, aspartate aminotransferase, and concomitant voriconazole, were identified to significantly influence the clearance. The postoperative days along with hematocrit significantly influence the volume of distribution. In the Xgboost model, the first 5 predictors for predicting the clearance were concomitant with voriconazole, sex, single nucleotide polymorphisms of CYP3A4*1G and CYP3A5*3 in recipients, and tacrolimus daily dose, for the volume of distribution were postoperative days, age, weight, total bilirubin and graft : recipient weight ratio. In the test data set, the Xgboost model showed the minimum median prediction error of tacrolimus concentrations, less than the PPK model with or without Bayesian forecasting. In conclusion, a PPK combined machine learning approach could improve the prediction of tacrolimus concentrations for Chinese adult liver transplant recipients in the early posttransplant period.
Nutrient losses over time via surface runoff and subsurface drainage from an agricultural field in northern Sweden
Authors: Norberg Lisbet , Linefur Helena , Andersson Stefan , Blomberg Maria , Kyllmar Katarina
Published: September 2022

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses, via both surface runoff and subsurface drainage water, were monitored in an agricultural field in northern Sweden for 32 yr. The objective was to determine losses of N and P in a long‐term perspective in relation to meteorological factors and impacts of agricultural land use, with a focus on relative contributions of surface runoff and subsurface drainage water to N and P losses. In order to collect surface runoff water, an embankment was installed on three sides of the field, and the fourth side had an open ditch that drove runoff water to a measuring station. Subsurface water draining from the field was collected in a fishbone‐shaped drainage system that terminated at the measuring station. In 50% of years (16/32), mean annual concentration of total N (TN) was significantly higher in subsurface drainage water than in surface runoff water. An opposing trend was seen for total P (TP), with mean annual concentration being significantly higher in surface runoff water than in subsurface drainage water in all but 3 of the 32 yr monitored. Years with a barley crop had higher TN concentration in subsurface drainage water but no difference in surface runoff compared with years with ley. In contrast, years with barley had lower TN concentration in surface runoff than years with ley, with no difference in TP in subsurface drainage water.
The outbreak of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron lineages, immune escape, and vaccine effectivity
Authors: Zhou Yongbing , Zhi Huilin , Teng Yong
Published: September 2022

As of November 2021, several SARS‐CoV‐2 variants appeared and became dominant epidemic strains in many countries, including five variants of concern (VOCs) Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron defined by the World Health Organization during the COVID‐19 pandemic. As of August 2022, Omicron is classified into five main lineages, BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, BA.5 and some sublineages (BA.1.1, BA.2.12.1, BA.2.11, BA.2.75, BA.4.6) (https://www.gisaid.org/). Compared to the previous VOCs (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta), all the Omicron lineages have the most highly mutations in the spike protein, and with 50 mutations accumulated throughout the genome. Early data indicated that Omicron BA.2 sublineage had higher infectivity and more immune escape than the early wild‐type (WT) strain, the previous VOCs, and BA.1. Recently, global surveillance data suggest a higher transmissibility of BA.4/BA.5 than BA.1, BA.1.1 and BA.2, and BA.4/BA.5 is becoming dominant strain in many countries globally.
A novel algorithm to reduce bias and improve the quality and diversity of residency interviewees
Authors: Lau Chrystal O. , Johnson Adam B. , Nolder Abby R. , King Deanne , Strub Graham M.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Improve the quality and diversity of candidates invited for the Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery residency match by reducing geographical and inter‐rater bias with a novel geographic distribution algorithm.

Methods

Interview applicants were divided into geographic regions and assigned to reviewers. Each reviewer selected by force‐ranking a pre‐determined number of applicants to invite for interviews based on the percentage of applications received for each region. Our novel geographic distribution algorithm was then applied to maintain the geographic representation and underrepresented minority status of invited applicants to match the applicant pool.

Results

Analysis of previous interview selection methods demonstrated a statistically significant overrepresentation of local applicants invited for interviews. In 2022, 324 domestic applications were received for the otolaryngology match, which were divided into six geographic regions. There was no significant difference in USMLE scores between regions. The implementation of our distribution algorithm during applicant selection eliminated local overrepresentation in the invited pool of applicants and maintained the representation of underrepresented minority applicants. Following the match, reviewers indicated that implementation of the geographic distribution algorithm was simple and improved the quality and diversity of the group of interviewed applicants.

