bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative complications and emergency surgeries in colorectal cancer patients <50 years—a national cohort study
Authors: Gutlic Ida , Saraste Deborah , Nordenvall Caroline , Martling Anna , Lydrup Marie‐Louise , Buchwald Pamela
Published: June 2024

Aim

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Sweden is increasing in individuals <50 years. This study aimed to examine differences in postoperative 30‐day complications and rate of emergency surgeries in CRC patients <50 years at diagnosis compared to older age groups since population‐based research on this topic is scarce.

Method

This population‐based study included data from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry for patients undergoing CRC resection between 2010 and 2018. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to analyse the relationship between age groups (<50, 50–79 and ≥80 years) and probability of postoperative 30‐day complications adjusted for gender, tumour localization, neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy and American Society of Anesthesiologists score.

Results

In total 33 320 patients were included. Patients <50 years had a lower American Society of Anesthesiologists score, more advanced tumours and received more neoadjuvant treatment. Emergency surgeries were less common in the youngest age group (P < 0.001) as well as overall postoperative 30‐day complications: ORadj 0.84 (95% CI 0.74–0.96) compared to those ≥80 years. Surgical complications were more common in age groups <50 and 50–79 years (16.5% and 16.9% respectively) compared to patients ≥80 years (14.1%) (P < 0.001). Anastomotic leakage and intra‐abdominal infections were more frequent in patients <50 years (5.7% and 3.5% respectively) compared to age groups 50–79 years (5.1% and 2.8% respectively) and ≥80 years (3.5% and 2.1% respectively) (P < 0.001). Wound infections were more common in the two youngest age groups compared to patients ≥80 years (5.3% vs. 3.7% respectively) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer patients <50 years and 50–79 years had a higher proportion of surgical complications regarding anastomotic leakage, intra‐abdominal infections and wound infections but lower overall postoperative complications. The incidence of surgical emergencies was highest amongst patients ≥80 years. Postoperative diagnostic workup in symptomatic individuals <50 years is warranted.
Rationale and design for a pragmatic randomized trial to assess gene‐based prescribing for SSRIs in the treatment of depression
Authors: Hines Lindsay J. , Wilke Russell A. , Myers Rachel , Mathews Carol A. , Liu Michelle , Baye Jordan F. , Petry Natasha , Cicali Emily J. , Duong Benjamin Q. , Elwood Erica , Hulvershorn Leslie , Nguyen Khoa , Ramos Michelle , Sadeghpour Azita , Wu R. Ryanne , Williamson Lloyda , Wiisanen Kristin , Voora Deepak , Singh Rajbir , Blake Kathryn V. , Murrough James W. , Volpi Simona , Ginsburg Geoffrey S. , Horowitz Carol R. , Orlando Lori , Chakraborty Hrishikesh , Dexter Paul , Johnson Julie A. , Skaar Todd C. , Cavallari Larisa H. , Van Driest Sara L. , Peterson Josh F. ,   the IGNITE Pragmatic Trials Network
Published: June 2024

Specific selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) metabolism is strongly influenced by two pharmacogenes, CYP2D6 and CYP2C19. However, the effectiveness of prospectively using pharmacogenetic variants to select or dose SSRIs for depression is uncertain in routine clinical practice. The objective of this prospective, multicenter, pragmatic randomized controlled trial is to determine the effectiveness of genotype‐guided selection and dosing of antidepressants on control of depression in participants who are 8 years or older with ≥3 months of depressive symptoms who require new or revised therapy. Those randomized to the intervention arm undergo pharmacogenetic testing at baseline and receive a pharmacy consult and/or automated clinical decision support intervention based on an actionable phenotype, while those randomized to the control arm have pharmacogenetic testing at the end of 6‐months. In both groups, depression and drug tolerability outcomes are assessed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months (primary), and 6 months. The primary end point is defined by change in Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression score assessed at 3 months versus baseline. Secondary end points include change inpatient health questionnaire (PHQ‐8) measure of depression severity, remission rates defined by PROMIS score < 16, medication adherence, and medication side effects. The primary analysis will compare the PROMIS score difference between trial arms among those with an actionable CYP2D6 or CYP2C19 genetic result or a CYP2D6 drug–drug interaction. The trial has completed accrual of 1461 participants, of which 562 were found to have an actionable phenotype to date, and follow‐up will be complete in April of 2024.
Item Response Theory Models for Polytomous Multidimensional Forced‐Choice Items to Measure Construct Differentiation
Authors: Qiu Xuelan , de la Torre Jimmy , Wang You‐Gan , Wu Jinran
Published: June 2024

