bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐world therapeutic effectiveness of lorlatinib after alectinib in Japanese patients with ALK‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Goto Yasushi , Shukuya Takehito , Murata Ai , Kikkawa Hironori , Emir Birol , Wiltshire Robin , Miura Satoru
Published: March 2023

Alectinib, an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is the recommended first‐line treatment for ALK‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Japan. Lorlatinib was approved as a subsequent therapeutic option after progression while receiving ALK TKI treatment. However, data on the use of lorlatinib in the second‐ or third‐line setting after alectinib failure are limited in Japanese patients. This retrospective real‐world observational study investigated the clinical effectiveness of lorlatinib in second‐ or later‐line settings after alectinib failure in Japanese patients. Clinical and demographic data collected in the Japan Medical Data Vision (MDV) database between December 2015 and March 2021 were used. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer who received lorlatinib following alectinib failure after the November 2018 marketing approval of lorlatinib in Japan were included. Of 1954 patients treated with alectinib, 221 were identified from the MDV database as receiving lorlatinib after November 2018. The median age of these patients was 62 years. Second‐line lorlatinib treatment was reported for 154 patients (70%); third‐ or later‐line lorlatinib treatment was reported for 67 patients (30%). The median duration of treatment (DOT) for all lorlatinib‐treated patients was 161 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 126–248), and 83 patients (37.6%) continued treatment after data cut‐off (March 31, 2021). Median DOTs of 147 days (95% CI, 113–242) and 244 days (95% CI, 109 to not reached) were reported with second‐line and third‐ or later‐line treatment, respectively. Consistent with clinical trial data, this real‐world observational study supports data suggesting the effectiveness of lorlatinib after alectinib failure in Japanese patients.
Panax notoginseng saponins promote hair follicle growth in mice via Wnt/β‐Catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Dan , Gong Zhen‐yu , Liu Shun‐cai , Zheng Xian‐ping , Kyaw Kaung Myat , Lin Bo‐jie
Published: March 2023

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the active ingredients of the traditional Chinese medicine Panax notoginseng, have strong neuroprotective and anti‐platelet aggregation effects. To investigate whether PNS can promote hair follicle growth in C57BL/6J mice, the optimal concentration of PNS was initially determined, followed by clarification of the mechanism underlying their effects. Twenty‐five male C57BL/6J mice had the hair on a 2 × 3 cm2 area of the dorsal skin shaved and were equally divided into five groups: control group, 5% minoxidil (MXD) group, and three PNS treatment groups [2% (10 mg/kg), 4% (20 mg/kg), and 8% (40 mg/kg) PNS]. They were then intragastrically administered the corresponding drugs for 28 days. The effects of PNS on C57BL/6J mice were analyzed by subjecting their dorsal depilated skin samples to different assessments, including hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and Western blotting (WB). The group with 8% PNS exhibited the largest number of hair follicles from 14 days onwards. Compared with the control group, the number of hair follicles increased significantly in the mice treated with 8% PNS and 5% MXD, which significantly increased in a PNS‐dose‐dependent manner. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results revealed that treatment with 8% PNS activated the metabolism of hair follicle cells, with them showing higher rates of proliferation and apoptosis than those in the normal group. In qRT‐PCR and WB analysis, the expression of β‐catenin, Wnt10b, and LEF1 was upregulated in the PNS and MDX groups compared with that in the control group. Examination of the WB bands revealed that the greatest inhibitory effect of Wnt5a occurred in mice in the 8% PNS group. PNS may promote the growth of hair follicles in mice, with 8% PNS demonstrating the strongest effect. The mechanism behind this may be related to the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Effect of gastric distension with concurrent small intestinal saline or glucose infusion on incretin hormone secretion in healthy individuals: A randomized, controlled, crossover study
Authors: Jalleh Ryan J. , Trahair Laurence G. , Wu Tongzhi , Standfield Scott , Feinle‐Bisset Christine , Rayner Christopher K. , Horowitz Michael , Jones Karen L.
Published: March 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effect of gastric distension, induced using a gastric ‘barostat’, on the secretion of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) in the presence and absence of small intestinal nutrients in healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods

Eight healthy participants (two females, six males, mean age 69.3 ± 1.2 years, body mass index 23.5 ± 0.8 kg/m2) were each studied on four occasions when they received an intraduodenal infusion of either (i) 0.9% saline or (ii) glucose delivered at a rate of 3 kcal/min both with, and without, an intragastric balloon with the pressure set to 8 mmHg above the intragastric minimum distending pressure.

Results

Following intraduodenal saline or glucose infusion, there was no difference in plasma GLP‐1 with or without gastric distension (P = 1.00 for both saline and glucose infusions). There was also no difference in plasma GIP with or without gastric distension (P = 1.00 for saline infusion and P = .99 for glucose infusion).