Conclusion

Traditional methods of scoring and inviting otolaryngology residency applicants can be confounded by regional and inter‐rater biases. Employing a geographic distribution algorithm improves the quality and diversity of invited applicants, eliminates bias, and maintains the representation of underrepresented minority applicants.
Ergosterol increases 7‐dehydrocholesterol, a cholesterol precursor, and decreases cholesterol in human HepG2 cells
Authors: Kuwabara Naoko , Ohta‐Shimizu Miho , Fuwa Fumiko , Tomitsuka Eriko , Sato Shinji , Nakagawa Saori
Published: September 2022

Current treatment approaches for hyperlipidemia rely mainly on reducing the cholesterol level by inhibiting 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGCR), which is involved in the presqualene pathway of cholesterol biosynthesis. Finding a compound that instead targets the postsqualene pathway could aid in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and synergistically reduce the cholesterol level when used in conjunction with HMGCR inhibitors. Ergosterol is a fungal sterol that is converted to brassicasterol by 7‐dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7). DHCR7 is also a cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme, and thus ergosterol may cause the accumulation of 7‐dehydrocholesterol, a precursor of cholesterol and vitamin D3, by a competitive effect. In this study, we examined the effect of ergosterol on the postsqualene pathway by quantifying cholesterol precursors and related sterols using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and by conducting quantitative RT‐PCR and western blot analysis for human HepG2 hepatoma cells. We found that ergosterol is converted into brassicasterol by the action of DHCR7 from HepG2 cells and that it induced the accumulation of cholesterol precursors (lathosterol, 7‐dehydrocholesterol, and desmosterol) and decreased the cholesterol level by altering the mRNA and protein levels of cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes (increase of sterol 8,7‐isomerase [EBP] and decrease of DHCR7 and 24‐dehydrocholesterol reductase [DHCR24]). These results demonstrate that ergosterol inhibits the postsqualene pathway and may be useful for the prevention of hyperlipidemia.
Glucocorticoids decrease thermogenic capacity and increase triacylglycerol synthesis by glycerokinase activation in the brown adipose tissue of rats
Authors: Assis Ana Paula , Silva Karine Emanuelle , Lautherbach Natalia , Morgan Henrique Jorge Novaes , Garófalo Maria Antonieta Rissato , Zanon Neusa Maria , Navegantes Luiz Carlos Carvalho , Chaves Valéria Ernestânia , Kettelhut Isis do Carmo
Published: September 2022

Although it is well established that glucocorticoids inactivate thermogenesis and promote lipid accumulation in interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT), the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We found that dexamethasone treatment (1 mg/kg) for 7 days in rats decreased the IBAT thermogenic activity, evidenced by its lower responsiveness to noradrenaline injection associated with reduced content of mitochondrial proteins, respiratory chain protein complexes, noradrenaline, and the β3‐adrenergic receptor. In parallel, to understand better how dexamethasone increases IBAT lipid content, we also investigated the activity of the ATP citrate lyase (ACL), a key enzyme of de novo fatty acid synthesis, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a rate‐limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway, and the three glycerol‐3‐P generating pathways: (1) glycolysis, estimated by 2‐deoxyglucose uptake, (2) glyceroneogenesis, evaluated by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity and pyruvate incorporation into triacylglycerol‐glycerol, and (3) direct phosphorylation of glycerol, investigated by the content and activity of glycerokinase. Dexamethasone increased the mass and the lipid content of IBAT as well as plasma levels of glucose, insulin, non‐esterified fatty acid, and glycerol. Furthermore, dexamethasone increased ACL and G6PD activities (79% and 48%, respectively). Despite promoting a decrease in the incorporation of U‐[14C]‐glycerol into triacylglycerol (~54%), dexamethasone increased the content (~55%) and activity (~41%) of glycerokinase without affecting glucose uptake or glyceroneogenesis. Our data suggest that glucocorticoid administration reduces IBAT thermogenesis through sympathetic inactivation and stimulates glycerokinase activity and content, contributing to increased generation of glycerol‐3‐P, which is mostly used to esterify fatty acid and increase triacylglycerol content promoting IBAT whitening.
The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network hepatocellular carcinoma classification: Alignment with Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System, current gaps, and future direction
Authors: Kierans Andrea S. , Chernyak Victoria , Mendiratta‐Lala Mishal , Sirlin Claude B. , Hecht Elizabeth M. , Fowler Kathryn J.
Published: September 2022

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) updated its allocation policy for liver transplantation to align with the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LI‐RADS computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging algorithm had achieved congruency with the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) HCC Practice Guidance in 2018, and therefore, alignment of OPTN, LI‐RADS, and AASLD unifies HCC diagnostic approaches. The two changes to the OPTN HCC classification are adoption of LI‐RADS terminology or lexicon for HCC major imaging features as well as the modification of OPTN Class‐5A through the adoption of LI‐RADS‐5 criteria. However, despite this significant milestone, the OPTN allocation policy may benefit from further refinements such as adoption of treatment response assessment criteria after locoregional therapy and categorization criteria for lesions with atypical imaging appearances that are not specific for HCC. In this review, we detail the changes to the OPTN HCC classification to achieve alignment with LI‐RADS, discuss current limitations of the OPTN classification, and explore future directions.
Characterizing renewable energy compound events across Europe using a logistic regression‐based approach
Authors: Otero Noelia , Martius Olivia , Allen Sam , Bloomfield Hannah , Schaefli Bettina
Published: September 2022