Multidimensional forced‐choice (MFC) items have been found to be useful to reduce response biases in personality assessments. However, conventional scoring methods for the MFC items result in ipsative data, hindering the wider applications of the MFC format. In the last decade, a number of item response theory (IRT) models have been developed, majority of which are for MFC items with binary responses. However, MFC items with polytomous responses are more informative and have many applications. This paper develops a polytomous Rasch ipsative model (pRIM) that can deal with ipsative data and yield estimates that measure construct differentiation—a latent trait that describes the degree to which the personality constructs (e.g., interests) distinguish between each other. The pRIM and its simpler form are applied to a career interests assessment containing four‐category MFC items and the measures of interests differentiation are used for both intra‐ and interpersonal comparisons. Simulations are conducted to examine the recovery of the parameters under various conditions. The results show that the parameters of the pRIM can be well recovered, particularly when a complete linking design and a large sample are used. The implications and application of the pRIM in the personality assessment using MFC items are discussed.
‘Beyond the Scale’: A Qualitative Exploration of the Impact of Weight Stigma Experienced by Patients With Obesity in General Practice
Authors: Ryan Leona , Quigley Fiona , Birney Susie , Crotty Michael , Conlan Owen , Walsh Jane C.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Obesity is a complex, chronic, relapsing disease that requires an individualised approach to treatment. However, weight stigma (WS) experienced in healthcare settings poses a significant barrier to achieving person‐centred care for obesity. Understanding the experiences of people living with obesity (PwO) can inform interventions to reduce WS and optimise patient outcomes. This study explores how patients with obesity perceive WS in general practice settings; its impact on their psychological well‐being and health behaviours, and the patients suggestions for mitigating it.

Methods

In‐depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 PwO who had experienced WS in general practice settings in Ireland. The interviews were conducted online via Zoom between May and August 2023; interviews lasted between 31 and 63 min (M = 34.36 min). Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Three overarching themes specific to participants' experience of WS in general practice were generated: (1) shame, blame and ‘failure’; (2) eat less, move more—the go‐to treatment; (3) worthiness tied to compliance. A fourth theme: (4) the desire for a considered approach, outlines the participants' suggestions for reducing WS by improving the quality of patient–provider interactions in general practice.

Conclusion

The findings call for a paradigm shift in the management of obesity in general practice: emphasising training for GPs in weight‐sensitive communication and promoting respectful, collaborative, and individualised care to reduce WS and improve outcomes for people with obesity.

Patient or Public Contribution

PPI collaborators played an active and equal role in shaping the research, contributing to the development of the research questions, refining the interview schedule, identifying key themes in the data, and granting final approval to the submitted and published version of the study.
Mismatch repair deficiency: how reliable is the two‐antibody approach? A national real‐life study
Authors: Vink‐Börger Elisa , den Bakker Michael , Voorham Rinus , van Nederveen Francien , Nagtegaal Iris
Published: June 2024

Aims

Traditionally, mismatch repair (MMR) status is determined by a panel of four antibodies (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, MSH6). If all proteins are retained, cases are MMR proficient (pMMR), while loss of one or more proteins is indicative of MMR deficiency (dMMR). This approach has been challenged in favour of a two‐antibody approach, using PMS2 and MSH6 as a first screening. Their retainment is deemed sufficient to declare cases pMMR. In this study we aim to verify the validity of the two‐antibody approach.