Conclusions

Gastric distension, either alone or during small intestinal glucose exposure, does not stimulate incretin hormone secretion significantly in healthy humans.
Understanding the transmission of crash risk between cryptocurrency and equity markets
Authors: Dai Peng‐Fei , Goodell John W. , Huynh Luu Duc Toan , Liu Zhifeng , Corbet Shaen
Published: March 2023

We evidence that cryptocurrencies have a higher probability of crashes than equity indices, although such crashes are of shorter duration. Commonality of crash risk between cryptocurrency and equity markets occur in approximately 80% of the periods examined. Further, recently evolved cryptocurrency uncertainty indices are more relevant for predicting co‐crash behavior than economic policy uncertainty. Results are consistent with cryptocurrencies being a growing source of financial instability.
Diagnostic utility of FOXO1 immunohistochemistry for rhabdomyosarcoma classification
Authors: Rutland Cooper D , Gedallovich Jodi , Wang Aihui , Zdravkovic Sabrina , Varma Sushama , Hornick Jason L , Charville Gregory W
Published: March 2023

Aims

Rhabdomyosarcomas currently are classified into one of four subtypes (alveolar, embryonal, spindle cell/sclerosing, or pleomorphic) according to their morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic features. The alveolar subtype is characterised by a recurrent translocation involving PAX3 or PAX7 and FOXO1; identification of this translocation is important for appropriate classification and prognostication. In this study, we aimed to explore the diagnostic utility of FOXO1 immunohistochemistry for rhabdomyosarcoma classification.

Methods/results

A monoclonal antibody targeting a FOXO1 epitope retained in the fusion oncoprotein was used to study 105 rhabdomyosarcomas. FOXO1 was positive for expression by immunohistochemistry in all 25 alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas, with 84% showing diffuse expression in greater than 90% of neoplastic cells; the remainder of alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas displayed at least moderate staining in a minimum of 60% of lesional cells. Apart from three spindle cell rhabdomyosarcomas showing heterogeneous nuclear immunoreactivity in 40–80% of tumour cells, the 80 cases of embryonal, pleomorphic, and spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma were negative for FOXO1 expression (96.3% specific) when using a threshold of nuclear staining in 20% of neoplastic cells to determine positivity. Variable cytoplasmic staining was present in a fraction of all rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes. Nonneoplastic lymphocytes, endothelial cells, and Schwann cells also showed variably intense nuclear anti‐FOXO1 immunoreactivity.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings suggest that FOXO1 immunohistochemistry is a highly sensitive and relatively specific surrogate marker of the PAX3/7::FOXO1 fusion oncoprotein in rhabdomyosarcoma. Cytoplasmic immunoreactivity, expression in nonneoplastic tissues, and limited nuclear staining of nonalveolar rhabdomyosarcomas represent potential pitfalls in interpretation.
Estimating Little Penguin population sizes using automated acoustic monitoring and citizen science
Authors: Colombelli‐Négrel Diane
Published: March 2023

While automated recorders are becoming a favourable tool to monitor birds, methods to analyse the large amount of data generated and their reliability for estimating population size are still limited. In this study, I compared Little Penguins Eudyptula minor call detection between a trained researcher, amateur volunteers and an automated software, assessed which environmental factors affect call variability and detectability and determined the feasibility of automated recorders to estimate population sizes. I found that (1) the number of calls detected by the trained researcher was significantly higher than those detected by the amateur volunteers and automated software, (2) neither wind speed nor moon illumination affected call variability and detectability, and (3) six automated recorders estimated between 3% (large colony) and 14–26% (small colony) of the population. This study contributes to our understanding of the efficacy of automated recorders for avian monitoring.
Cosmetic effects of red‐light reflection by ultramarine blue pigment
Authors: Ikkai Fumiyoshi , Blaksley Carl , Hayashi Rena , Jaspers Alexander
Published: March 2023

Objective

Inorganic pigments used as colouring agents in cosmetics (especially foundations) have many advantages over organic pigments, such as better opacity, weather and chemical resistance and lower cost. However, the types used in cosmetics are very limited, with various kinds of red, yellow and black iron oxide along with white titanium dioxide being the main materials. Ultramarine blue (UB) as a blue pigment and chromium oxide as a green pigment are also sometimes used in cosmetics. In this study, we focus once again on UB and reexamine the possibility of expanding the colour gamut using UB instead of black pigment and creating other optical cosmetic effects.

Methods

The effects of using UB were measured using spectroscopic instruments to determine the colour parameters when applied on artificial skin. The appearance of the product when applied to the human face was also verified both in terms of human appearance evaluation by an expert (esthetician) and numerical evaluation using imaging spectrometer measurements.

Results

The verified results showed that, at least in the colour range targeting Asian people, UB could not create a new colour gamut, but it was clear that UB could impart an optical effect that produced a beautiful skin effect on the face. This was remarkable both in the evaluation of human appearance and in the spectral measurement results, which confirmed the phenomenon “red‐light makes skin look beautiful,” which has been variously reported since the 2000s, using a different approach.