The transition towards decarbonized power systems requires accounting for the impacts of the climate variability and climate change on renewable energy sources. With the growing share of wind and solar power in the European power system and their strong weather dependence, balancing the energy demand and supply becomes a great challenge. We characterize energy compound events, defined as periods of simultaneous low renewable production of wind and solar power, and high electricity demand. Using a logistic regression approach, we examine the influence of meteorological and atmospheric drivers on energy compound events. Moreover, we assess the spatial coherence of energy compound events that pose a major challenge within an interconnected power grid, as they can affect multiple countries simultaneously. On average, European countries are exposed to winter energy compound events more than twice per year. The combination of extremely low temperatures and low wind speeds is associated with a higher probability of occurrence of energy compound events. Furthermore, we show that blocked weather regimes have a major influence on energy compound events. In particular, Greenland and European blocking lead to widespread energy compound events that affect multiple countries at the same time. Our results highlight the relevance of weather regimes resulting in synchronous spatial energy compound events, which might pose a greater risk within a potential fully interconnected European grid.
DHA and EPA Prevent Seizure and Depression‐Like Behavior by Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Neuroinflammation via Different Mode‐of‐Actions in a Pentylenetetrazole‐Induced Kindling Model in Mice
Authors: Wang Xueyan , Xiao Aiai , Yang Yueqi , Zhao Yingcai , Wang Cheng Cheng , Wang Yuming , Han Jun , Wang Zhengping , Wen Min
Published: September 2022

Scope

It has been reported that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have anticonvulsant effects, yet the respective mechanism of EPA and DHA on epilepsy is still unclarified. This study aims to investigate the effect of EPA and DHA on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced seizures and depression.

Methods and results

The administration of EPA and DHA at a dose of 1% w/w significantly inhibits PTZ‐induced seizures and depressive‐like behavior, whereas EPA outcompetes DHA. Further mechanistic studies reveal that the higher effect of EPA can be partly attributed to the promotion of M2 polarization, inhibition of M1 polarization of microglia, and lower iron content in the brain, resulting from the stronger activation of nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). This study finds that DHA and EPA comparably inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation but with different mode‐of‐actions: EPA prefers to inhibit the binding of NLRP3 and ASC, while DHA decreases the protein levels of ASC and Caspase‐1.

Conclusions

These results indicate that DHA and EPA can efficaciously alleviate PTZ‐induced seizure and depressive‐like behavior but with different efficiency and molecular mechanisms.
Studies on the EPR parameters and local angular distortion for the tetragonal Cu2+ center in CaWO4 crystal
Authors: Chen Baojin , Yao Linchao , Feng Cuidi , Zhang Huaming , Xiao Wenbo
Published: September 2022

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameters—g factors gi (i = || and ⊥) and hyperfine structure constants Ai (M) and Ai(N), with M and N belonging to isotopes 63Cu2+ and 65Cu2+—and local structure of Cu2+ ion occupying W6+ site in CaWO4 crystal are theoretically studied based on the perturbation formulas of these parameters for a 3d9 ion under tetragonally elongated tetrahedra. In these formulas, the ligand orbital (LO) and spin–orbit coupling (SOC) contributions are included due to the shorter impurity‐ligand distance R (≈1.83 Å) and hence the strong covalency of the studied [CuO4]6− cluster, and the related molecular orbital coefficients are quantitatively determined from the cluster approach in a uniform way; meanwhile, the required crystal field (CF) parameters for the tetragonally distorted tetrahedron (TDT) are estimated from the superposition model and the local structure of the impurity Cu2+ center. According to the calculation, the bond angle θ between the four equivalent Cu2+‐O2− bonds and the C4 axis in the CaWO4:Cu2+ is found to be about 2.1° smaller than that (θ0 ≈ 54.74°) for an ideal tetrahedron due to the Jahn–Teller (JT) effect and the size mismatch. The fitted results agree well with the observed values, and the validity of the present assignment for the local structure of the Cu2+ center is also discussed.
Motion compensated renal diffusion weighted imaging
Authors: McTavish Sean , Van Anh T. , Peeters Johannes M. , Weiss Kilian , Makowski Marcus R. , Braren Rickmer F. , Karampinos Dimitrios C.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To assess the effect of respiratory motion and cardiac driven pulsation in renal DWI and to examine asymmetrical velocity‐compensated diffusion encoding waveforms for robust ADC mapping in the kidneys.