Methods and Results

We performed a nationwide study in colorectal cancer (CRC) and endometrial cancer (EC) diagnosed between 2016 and 2023, including 47,657 patients to evaluate the two‐antibody approach. In 0.17% and 0.4% of cases of CRC and EC, respectively, dMMR cases would be missed with the two‐antibody approach. Subgroup analyses pointed towards slightly increased miss rates in younger patients (under the age of 50 years) in both groups and identified special subtypes (signet ring cell carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and mucinous carcinoma in CRC and clear cell carcinoma in EC) with increased miss rates. For these specific subgroups, a low threshold should be used for further testing. In case of ambiguous or heterogeneous staining patterns, four antibodies should be used.

Conclusion

In general, the application of a two‐antibody MMR testing strategy does not lead to considerable failure of dMMR identification and saves costs.
Impact of air‐polishing with erythritol on exposed root dentin: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kruse Anne Brigitte , Burkhardt Ann‐Sophie , Vach Kirstin , Hellwig Elmar , Woelber Johan Peter , Schlueter Nadine , Ratka‐Krüger Petra
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The effects of air‐polishing on exposed root dentin surfaces are largely unknown, as there are only few studies which show heterogeneous results. Thus, this study was to investigate roughness changes of exposed dentin surfaces after air‐polishing and the influence of subsequent polishing with cup and paste.

Methods

Totally 54 teeth with exposed root dentin surfaces were treated using a split‐mouth design by either air‐polishing with erythritol and a rubber cup with polishing paste on the test side, or rubber cup and paste alone. Teeth were finally cleaned using a sonic tooth brush. Impressions were taken at relevant time points and replicated using epoxy resin. The resulting casts were profilometrically analysed to obtain the average surface roughness (sRa) and maximum peak‐to‐valley height (sRz), which are given as the mean ± standard deviation in μm.

Results

After air‐polishing, in comparison to the baseline, there was a slight but significant increase in sRa (0.168 ± 0.143, p < 0.001), but sRz did not change (−0.471 ± 4.857, p = 0.936). Subsequent polishing with cup and paste and cleaning with a sonic toothbrush did not reduce the surface roughness (sonic toothbrush‐air‐polishing, sRa −0.044 ± 0.081, p = 0.218; sRz −0.551 ± 3.563, p = 0.903).

Conclusion

The use of erythritol led to a slight increase in the roughness of the dentin surface, which was not reduced by polishing with a cup and paste. Polishing paste did not seem to conceal surface irregularities.
In vitro evaluation of surface roughness of titanium abutments after air polishing with different abrasive powders
Authors: Roberto Pedro Francisco Almeida , Luís Henrique Soares , Oliveira Sofia Arantes
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of air polishing with sodium bicarbonate and erythritol powders on surface roughness and morphological changes in titanium abutments.

Methods

A total of 45 grade V titanium discs were divided in three groups: Group A (Control) air polished with air/water; Group B, air polished with sodium bicarbonate powder; and Group C, air polished with erythritol powder. After air polishing, the samples' roughness (Sa) in micrometres were analysed with an optical profilometer. The samples' surface morphology study was conducted via scanning electronic microscope (SEM). Data were described using mean and standard deviation of roughness values (Sa). Inferential analysis was performed using the ANOVA multiple comparison test followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Both tests used a 5% level of significance.

Results

After air polishing, average roughness of group A, B and C were 0.036, 0.046 and 0.037 μm, respectively, with statistically significant differences between groups A and B (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between group A and group C, as well as between group B and C (p > 0.05). As for the morphology analysis, damages to the titanium surface were only observed in group B.