Conclusion

We have discovered a new possibility that UB, widely recognized as a pigment, is involved not only in colour tone but also in optical effects that contribute to the goal of beautiful skin, i.e. hiding skin wrinkles, eliminating unevenness of colour and improving skin homogeneity.
Physicochemical and functional properties of pectic polysaccharides extracted with four different chelators from sesame hull
Authors: Guo Qing , Xu Shuai , Zhao Xiao‐Juan , Liu Hua‐Min , Qin Zhao , Wang Xue‐De
Published: March 2023

Sesame hull is a byproduct of sesame processing and is currently treated as waste, but it could be an important source of pectic polysaccharides. To increase the value of the sesame crop, pectic polysaccharides were extracted from sesame hull using four different chelators, namely trans‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine tetraacetic acid (CDTA), ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium tripolyphosphate (STLP), and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), which were named CSP, ESP, STP, and SHP, respectively. Physicochemical and functional properties were assessed. SHP mainly contained homogalacturonan (HG) linear regions but the others had more branching with rhamnogalacturonan (RG‐I) as the predominant region. CSP showed the highest molecular weight (155 kDa) with a smooth surface. The molecular weight of ESP, STP, and SHP ranged from 40 kDa to 90 kDa and presented cracked surfaces. Furthermore, CSP had the highest oil holding capacity (9.03 g oil g−1 dry matter). ESP showed Newtonian‐fluid characteristics (n = 1.06) and weaker thermal stability than others. STP had the highest viscosity and good emulsifying stability in concentrations of 1% and 2%. SHP showed excellent water holding capacity, foaming capacity, emulsifying stability, and antioxidant activity. This study provides valuable information for selecting a suitable chelator to extract desirable pectic polysaccharides from sesame hull waste.
The nature and extent of food marketing on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube posts in Mexico
Authors: Valero‐Morales Isabel , Nieto Claudia , García Abad , Espinosa‐Montero Juan , Aburto Tania C. , Tatlow‐Golden Mimi , Boyland Emma , Barquera Simón
Published: March 2023

Food and beverage marketing appealing to children and adolescents has an impact on their food preferences, purchases requests, consumption patterns, health outcomes, and obesity. The objective of this study was to assess the nature and extent of food and beverage marketing on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube posts in Mexico. This was a content analysis that followed the World Health Organization CLICK methodology to comprehend the landscape of digital food marketing campaigns of the top‐selling food products and brands and the most popular accounts carried out between September and October 2020. A total of 926 posts from 12 food and beverage products and 8 brands were included. Facebook was the social media platform with the most posts and greatest engagement. The most prevalent marketing techniques were brand logo, image of packaging, image of the product itself, hashtags, and engagement to consume. Fifty percent of the posts were assessed as appealing to children, 66% to adolescents, and 80% to either children or adolescents. Ninety‐one percent of products (n = 1250) were classified as unhealthy according to the Mexican warning labels nutrient profile; 93% of the food promoted on posts appealing to either children or adolescents were unhealthy. Hashtags commonly referred to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Most of the unhealthy food digital marketing features marketing techniques that appeal to children or adolescents; moreover, the use of the pandemic hashtag reflected brands' responsiveness to the environment at the time of the study. The present data contribute to evidence supporting the strengthening of food marketing regulations in Mexico.
Characterization of hemocytes from the marine amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis (Dana 1853): Setting the basis for immunotoxicological studies
Authors: dos Santos Amanda , Botelho Marina Tenório , Joviano Willian Reina , Gomes Vicente , da Silva José Roberto Machado Cunha , de Aragão Umbuzeiro Gisela
Published: March 2023

Hemocytes are circulating blood cells that play a crucial function in amphipods and other crustacean immune systems. The hemocytes of the marine tropical amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis have been used for the evaluation of DNA damage and micronuclei, but they have not been characterized in the scientific literature. The aim of this study was to describe the hemolymph cells of P. hawaiensis and study their phagocytotic activity. Basic dyes were used to differentiate the cell types and the presence of lipids. The total hemocyte counts (THCs) and the proportion and sizes of the hemocyte types were determined. Hemolymph was exposed to Escherichia coli for verification of the presence of phagocytosis. Three cell types, all containing lipids, were identified in P. hawaiensis: granulocytes (oval shape, 13.4 × 7.6 μm), semi‐granulocytes (oval shape, 14.1 × 7.2 μm), and hyalinocytes (round shape, 9.6 × 7.2 μm). Those three cell types were found in different percentages in males (64.8%, 31.1%, and 4.2%) and females (70.1%, 28.2%, and 1.7%). THCs for males were 9007 ± 3800 cells per individual and 4695 ± 1892 cells per individual for females. The cells of E. coli were phagocytized by the hemocytes. Our findings increased the knowledge of hemocytes in P. hawaiensis and is a step forward in using hemocyte‐based immune responses as an endpoint in ecotoxicology.
Rheological assessment of metakaolin‐based geopolymer composites through squeeze flow
Authors: Brandvold Allison S. , Trindade Ana Carolina Constâncio , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: March 2023