Methods

The standard monopolar Stejskal‐Tanner pulsed gradient spin echo (pgse) and the asymmetric bipolar velocity‐compensated (asym‐vc) diffusion encoding waveforms were used for coronal renal DWI at 3T. The robustness of the ADC quantification in the kidneys was tested with the aforementioned waveforms in respiratory‐triggered and breath‐held cardiac‐triggered scans at different trigger delays in 10 healthy subjects.

Results

The pgse waveform showed higher ADC values in the right kidney at short trigger delays in comparison to longer trigger delays in the respiratory triggered scans when the diffusion gradient was applied in the feet‐head (FH) direction. The coefficient of variation over all respiratory trigger delays, averaged over all subjects was 0.15 for the pgse waveform in the right kidney when diffusion was measured in the FH direction; the corresponding coefficient of variation for the asym‐vc waveform was 0.06. The effect of cardiac driven pulsation was found to be small in comparison to the effect of respiratory motion.

Conclusion

Short trigger delays in respiratory‐triggered scans can cause higher ADC values in comparison to longer trigger delays in renal DWI, especially in the right kidney when diffusion is measured in the FH direction. The asym‐vc waveform can reduce ADC variation due to respiratory motion in respiratory‐triggered scans at the cost of reduced SNR compared to the pgse waveform.
Navigating the maze of osteoarthritis treatment: A qualitative study exploring the experience of individuals with osteoarthritis in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Sutton Laura , Jose Kim , Hansen Emily , Laslett Laura , Makin Jennifer , Winzenberg Tania , Balogun Saliu , Aitken Dawn
Published: September 2022

Objective

Using a qualitative design this study aimed to (1) explore the experience of people living with osteoarthritis (OA), (2) gain an understanding of their navigation of the health system and, (3) explore their opinions on the role of exercise and joint replacement surgery for the management of OA.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit 26 participants with knee OA, aged 45 years and over, from Tasmania, Australia. Semi‐structured interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, coded, and thematically analysed to document participant understanding and experience of OA and their opinions on the role of exercise and surgery in managing OA.

Results

Of the 26 participants, 80% (n = 21) were female with a mean age of 66 years. The main theme identified was that individuals with knee OA were navigating a maze of OA treatments. Three related subthemes were that participants: (i) perceived their general practitioner did not have an ongoing role in their OA care, (ii) self‐directed their management and, (iii) sampled from a ‘smorgasbord’ of treatment options, including low‐value care options. Two other major themes were: the role of exercise for OA management, and surgery as a last resort.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that OA patients may not be choosing consistent, high‐value care for their OA. This highlights the importance of an evidence‐based multi‐disciplinary approach to guide patients to self‐manage their OA and support their navigation of the health system. Reducing emphasis on the pathway to surgery and streamlining access to conservative management strategies may assist people to receive high‐value care.
Influence of urodynamic conditions on bladder sensations and detrusor activity in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hentzen Claire , Chesnel Camille , Teng Maëlys , Blouet Emilie , Le Breton Frederique , Lagnau Philippe , Miget Gabriel , Amarenco Gerard
Published: September 2022

Aims

The study aimed to assess the impact of bladder filling rate and fluid temperature during urodynamics on bladder sensations and volume of apparition of detrusor overactivity in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Methods

Consecutive PwMS assessed with a standardized urodynamic test including three consecutive cystometries (20 ml/min, 100 ml/min, and 100 ml/min with 4°C fluid (Ice water test [IWT]) between June 2020 and March 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Data collected were bladder sensation with first desire to void (FDV) and strong desire to void (SDV). The presence of detrusor overactivity (DO) and the volume of the first uninhibited detrusor contraction were recorded.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐seven patients (mean age 47.4 ± 11.8 years, median EDSS 3 IQR[2–5], 73.9% of women) were included. Increased filling rate induced delayed bladder sensations (FDV 219 ± 109 ml vs. 194 ± 100 ml; SDV 349 ± 113 ml vs. 322 ± 124 ml for 100 ml/min and 20 ml/min filling rate, respectively, p < 0.001). Ice water increased bladder sensations with earlier reports of needs to void (FDV 163 ± 99 ml vs. 218 ± 117 ml; SDV 263 ± 104 ml vs. 351 ± 112 ml respectively; p < 0.001). Thirty‐four patients had DO during both 20 ml/min and 100 ml/min fillings, without difference in the volume of apparition (p = 0.78). Forty‐four patients had DO during both 100 ml/min and IWT. Detrusor overactivity appeared for a reduced volume during IWT compared with room temperature fluid perfusion (−68 ml [−95 to −41]; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Filling rate and fluid temperature impact bladder sensations during cystometry in PwMS. Ice water decreased the volume of the first uninhibited detrusor contraction.
Optimal control of discrete‐time nonlinear heterogeneous multi‐agent systems via a distributed DISOPE algorithm
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Li Junmin
Published: September 2022