Conclusions

The study indicates that air polishing with erythritol powder maintains titanium abutment integrity better than sodium bicarbonate, which increased surface roughness and caused damage. Erythritol is preferable for minimizing surface alterations and maintaining morphological stability.
A Conversation With Marc Hallin
Authors: Genest Christian
Published: June 2024

Marc Hallin was born in Ghent, Belgium, on 23 April 1949. He holds aLicence en Sciences mathématiques(1971), aLicence en Sciences actuarielles(1972), and aDoctorat en Sciences(1976) from theUniversité libre de Bruxelles. He then rose through the professorial ranks at the same institution, being successivelyPremier Assistant(1977–1978),Chargé de Cours associé(1978–1984),Chargé de Cours(1984–1988),Professeur ordinaire(1988–2009), andProfesseur ordinaire émériteupon retirement in 2009. Throughout his career, he supervised 25 PhD students and held invited positions at many institutions of high standing in Austria, Belgium, England, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the USA (most notably Princeton). A renown expert in time series analysis, econometrics, and non‐parametric inference, Marc is the author or coauthor of over 250 research papers, for which he received numerous awards, including the Medal of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University in Prague (2006), aHumboldt Forschungspreisfrom the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2012), the Pierre‐Simon de Laplace Award of theSociété française de Statistique(2022), and the Gottfried E. Noether Distinguished Scholar Award of the American Statistical Association (2022). He gave several distinguished lecture series, including the 2017 Hermann Otto Hirschfeld Lecture Series at theHumboldt Universität zu Berlin, and the 2018 Mahalanobis Memorial Lecture at the Indian Statistical Institute. Over the years, he co‐edited a dozen books and proceedings, and served on the editorial boards of several journals, including theJournal of Time Series Analysis(1994–2009), theJournal of Econometrics(2013–2019), theJournal of Business and Economic Statistics(2018–), and the Theory and Methods Section of theJournal of the American Statistical Association(2005–). He is a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (1990) and the American Statistical Association (1997), as well as a member of theClasse des Sciencesof the Royal Academy of Belgium (1999). Marc has been a member of the International Statistical Institute since 1985 and was (co‐) Editor‐in‐Chief of theInternational Statistical Reviewfrom 2010 to 2015.
Larval development in the apodid sea cucumber Chiridota gigas, with a focus on coelom development and the serotonergic nervous system during metamorphosis
Authors: Sewell Mary A. , Prowse Thomas A. A. , Selvakumaraswamy Paulina , Byrne Maria
Published: June 2024

A unifying feature of echinoderm larvae is the development of a left anterior coelom, which consists of an undivided left axocoel and hydrocoel. Although the axocoel is a key deuterostome trait, the presence of this coelom in holothurians has been the subject of debate. Here, we focus on the development of the coelom in a basal holothuroid, the apodid Chiridota gigas (F. Chiridotidae). The dorsal pore and dorsal duct develop first, just after gastrulation, followed by expansion into an axohydrocoel in the auricularia. The left somatocoel was first evident adjacent to the stomach ~30 days post‐fertilization. The axohydrocoel differentiated into two distinct parts: the hydrocoel adjacent to the stomach, and a thin‐walled axocoel that was mid‐dorsal between the hydrocoel and the dorsal pore. This left axocoel extended to both the anterior and posterior but did not cross the larval midline. Out‐folding of the hydrocoel to form the primary tentacles was first observed at 58 days. Transition to a doliolaria with four‐rings was rapid (24 hr) and similar to the transition in other holothurians, with the hydrocoel encircling the esophagus. This transition involved a posterior shift of elements of the auricularia ciliary band and associated nervous system. The ciliary band of the auricularia was rearranged to form transverse bands of the doliolaria larva, and at the same time, the serotonergic cells and fibers that had been at the anterior end moved with the portions of the ciliary band with which they were associated. These serotonergic cells and fibers were still present in the pentactula. The first pentactula was observed at 66 days. Coelom development in C. gigas showed two differences from that in other holothurians, including the development of the left axocoel and the extension of the anterior coelom into the preoral lobe. Description of the full larval development in C. gigas also revealed highly variable morphology in the late auricularia stage, which may aid in identifying apodid holothurians from plankton samples.
Induced abortion and ectopic pregnancy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Xin , Deng Mengcong , Wu Shangchun , Mao Qunxia
Published: June 2024

Objective

Existing evidence of the relationship between induced abortion and ectopic pregnancy has not been assessed rigorously. This systematic review provides a comprehensive evaluation to examine whether induced abortion (IA) can increase the rate of ectopic pregnancy (EP).