Geopolymer (GP) composites show great potential as a replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in construction material, extrusion‐based, and additive manufacturing. The rheological properties of highly viscous and reinforced systems have not yet been well studied, due to limitations in the current state of the art rheometers and viscometers, such as size and torque limits. In this study, the basic rheological properties of highly reinforced, geopolymer composites with potential for 3D printing are innovatively investigated with “squeeze flow” and “flow table” tests commonly used in civil engineering. Squeeze‐flow rates of 0.1, 1.0, and 3.0 mm/s were assessed with varying sand weight percentages or basalt fiber lengths and compared to a conventional OPC mixture to differentiate the flow properties and deformation resistance of both materials. It is shown that the deformation resistance as a result of jamming increases with increasing solid reinforcement percentages, but that the overall effect of fiber size is somewhat inconclusive. In addition, the effect of squeeze‐flow rate exhibits an increase in load required to initiate flow at lower squeezing rates, but, upon reaching a certain ratio of solids to liquid in the matrix, the results become variable.
‘I just need a plan’: Consumer perceptions of waiting for healthcare
Authors: Harding Katherine E. , Lewis Annie K. , Taylor Nicholas F.
Published: March 2023

Rationale

Wait lists are common in the provision of publicly funded services in outpatient and community settings.

Aims and Objectives

We aimed to explore the experiences of consumers on wait lists across a broad range of services and to understand the impact of delays in access to services on people's lives.

Methods

Consumers with experience of being on a wait list for an outpatient or community‐based health service participated in one of three focus groups. Data were transcribed and analysed inductively using a thematic approach.

Results

Waiting for healthcare has detrimental impacts on health and well‐being. Consumers on wait lists want their health needs addressed, but they also want the ability to plan, clear communication and to feel like someone cares. Instead, they feel forgotten by impersonal and inflexible systems with very little communication, with emergency departments and general practitioners often left to fill in the gaps.

Conclusions

More consumer‐centred approaches are needed for access systems for outpatient and community services, featuring honesty about what services can realistically be provided, early access to initial assessment and information and clear lines of communication.
Concurrent infections of Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas veronii in farmed Giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes)
Authors: Pulpipat Theeraporn , Heckman Taylor I. , Boonyawiwat Visanu , Kerddee Pattarawit , Phatthanakunanan Sakuna , Soto Esteban , Surachetpong Win
Published: March 2023

The giant snakehead, Channa micropeltes, is an increasingly important economic freshwater fish in Thailand and other regions of Asia. Presently, giant snakehead are cultured under intensive aquaculture conditions, leading to high stress and conditions favouring disease. In this study, we reported a disease outbreak in farmed giant snakehead with a cumulative mortality of 52.5%, continuing for 2 months. The affected fish exhibited signs of lethargy, anorexia and haemorrhage of the skin and eyes. Further bacterial isolations revealed two different types of colonies on tryptic soy agar: small white, punctate colonies of gram‐positive cocci and cream‐coloured, round and convex colonies of rod‐shaped gram‐negative bacteria. Additional biochemical and species‐specific PCR analysis based on 16S rRNA confirmed the isolates as Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas veronii. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) placed the S. iniae isolate into a large clade of strains from clinically infected fish worldwide. Gross necropsy findings showed liver congestion, pericarditis and white nodules in the kidney and liver. Histologically, the affected fish showed focal to multifocal granulomas with inflammatory cell infiltration in kidney and liver, enlarged blood vessels with mild congestion within the meninges of the brain and severe necrotizing and suppurative pericarditis with myocardial infarction. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that S. iniae was sensitive to amoxicillin, erythromycin, enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, doxycycline and resistant to sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim, while the A. veronii was susceptible to erythromycin, enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim and resistant to amoxicillin. Conclusively, our findings highlighted the natural concurrent bacterial infections in cultured giant snakehead, which support the implementation of appropriate treatment and control strategies.
Spray drying of phytosterols: An alternative to improve the solubility of bioactive ingredients, with application in food matrices
Authors: Alvarez‐Henao Maria Victoria , León Daniel Esteban , Londoño‐Londoño Julian , Jimenez‐Cartagena Claudio
Published: March 2023

Phytosterols (PS) are bioactive compounds widely distributed in nature and are similar to cholesterol in structure and function. They contribute to the decrease of cardiovascular diseases, which are associated with high‐cholesterol consumption. Plant sterols are lipophilic and need to be encapsulated to improve their solubility to be applied in foods. For this reason, this work found the optimum mixture for the encapsulation of PS, with soy protein isolate, maltodextrin, and Arabic gum used as encapsulating agents. Characterization of the design was evaluated in terms of the encapsulation yield, efficiency, water activity (aw), moisture, and water solubility. The drying process was undertaken at an inlet temperature of 165°C, 80% aspiration, and a PS/encapsulating agent ratio of 1:3. The optimal formulation corresponded to the soy protein isolate: Arabic gum: maltodextrin ratio of 21:78:1, respectively, which improved all the properties evaluated. The morphology and x‐ray diffraction results of this formulation also determined that the solubility and particle size were improved.