A distributed offline DISOPE algorithm for optimal state synchronization of leader‐follower systems with nonlinear discrete‐time dynamics is considered, which integrates the model optimization idea and parameter estimation technique together. It can be seen that the convergent solutions of modified linear optimal control problems satisfy the optimality conditions of the original nonlinear optimization problem with non‐LQ performance indices. The heterogeneous agents can cooperate and exchange information via network communication. Based on DISOPE algorithm, a distributed optimal control policy is obtained to assure state synchronization and minimize performance indices in finite time horizon. Finally, a simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the distributed DISOPE algorithm.
Foetal loss after chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis in twin pregnancies: A multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Navaratnam Kate , Khairudin Delima , Chilton Robyn , Sharp Andrew , Attilakos George , Stott Daniel , Relph Sophie , Spencer Rebecca , Badr Dominique A. , Carlin Andrew , Jani Jacques , Kilby Mark D. , Sebghati Mercede , Khalil Asma , Alfirevic Zarko
Published: September 2022

Objective

We aimed to determine foetal losses for DCDA and MCDA twins following transabdominal CVS or amniocentesis performed <22+0 weeks.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study conducted in the UK and Belgium 01/01/00–01/06/20. Cases with unknown chorionicity, monochorionic complications or complex procedures were excluded. Uncomplicated DCDA and MCDA twins without invasive procedures were identified as controls. We reported foetal losses <24+0 weeks and losses of genetically and structurally normal foetuses.

Results

Outcomes were compared for DCDA foetuses; 258 after CVS with 3406 controls, 406 after amniocentesis with 3390 controls plus MCDA foetuses, 98 after CVS with 1124 controls, and 160 after amniocentesis with 1122 controls. There were more losses <24+0 weeks with both procedures in DCDA (CVS RR 5.54 95% CI 3.38–9.08, amniocentesis RR 2.36 95% CI 1.22–4.56) and MCDA twins (CVS RR 5.14 95% CI 2.51–10.54, amniocentesis RR 7.01 95% CI 3.86–12.74). Losses of normal foetuses were comparable to controls (DCDA CVS RR 0.39 95% CI 0.05–2.83, DCDA amniocentesis RR 1.16 95% CI 0.42–3.22, MCDA CVS RR 2.3 95% CI 0.71–7.56, and MCDA amniocentesis RR 1.93 95% CI 0.59–6.38).

Conclusions

This study indicates increased foetal losses for DCDA and MCDA twins following CVS and amniocentesis with uncertain risk to normal foetuses.
Comparison of matched formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded and fresh frozen meningioma tissue reveals bias in proteomic profiles
Authors: Schoffman Hanan , Levin Yishai , Itzhaki‐Alfia Ayelet , Tselekovits Lea , Gonen Lior , Vainer Gilad Wolf , Hout‐Siloni Goni , Barshack Iris , Cohen Zvi R. , Margalit Nevo , Shahar Tal
Published: September 2022

Tissue biopsies are most commonly archived in a paraffin block following tissue fixation with formaldehyde (FFPE) or as fresh frozen tissue (FFT). While both methods preserve biological samples, little is known about how they affect the quantifiable proteome. We performed a ‘bottom‐up’ proteomic analysis (N = 20) of short and long‐term archived FFPE surgical samples of human meningiomas and compared them to matched FFT specimens. FFT facilitated a similar number of proteins assigned by MetaMorpheus compared with matched FFPE specimens (5378 vs. 5338 proteins, respectively (p = 0.053), regardless of archival time. However, marked differences in the proteome composition were apparent between FFPE and FFT specimens. Twenty‐three percent of FFPE‐derived peptides and 8% of FFT‐derived peptides contained at least one chemical modification. Methylation and formylation were most prominent in FFPE‐derived peptides (36% and 17% of modified FFPE peptides, respectively) while, most of phosphorylation and iron modifications appeared in FFT‐derived peptides (p < 0.001). A mean 14% (± 2.9) of peptides identified in FFPE contained at least one modified Lysine residue. Importantly, larger proteins were significantly overrepresented in FFT specimens, while FFPE specimens were enriched with smaller proteins.
Symptomatic preterm infants suffer from lung function deficits, regardless of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Tuková Jana , Koucký Václav , Marková Daniela , Koťátko Petr , Hladíková Marie , Šulc Jan
Published: September 2022

Background

The long‐term respiratory consequences for children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are well known. However, there is little emphasis on monitoring preterm infants without BPD. Few studies have explored the lung function status of infants with the symptoms of chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD).

Objective

To evaluate functional lung deficits in preterm infants with CLD, and to assess the perinatal determinants of diminished lung function.