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, CNKI, WanFang, and Sinomed databases since their inception until February 2023. Eligibility criteria included case‐control studies and cohort studies that analyzed induced abortion associated with ectopic pregnancy. Data analyses were conducted by using R‐studio Version 1.1.383 software.

Results

A total of 33 case‐control studies and 7 cohort studies involving 132,926 participants were included. In case‐control studies, there was a significant association between induced abortion and ectopic pregnancy by using single‐factor analysis data (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.81–2.98). Subgroup analysis by region suggested no statistical significance in the Americas (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.92–1.43) and Eastern Mediterranean (OR = 3.64, 95% CI = 0.88–15.18). The relationship was significant by using multiple regression analysis data (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.38–2.80). In cohort studies, statistical significance was found (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.001–2.018) after omitting one study in sensitivity analysis. The combined results of the two types of studies suggested that induced abortion would increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy to some degree, but the conclusion needs to be considered with caution.

Conclusion

This study indicated that IA could increase the risk of EP to some degree and the times of IA had a negative impact on the risk. Safe abortion and avoiding repeat abortion due to unintended pregnancy could protect women's fertility.
A novel fish individual recognition method for precision farming based on knowledge distillation strategy and the range of the receptive field
Authors: Yin Jianhao , Wu Junfeng , Gao Chunqi , Yu Hong , Liu Liang , Guo Shihao
Published: June 2024

With the continuous development of green and high‐quality aquaculture technology, the process of industrialized aquaculture has been promoted. Automation, intelligence, and precision have become the future development trend of the aquaculture industry. Fish individual recognition can further distinguish fish individuals based on the determination of fish categories, providing basic support for fish disease analysis, bait feeding, and precision aquaculture. However, the high similarity of fish individuals and the complexity of the underwater environment presents great challenges to fish individual recognition. To address these problems, we propose a novel fish individual recognition method for precision farming that rethinks the knowledge distillation strategy and the chunking method in the vision transformer. The method uses the traditional convolutional neural network model as the teacher model, introducing the teacher token to guide the student model to learn the fish texture features. We propose stride patch embedding to expand the range of the receptive field, thus enhancing the local continuity of the image, and self‐attention‐pruning to discard unimportant tokens and reduce the model computation. The experimental results on the DlouFish dataset show that the proposed method in this paper improves accuracy by 3.25% compared to ECA Resnet152, with an accuracy of 93.19%, and also outperforms other vision transformer models.
Molecular characterization, spatiotemporal expression, and background adaptation regulation of tyrosinase in loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)
Authors: Li Zhixiong , Wang Xinchen , Guan Le , Liu Muxin , Wang Hong , Wu Di , Yi Xiaobing , Jian Shaoqing , Sheng Junqing
Published: June 2024