Practical Application

Phytosterols are functional ingredients that contribute to reducing cholesterol levels in blood. However, its incorporation in different fields has been somewhat affected due to its crystalline structure. Therefore, to improve its application, different methods have been studied, but spray drying is one of the least evaluated. This study highlights the importance of phytosterols as bioactive compounds, their protection and solubility, achieved through technologies such as the spray drying and various encapsulating agents; which proportionate an open window to allow the future be applied in different sectors of the food industry, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, especially in products that have a high‐water content and with the purpose of giving importance to health properties.
An ARF24‐ZmArf2 module influences kernel size in different maize haplotypes
Authors: Gao Jie , Zhang Long , Du Haonan , Dong Yongbin , Zhen Sihan , Wang Chen , Wang Qilei , Yang Jingyu , Zhang Paifeng , Zheng Xu , Li Yuling
Published: March 2023

Members of the ADP‐ribosylation factor family, which are GTP‐binding proteins, are involved in metabolite transport, cell division, and expansion. Although there has been a significant amount of research on small GTP‐binding proteins, their roles and functions in regulating maize kernel size remain elusive. Here, we identified ZmArf2 as a maize ADP‐ribosylation factor‐like family member that is highly conserved during evolution. Maize zmarf2 mutants showed a characteristic smaller kernel size. Conversely, ZmArf2 overexpression increased maize kernel size. Furthermore, heterologous expression of ZmArf2 dramatically elevated Arabidopsis and yeast growth by promoting cell division. Using expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis, we determined that ZmArf2 expression levels in various lines were mainly associated with variation at the gene locus. The promoters of ZmArf2 genes could be divided into two types, pS and pL, that were significantly associated with both ZmArf2 expression levels and kernel size. In yeast‐one‐hybrid screening, maize Auxin Response Factor 24 (ARF24) is directly bound to the ZmArf2 promoter region and negatively regulated ZmArf2 expression. Notably, the pS and pL promoter types each contained an ARF24 binding element: an auxin response element (AuxRE) in pS and an auxin response region (AuxRR) in pL, respectively. ARF24 binding affinity to AuxRR was much higher compared with AuxRE. Overall, our results establish that the small G‐protein ZmArf2 positively regulates maize kernel size and reveals the mechanism of its expression regulation.
Effects of oxytocin ablation on pup rescue, nursing behaviors and response to pup separation in early‐to‐mid postpartum mice
Authors: Ng Hannah , Ohmura Nami , Miyazawa Eri , Yoshihara Chihiro , Okuma Lana , Kuroda Kumi O.
Published: March 2023

Oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone, is indispensable for milk ejection during nursing and is important for uterine contractions during parturition. The exact functions of oxytocin in postpartum maternal behaviors and motivations require further investigation. To this end, we characterized the role of oxytocin in components of maternal motivations during the mid‐postpartum period, which has not been previously studied. To maintain suckling stimuli, postpartum oxytocin knockout (Oxt−/−) and heterozygous (Oxt+/−) littermates were co‐housed with a wild‐type lactating mother and its litter, and were examined for their ability to retrieve pups under standard or high‐risk conditions, nursing behavior, maternal aggression towards an unfamiliar intruder, and motivation to regain contact with separated pups. One‐third of Oxt−/− mothers exhibited prolonged parturition but were otherwise grossly healthy. Despite their inability to eject milk, Oxt−/− mothers displayed nursing behaviors for similar durations to Oxt+/− mothers during the second postpartum week. In addition, Oxt−/− mothers were essentially intact for pup retrieval under standard conditions and were motivated to stay close to pups, although they showed a mild decrease in maternal care under high‐risk conditions and increased anxiety‐like behaviors in pup‐related contexts. The present findings indicate that oxytocin is dispensable for nursing behavior and maternal motivations, yet suggest that oxytocin may be relevant for stress resilience in the postpartum period.
Identifying risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome in women with epilepsy: A comprehensive analysis of 248 patients
Authors: Lai Wanlin , Shen Ning , Zhu Huili , He Shixu , Yang Ximeng , Lai Qi , Li Rui , Ji Shuming , Chen Lei
Published: March 2023

To assess the risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with epilepsy (WWE) and develop a practical approach for PCOS screening based on clinical characteristic, blood indicator, and anti‐seizure medication (ASM) profiles. This cross‐sectional study was conducted with 248 WWE who were consecutively enrolled from the Epilepsy Center of West China Hospital between April 2021 and March 2022. The epilepsy characteristics, blood indicators, and use of ASMs were compared between WWE with and without PCOS. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the factors independently associated with PCOS. The differential analysis showed that younger age at onset of epilepsy (<13 years), a history of birth hypoxia, obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), use of levetiracetam (LEV) (≥1 year), higher levels of cholesterol, luteinizing hormone (LH) and anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), and lower levels of sex hormone‐binding globulin were associated with PCOS (p < .05). Multivariate logistic regression identified that obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), use of LEV (≥1 year), and higher levels of AMH and LH were independently associated with PCOS in WWE (p < .05). Obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), LEV use (≥1 year), and elevated AMH and LH levels suggest an increased in the probability of occurrence of PCOS in WWE. The combination of these profiles provides a practical approach for screening PCOS in WWE.
Loneliness During the School Years: How It Affects Learning and How Schools Can Help*
Authors: Jefferson Rebecca , Barreto Manuela , Verity Lily , Qualter Pamela
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Substantial evidence links loneliness to poor academic outcomes and poor employment prospects. Schools have been shown to be places that mitigate or aggravate loneliness, suggesting a need to consider how schools can better support youth experiencing loneliness.