Methods

In our cross‐sectional study, 132 preterm infants with symptomatic CLD underwent infant pulmonary function testing (iPFT) at a median post‐term age of 0.9 years. The iPFT included bodypletysmography, compliance measurement, tidal breath analysis, and rapid thoracoabdominal compression. The relationships between the respective z scores of the iPFT parameters and perinatal characteristics, postnatal treatment, and BPD status were investigated.

Results

Seventy‐three patients (55.3%) were born before the 28th week of gestation, and 92 (69.7%) met the BPD criteria. Functional deficits were detected in 85.8%. The obstructive ventilatory pattern was more prevalent than restrictive (36.3 vs. 12.4%, p < 0.001). Infants with restriction had lower birth weight (BW) and required a longer duration of oxygenotherapy. In a univariate model, the lung function correlated with the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, gestational week, and BW. In a general linear model, BPD status was not an additional determinant of the iPFT results.

Conclusion

IPFT may reveal significant functional deficits in preterm infants with CLD even without BPD. The current symptoms and perinatal factors may be more important determinants of functional deficits than the BPD status itself.
Comparative effectiveness of calfactant and beractant in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: A systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Haider Samna , Azhar Naveen , Zahid Mariyam , Iqbal Kinza , Shoaib Navaira , Irshad Nuwaira , Siddiqui Arooma Shaukat , Ahmed Jawad
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Animal derived surfactants are considered to be the standard treatment for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). However, their comparative effectiveness remains inconclusive given the multiple prior studies with inconsistent results. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta analysis to compare the effectiveness of two animal extract surfactants (calfactant and beractant) for the management of NRDS.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies comparing efficacy of calfactant and beractant for the treatment of NRDS. Mean differences (MD) and risk ratios (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Review Manager.

Result

We found no significant difference between calfactnat and beractant groups in the primary outcomes: neonatal mortality before the age of 28 days (RR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.97–1.46, p = 0.09), mortality before the hospital release (RR = 1.12, 95% Cl = 0.94–1.33, p = 0.22), oxygen requirement at 28 days of age (RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.90–1.05, p = 0.52), and death or oxygen need at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.91–1.08, p = 0.81). The duration of supplementary oxygen was significantly lower in calfactant users (MD = −4.95, 95% CI = −7.60–−2.30, p = 0.0002). Calfactant significantly lowered the duration of hospital stay, risk of pneumothorax and air leak syndrome whereas beractant users had lower risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (Grades 3 and 4).

Conclusion

There is no substantial difference in the efficacy of both surfactants in the prophylaxis and treatment of NRDS.
Influence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia on lung function in adolescents who were born extremely prematurely
Authors: Harris Christopher , Morris Samuel , Lunt Alan , Peacock Janet , Greenough Anne
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To assess if a previous diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was associated with poorer lung function at 16 to 19 years of age, regardless of whether postnatal corticosteroids had been administered.

Working Hypothesis

Infants with BPD will have poorer lung function at 16 to 19 years of age.

Study Design

Prospective follow‐up study.

Patient‐Subject Selection

One hundred and sixty‐one participants aged between 16 and 19 years who were born at less than 29 weeks of gestation; 87 had had BPD.

Methodology

Lung function was assessed by spirometry (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF75, FEF50, FEF25, FEF25–75, PEF), impulse oscillometry (R5Hz and R20Hz), plethysmography (FRCpleth, TLCpleth, RVpleth), diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO, DLCO/VA) and lung clearance index (LCI). Questionnaires were used to quantify respiratory symptoms and a shuttle sprint test to assess exercise capacity.

Results

At 16 to 19 years, those who had had a diagnosis of BPD had poorer airway function (FEV1, FEF75, FEF50, FEF25–75) compared to those without. FVC and DLCO were also poorer in those who had BPD. Those differences remained significant after adjusting for sex, gestational age, and maternal smoking. When excluding those who had received postnatal corticosteroids, differences remained significant in FEV1, FVC, and FEF75. There were no significant differences in exercise capacity or respiratory symptoms between those with and without BPD.