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review on loneliness in childhood and adolescence to examine the literature on how loneliness changes over the school years and how it influences learning. We also examined whether there were increases in loneliness because of the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated school closures, and whether schools can be places for loneliness interventions/prevention.

FINDINGS

Studies describe how loneliness becomes more prevalent during the adolescent years and why that is the case. Loneliness is associated with poor academic outcomes and poor health behaviors that impact learning or turn students away from education. Research shows that loneliness increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Evidence suggests that creating positive social classroom environments, where teacher and classmate support are available, is crucial in combatting youth loneliness.

CONCLUSIONS

Adaptations to the school climate can be made to meet the needs of all students, reducing loneliness. Investigation of the impacts of school‐based loneliness prevention/intervention is crucial.
Using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model to Support Mental Health in Schools
Authors: Lever Nancy , Orenstein Shawn , Jaspers Lea , Bohnenkamp Jill , Chung Joyce , Hager Erin
Published: March 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic increased already high rates of student mental health concerns and further underscored inequities and disparities in access to services and care. As schools continue to address the effects of the pandemic, they must prioritize student mental health and well‐being. In this commentary, using feedback from the Maryland School Health Council, we present the connection between mental health in school and the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model, a school health model commonly employed by schools and school districts. In doing so, we aim to highlight how school districts can use this model to address child mental health needs across a multi‐tiered system of support.
Melatonin‐mediated malic enzyme 2 orchestrates mitochondrial fusion and respiratory functions to promote odontoblastic differentiation during tooth development
Authors: Zhang Fuping , Yang Shengyan , Jiang Liulin , Liu Jiawei , He Yifan , Sheng Xinyue , Chen Haoling , Kang Jun , Jia Shilin , Fan Wenguo , Huang Fang , He Hongwen
Published: March 2023

Tooth development is a complex process that is tightly controlled by circadian rhythm. Melatonin (MT) is a major hormonal regulator of the circadian rhythm, and influences dentin formation and odontoblastic differentiation during tooth development; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study investigated how MT regulates odontoblastic differentiation, with a special focus on its regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. In rat dental papilla cells (DPCs), we found that MT promotes odontoblastic differentiation concurrently with enhanced mitochondrial fusion, while disruption of mitochondrial fusion by depleting optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) impairs MT‐mediated differentiation and mitochondrial respiratory functions. Through RNA sequencing, we discovered that MT significantly upregulated malic enzyme 2 (ME2), a mitochondrial NAD(P)+‐dependent enzyme, and identified ME2 as a critical MT downstream effector that orchestrates odontoblastic differentiation, mitochondrial fusion, and respiration functions. By detecting the spatiotemporal expression of ME2 in developing tooth germs, and using tooth germ reconstituted organoids, we also provided in vivo and ex vivo evidence that ME2 promotes dentin formation, indicating a possible involvement of ME2 in MT‐modulated tooth development. Collectively, our findings offer novel understandings regarding the molecular mechanism by which MT affects cell differentiation and organogenesis, meanwhile, the critical role of ME2 in MT‐regulated mitochondrial functions is also highlighted.
COVID‐19 vaccination willingness and uptake among rural Black/African American, Latino, and White adults
Authors: Strassle Paula D. , Green Alexis L. , Colbert Caleb A. , Stewart Anita L. , Nápoles Anna M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess differences in COVID‐19 vaccine willingness and uptake between rural and nonrural adults, and within rural racial‐ethnic groups.

Methods

We utilized data from the COVID‐19's Unequal Racial Burden online survey, which included 1,500 Black/African American, Latino, and White rural adults (n = 500 each). Baseline (12/2020‐2/2021) and 6‐month follow‐up (8/2021‐9/2021) surveys were administered. A cohort of nonrural Black/African American, Latino, and White adults (n = 2,277) was created to compare differences between rural and nonrural communities. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess associations between rurality, race‐ethnicity, and vaccine willingness and uptake.

Findings

At baseline, only 24.9% of rural adults were extremely willing to be vaccinated and 28.4% were not at all willing. Rural White adults were least willing to be vaccinated, compared to nonrural White adults (extremely willing: aOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.30‐0.64). At follow‐up, 69.3% of rural adults were vaccinated; however, only 25.3% of rural adults who reported being unwilling to vaccinate were vaccinated at follow‐up, compared to 95.6% of adults who were extremely willing to be vaccinated and 76.3% who were unsure. Among those unwilling to vaccinate at follow‐up, almost half reported distrust in the government (52.3%) and drug companies (46.2%); 80% reported that nothing would change their minds regarding vaccination.