Conclusions

In adolescents and young adults born prematurely, those who had BPD had poorer lung function compared to those without, regardless of whether they had received postnatal corticosteroids.
A guide to prescribing antidepressants in primary care
Authors: Woodall Alan , Walker Lauren
Published: September 2022

Many newer primary care professionals have limited experience of psychiatry, yet need to manage patients on multiple medications including antidepressants. This article outlines common prescribing dilemmas and solutions for novice primary care prescribers managing patients who require antidepressant therapy.
Self‐assembly of a peptide sequence, EKKE, composed of exclusively charged amino acids: Role of charge in morphology and lead binding
Authors: Natarajan Aishwarya , Rangan Krishnan , Vadrevu Ramakrishna
Published: September 2022

The self‐assembly of peptides is influenced by their amino acid sequence and other factors including pH, charge, temperature, and solvent. Herein, we explore whether a four‐residue sequence, EKKE, consisting of exclusively charged amino acids shows the propensity to form self‐assembled ordered nanostructures and whether the overall charge plays any role in morphological and functional properties. From a combination of experimental data provided by Thioflavin T fluorescence, Congo red absorbance, circular dichroism spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and confocal microscopy, it is clear that the all‐polar peptide and charged EKKE sequence shows a pH‐dependent tendency to form amyloid‐like structures, and the self‐assembled entities under acidic, basic and neutral conditions exhibit morphological variation. Additionally, the ability of the self‐assembled amyloid nanostructures to bind to the toxic metal, lead (Pb2+), was demonstrated from the analysis of the ultraviolet absorbance and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data. The modulation at the sequence level for the amyloid‐forming EKKE scaffold can further extend its potential role not only in the remediation of other toxic metals but also towards biomedical applications.
Retrieving Carrier Population and Collection Efficiency in CFTS/CFTSe‐Based Solar Cell Using Low‐Dimensional Multiple Nanostructures
Authors: Varku Shibi , Pradhan Kumar Prasannajit , Routray Soumyaranjan
Published: September 2022

In recent times, research communities are working on device to harvest solar energy at low cost. Copper‐based quaternary chalcogenides are one among the leading materials in the field. Herein, the electrical and optical performance of quantum well embedded (CFTS) solar cell is investigated in detail. Multiple quantum wells (MQWs) with different bandgaps ensure wider photon absorption of solar spectrum. Hence, MQWs made up of CFTSe/CFTS are incorporated with a variation in well size and well numbers. All the electrical parameters and optical parameters such as power conversion efficiency, quantum efficiency, and its dependence on carrier quantization are discussed in detail. More than 80% external quantum efficiency with just 2 QWs shows the efficient carrier generation and collection of the proposed structure. Device with 10 QWs of size 18/10 nm of CFTSe/CFTS can achieve remarkable efficiency of 21% with good trade‐off betweenJscand fill factor.
An advanced LC–MS/MS protocol for simultaneous detection of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment
Authors: Yao Wenrui , Ge Jinfeng , Hu Qiaozhuan , Ma Jingying , Yuan Daohe , Fu Xiaoli , Qi Yulin , Volmer Dietrich A.
Published: September 2022

Rationale

The development of appropriate analytical screening techniques for pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) is the basis for studying the distribution and environmental impact of emerging contaminants (ECs). Mass spectrometry‐based screening methods vary with the complexity of the target compounds. It is challenging to balance both positive and negative ion quantification with a low detection limit. To establish a set of experimental methods including extraction, chromatography‐separation and mass spectrometry screening is one of the most important topics in PPCP research. This paper describes a universal and efficient qualification and quantification protocol for the simultaneous detection of 34 PPCPs in different environmental samples in a single analytical data acquisition run.

Methods

Thirty‐four representative PPCPs, which are widely distributed in the environment with high ecological toxicity and complex chemical structures, were selected as representative target ECs. The extraction of the target PPCPs was achieved using only one solid‐phase extraction cartridge without the need to adjust the pH of samples. The enriched samples were detected by LC–MS/MS in both positive and negative ion modes simultaneously. The protocol was evaluated based on the accuracy, precision, detection limits and matrix effects.

Results

This method achieved simultaneous detection of PPCPs in both positive and negative ion modes, with a single analytical cycle of 12 min. The observed SPE recoveries were between 40% and 115%. The instrumental detection limits (IDL) varied from 0.01 to 1 pg, and the method detection limits (MDL) were between 0.002 and 3.323 ng/l in different matrices. Most of the PPCPs were subjected to matrix suppression below 30%. The method was successfully applied for quantitative analysis of the PPCPs in different environmental samples, including river samples, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) samples and soil samples.

Conclusions

This protocol developed a rapid and efficient detection method to simultaneous qualitative and quantitative 34 representative PPCPs in the environment. The IDL ranged from 0.01 to 1 pg and the MDL ranged from 0.002 to 3.323 ng/l in different matrices. The detection limit was one order of magnitude lower compared to previous studies. The protocol also provided a wide application range for different environmental matrices, which permitted the migration and transformation of PPCPs to be explored.
A Student-Led Public Education Project on Dermatology in Skin of Colour
Authors: Loginovic Pavel , Syed Natasha , Parker Alex M. , Williams Nel G. , Mukundu Nagesh Navin
Published: September 2022

Despite the UK's population rapidly diversifying, the representation of dermatological conditions in skin of colour in education, medical resources, and clinical practice is lagging. Furthermore, resources and advancements created by recent initiatives appear not to be communicated to the general public and are not integrated into medical curricula. In this perspective article, we share our experience from a public-engagement campaign in South West England and propose that student-led initiatives hold the potential to close the existing gap in diversity and racial equity in dermatology by communicating recent efforts within the medical field to the general public. We describe how student-led initiatives allow medical students to advocate for diversity and equity within their institutions while delivering much-needed education to ethnically minoritised communities.
Using goal–question–metric to compare research and practice perspectives on regression testing
Authors: Minhas Nasir Mehmood , Reddy Koppula Thejendar , Petersen Kai , Börstler Jürgen
Published: September 2022

Regression testing is challenging because of its complexity and the amount of effort and time it requires, especially in large‐scale environments with continuous integration and delivery. Regression test selection and prioritization techniques have been proposed in the literature to address the regression testing challenges, but adoption rates of these techniques in industry are not encouraging. One of the possible reasons could be the disparity in the regression testing goals in industry and literature. This work compares the research perspective to industry practice on regression testing goals, corresponding information needs, and metrics required to evaluate these goals. We have conducted a literature review of 44 research papers and a survey with 56 testing practitioners. The survey comprises 11 interviews and 45 responses to an online questionnaire. We identified that industry and research accentuate different regression testing goals. For instance, the literature emphasizes increasing the fault detection rates of test suites and early identification of critical faults. In contrast, the practitioners' focus is on test suite maintenance, controlled fault slippage, and awareness of changes. Similarly, the literature suggests maintaining information needs from test case execution histories to evaluate regression testing techniques based on various metrics, whereas, at large, the practitioners do not use the metrics suggested in the literature. To bridge the research and practice gap, based on the literature and survey findings, we have created a goal–question–metric (GQM) model that maps the regression testing goals, associated information needs, and metrics from both perspectives. The GQM model can guide researchers in proposing new techniques closer to industry contexts. Practitioners can benefit from information needs and metrics presented in the literature and can use GQM as a tool to follow their regression testing goals.
Paradigm, specialty, pragmatism: Kuhn's legacy to methodological pluralism
Authors: Zhu Zhichang
Published: September 2022

Alongside claims that ‘the methodological pluralism debate has been won’, worries grow just why the victory is not shared by the wider social sciences and applied disciplines. Remedies are sought but mainly tinkering on presentation tactics. Against this status quo, this article argues for a critical reflection on theoretic approaches to methodological pluralism. Seemingly convenient for legitimating diverse methodologies though, the Paradigm root metaphor has from the very beginning trapped methodological pluralism theorising in a no‐win battle. Drawing on Kuhn's later perspective of scientific change as ‘proliferation of specialties’, this article posits that the enhanced evolutionist metaphor fits better with methodological pluralism by depicting the increasing variety of methodologies as deepened division of labour and combined‐use of methodologies as enlarging human competence. In Kuhn's spirit, this article calls for a strongly pluralist, responsive approach, not so much in flexibly ‘managing paradigms’ or ‘living with incommensurability’ as in reflexively deliberating the comparative advantages of adopting different theoretic approaches in terms of efficacy in facilitating compelling theorising and sharing ideas with practitioners.
Dopamine receptor and dopamine transporter in obesity: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Pak Kyoungjune , Seok Ju Won , Lee Myung Jun , Kim Keunyoung , Kim In Joo
Published: September 2022

The brain plays a major role in controlling the desire to eat. This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the association between dopamine receptor (DR) availability and dopamine transporter (DAT) availability, measured using positron emission tomography, and obesity. We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE (from inception to November 2020) and EMBASE (from inception to November 2020) for articles published in English using the keywords “dopamine receptor,” “dopamine transporter,” “obesity,” and “neuroimaging.” Body mass index (BMI) and the corresponding binding potential (BPND) were extracted from figures in each study using Engauge Digitizer, version 12.1, and plotted for radiopharmaceuticals and regions of interest (ROIs). Five studies involving 119 subjects with DR and five studies including 421 subjects with DAT were eligible for inclusion in this study. In overweight or obese subjects with BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher, DR availability from 11C‐Racloprie was negatively associated with BMI. However, DR availability from 11C‐PHNO was positively associated with BMI. DAT ratio was calculated after dividing DAT availabilities of overweight/obese BMI with mean DAT availabilities of normal BMI. The association between DAT ratio and BMI was not significant regardless of radiopharmaceuticals. In conclusion, dopamine plays a main role in the reward system with regard to obesity. Overweight and obese subjects had negative association between DR availability from 11C‐Raclopride and BMI. However, the association of DR availability with BMI was dependent on radiopharmaceuticals. DAT availability did not show the significant relationship with BMI regardless of radiopharmaceuticals.