Conclusions

By August 2021, almost 70% of rural adults were vaccinated. However, distrust and misinformation were prevalent among those unwilling to vaccinate at follow‐up. To continue to effectively combat COVID‐19 in rural communities, we need to address misinformation to increase COVID‐19 vaccination rates.
Towards resorbable 3D‐printed scaffolds for craniofacial bone regeneration
Authors: Karanth Divakar , Song Kaidong , Martin Macey L. , Meyer Delaney R. , Dolce Calogero , Huang Yong , Holliday L. Shannon
Published: March 2023

This review will briefly examine the development of 3D‐printed scaffolds for craniofacial bone regeneration. We will, in particular, highlight our work using Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and collagen‐based bio‐inks. This paper is a narrative review of the materials used for scaffold fabrication by 3D printing. We have also reviewed two types of scaffolds that we designed and fabricated. Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds were printed using fused deposition modelling technology. Collagen‐based scaffolds were printed using a bioprinting technique. These scaffolds were tested for their physical properties and biocompatibility. Work in the emerging field of 3D‐printed scaffolds for bone repair is briefly reviewed. Our work provides an example of PLLA scaffolds that were successfully 3D‐printed with optimal porosity, pore size and fibre thickness. The compressive modulus was similar to, or better than, the trabecular bone of the mandible. PLLA scaffolds generated an electric potential upon cyclic/repeated loading. The crystallinity was reduced during the 3D printing. The hydrolytic degradation was relatively slow. Osteoblast‐like cells did not attach to uncoated scaffolds but attached well and proliferated after coating the scaffold with fibrinogen. Collagen‐based bio‐ink scaffolds were also printed successfully. Osteoclast‐like cells adhered, differentiated, and survived well on the scaffold. Efforts are underway to identify means to improve the structural stability of the collagen‐based scaffolds, perhaps through mineralization by the polymer‐induced liquid precursor process. 3D‐printing technology is promising for constructing next‐generation bone regeneration scaffolds. We describe our efforts to test PLLA and collagen scaffolds produced by 3D printing. The 3D‐printed PLLA scaffolds showed promising properties akin to natural bone. Collagen scaffolds need further work to improve structural integrity. Ideally, such biological scaffolds will be mineralized to produce true bone biomimetics. These scaffolds warrant further investigation for bone regeneration.
Changes in alveolar bone structure during orthodontic tooth movement in adolescent and adult rats: A microcomputed tomography study
Authors: Xu Bowen , Yang Kai
Published: March 2023

Background

Increasing number of adults are willing to seek orthodontic treatment, but treatment duration for them is commonly longer. Although there have been studies on molecular biological changes during tooth movement, few have focused on microstructural changes in alveolar bone.

Objective

This study aims to compare the microstructural changes in alveolar bone during orthodontic tooth movement in adolescent and adult rats.

Methods

25 6‐week‐old and 25 8‐month‐old male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were used to build orthodontic tooth‐movement models. On Days 0, 1, 3, 7 and 14, the rats were sacrificed. Microcomputed tomography was used to evaluate tooth movement, alveolar crest height loss and microstructural parameters of alveolar bone (bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation and trabecular number).

Results

Tooth movement in the adult group was slower than in the adolescent group. Alveolar bone crest height in adults was lower than it was in adolescents on Day 0. Under orthodontic force, the alveolar crest in both groups decreased and the degree of decrease are higher at early stage in adolescents. The microstructural parameters indicated that the alveolar bone was originally denser in the adult rats. With orthodontic force, it tended to be looser.

Conclusions

Under orthodontic force, changes in alveolar bone differ between adolescent and adult rats. Tooth movements in adults are slower, and the decrease in alveolar bone density are more severe.
Successful treatment of malakoplakia of the liver and skin in a pediatric liver transplant patient
Authors: Gerard Andrew , Mesa Hector , Danziger‐Isakov Lara , Barros Kathryn L. , Alali Muayad
Published: March 2023

Background

Malakoplakia occurs uncommonly at any age, but pediatric reports are exceptionally limited. Malakoplakia appears primarily in the urinary tract, although involvement of essentially all organs has been reported, cutaneous malakoplakia is very uncommon and liver involvement is the rarest.

Method

We report the first pediatric case of concurrent hepatic and cutaneous malakoplakia in a pediatric liver transplant recipient. We also provide a literature review for cutaneous malakoplakia cases in children.

Result

A 16‐year‐old male received a deceased‐donor liver transplant for autoimmune hepatitis, present with the persistence of the liver mass of unknown etiology and cutaneous plaque‐like lesions around the surgical scar. Core biopsies taken from the skin and abdominal wall lesions demonstrated histiocytes containing Michaelis‐Gutmann bodies (MGB) revealing the diagnosis. The patient successfully was treated with antibiotics alone for 9 months without surgical intervention or a decrease in immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the need to include malakoplakia in the differential diagnosis of mass‐forming lesions after solid transplantation and increase awareness of this very rare entity in pediatrics.
Inorganic nanoparticles for use in aquaculture
Authors: Vijayaram Seerengaraj , Tsigkou Konstantina , Zuorro Antonio , Sun Yun‐Zhang , Rabetafika Holy , Razafindralambo Hary
Published: March 2023

Nanotechnology is a rising technology dealing with nanoparticle‐based (1–100 nm) organic and inorganic materials. Such technology has a vital role in various industrial sectors, including pharmaceuticals, nuclear energy, fuel and energy, electronics, and bioengineering, while having potential applications to human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Even though nanomaterial applications can cover multi‐areas of biological and natural fields, limited information are available in the aquaculture sector. Nowadays, the aquaculture sector is the most imperative field to meet animal protein requirements for human nutrition, and aquaculture disease outbreaks as well as the aquatic environment pollutants are significant hindrances in producing healthy aquatic products. The current review aims to enlighten the direction of nanotechnology in the aquaculture industry while providing more specific information about inorganic forms of nanoparticles used to develop several types of applications such as antimicrobial, antibiofilm and photocatalytic agents, as well as aquatic animal nutrition in the domain of aquaculture. A large number of inorganic nanoparticles and their use as animal feed and for water treatment are extensively described. Their potential risks in aquaculture are also presented and discussed. The aquaculture nanotechnology applications are expected to contribute to fish health improvement, harmful microbes control, and aquatic products nano‐delivery in the forthcoming years.
Optimizing the restoration of the threatened seagrass Posidonia australis: plant traits influence restoration success
Authors: Ferretto Giulia , Glasby Tim M. , Poore Alistair G. B. , Callaghan Corey T. , Sinclair Elizabeth A. , Statton John , Kendrick Gary A. , Vergés Adriana
Published: March 2023

Restoration is an important activity to assist the recovery of damaged or degraded ecosystems. Accessing healthy donor material can be challenging when restoring threatened ecological communities, but careful selection of donor material may improve the success and cost‐effectiveness of restoration projects. We aim to optimize restoration of the threatened seagrass Posidonia australis by identifying the traits of donor material that best predict survival and establishment. To avoid collecting donor material from threatened populations, a recent restoration method focuses on using naturally detached fragments of P. australis collected from the shoreline, which are stored in outdoor tanks prior to planting. Here, we examine 10 morphological traits of P. australis fragments and other variables relating to collection method to identify which traits best predicted survival after replanting. Fragments with more shoots and less dead tissue (necrosis) in their leaves had higher survival 1 year after planting. Fragments that were stored longer in tanks prior to replanting had significantly higher survival rates. These results can refine the selection for donor material used in restoration and optimize the recently developed restoration technique for P. australis using beach‐cast seagrass material.
Diffusion of innovations through social networks: Determinants and implications
Authors: Gondal Neha
Published: March 2023

Social scientists have long been interested in the diffusion of innovations—the process by which new ideas, behavior, and practices spread between persons, organizations, and even countries. While innovations can enter a community through various channels, ongoing spread of innovations through a community occurs through the medium of social networks—collections of interpersonal or digital relationships connecting actors to each other. Social networks are important for diffusion because relationships foster communication, trust, and flow of information. Diffusion outcomes are also shaped by the structural properties of social networks such as density, centrality, and strength of ties, as well as properties of the innovation and the actors involved in the process. The purpose of the article is twofold: (1) to take stock of the field and review ongoing debates on the role of social networks in the diffusion of innovations and (2) to summarize the sociological implications of the diffusion of innovations through social networks.
Chromosome‐level reference genome of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum (Vitaceae) provides insights into genomic evolution and the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids
Authors: Zhu Shanshan , Zhang Xinyi , Ren Chaoqian , Xu Xinhan , Comes Hans Peter , Jiang Weimei , Fu Chengxin , Feng Huixia , Cai Liming , Hong Deyuan , Li Kunlun , Kai Guoyin , Qiu Yingxiong
Published: March 2023

Here, we present a high‐quality chromosome‐scale genome assembly (2.19 Gb) and annotation of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum, a perennial herbaceous liana native to subtropical China with diverse medicinal applications. Approximately 73% of the genome was comprised of transposable elements (TEs), of which long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR‐RTs) were a predominant group (69% of the genome). The genome size increase of T. hemsleyanum (relative to Vitis species) was mostly due to the proliferation of LTR‐RTs. Of the different modes of gene duplication identified, transposed duplication (TRD) and dispersed duplication (DSD) were the predominant ones. Genes, particularly those involved in the phenylpropanoid–flavonoid (PF) pathway and those associated with therapeutic properties and environmental stress resistance, were significantly amplified through recent tandem duplications. We dated the divergence of two intraspecific lineages in Southwest (SW) versus Central‐South‐East (CSE) China to the late Miocene (approximately 5.2 million years ago). Of those, the former showed more upregulated genes and metabolites. Based on resequencing data of 38 individuals representing both lineages, we identified various candidate genes related to ‘response to stimulus’ and ‘biosynthetic process’, including ThFLS11, which is putatively involved in flavonoid accumulation. Overall, this study provides abundant genomic resources for future evolutionary, ecological, and functional genomics studies in T. hemsleyanum and related species.