The Poyang Lake region is home to large‐blackspot loaches (LBL), small‐blackspot loaches (SBL), and non‐blackspot loaches (NBL), Misgurnus anguillicaudatus. To investigate the impact of tyrosinase on spot development, the complementary DNAs (cDNA) of tyrosinase in M. anguillicaudatus (designated as Matyr) were cloned using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE)‐PCR method. The full‐length cDNA for Matyr was 2020 bp, and the open‐reading frame comprised 1617 bp, encoding a predicted protein with 538 amino acids. Phylogenetic studies revealed that MaTyr was first grouped with Tyr of Triplophysa tibetana and Leptobotia taeniops, and then Tyr of other cyprinid fish. The quantitative reverse‐transcription‐PCR results show that Matyr was highly expressed in the muscle, caudal fin, and dorsal skin. The Matyr gene's messenger RNA expression pattern steadily increased from the fertilized ovum period to the somitogenesis period, and from the muscle effect stage to 6 days after fertilization, it considerably increased (p < 0.01). The Matyr hybridization signals with similar location could be found in all developmental stages of three kinds of loaches using whole‐mount in situ hybridization (WISH) technology and were the strongest during the organ development period and melanin formation period. Dot hybridization signals in LBLs rapidly spread to the back of the body beginning at the period when the eyes first formed melanin, and their dimensions were larger than those of NBLs during the same time period. The body color of loaches could change reversibly with black/white background adaptation. The α‐msh, mitfa, and tyr are mainly expressed in loaches adapted with a black background. Tyr gene could be involved in the development of blackspots and body color polymorphism, and contribute to organ development in the loach.
Feeding protocol with live feed and inert diet to determine the ideal age/size for weaning mullet Mugil liza (Valenciennes, 1836)
Authors: de Azevedo Manhães João Vitor , da Silva Fernanda Regina , Brasil Elenice Martins , Pilotto Mariana Rangel , Cardoso Lucas , Sterzelecki Fabio Carneiro , dos Santos Marina Cesconeto , Owatari Marco Shizuo , Magnotti Caio , Cerqueira Vinicius Ronzani
Published: June 2024

The Lebranche mullet Mugil liza is a marine fish of great importance for artisanal and industrial fishing, as well as aquaculture. The use of live feeds during the larviculture phase of marine fish is a significant component of production costs. The present study evaluated the effects of the feeding transition on different larval stages of M. liza, from the combined supply of live feed (Brachionus rotundiformis + Artemia franciscana) and live + inert feed (Artemia franciscana + inert diet) until the weaning phase to only the inert diet. A total of 3240 M. liza larvae (weight 0.0133 ± 0.0062 g and length 0.793 ± 0.160 cm) were distributed among the 12 experimental units (n = 270), resulting in four groups with three replicates each. Treatment groups consisted of feed transition with A. franciscana (enriched metanauplii) to commercial inert feed starting weaning at four different larval ages: 28, 31, 34, and 37 days post hatching. Zootechnical performance indexes and intestinal histomorphometry were evaluated. Mortality, condition factor, and length variation coefficient did not show significant differences between treatments. Final weight, final length, weight gain, and length gain were significantly greater in larvae that started weaning at 31, 34, and 37 days post hatching. Weight coefficient of variation was significantly higher in larvae that started weaning at 28 days (67.51 ± 11.70) compared to 37 days (34.40 ± 7.30). In intestinal histology, villi height (180.3 ± 4.4) was significantly higher in larvae that started weaning at 37 days post hatching. Considering the evidence found in the present study, it is recommended to start weaning M. liza on the 31st day post‐hatching, using a 2‐day co‐feeding protocol (31st and 32nd days). From the 33rd day after hatching, M. liza larvae can receive only commercial feed.
GmDFB1, an ARM‐repeat superfamily protein, regulates floral organ identity through repressing siRNA‐ and miRNA‐mediated gene silencing in soybean
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Wenxiao , Lu Qing , Sun Jiaqi , Cheng Chuang , Huang Shiyu , Li Shuo , Li Qiang , Zhang Wei , Zhou Chuanen , Liu Bin , Xiang Fengning
Published: June 2024

The development of flowers in soybean (Glycine max) is essential for determining the yield potential of the plant. Gene silencing pathways are involved in modulating flower development, but their full elucidation is still incomplete. Here, we conducted a forward genetic screen and identified an abnormal flower mutant, deformed floral bud1‐1 (Gmdfb1‐1), in soybean. We mapped and identified the causal gene, which encodes a member of the armadillo (ARM)‐repeat superfamily. Using small RNA sequencing (sRNA‐seq), we found an abnormal accumulation of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNA (miRNAs) in the Gmdfb1 mutants. We further demonstrated that GmDFB1 interacts with the RNA exosome cofactor SUPER KILLER7 (GmSKI7). Additionally, GmDFB1 interacts with the PIWI domain of ARGONAUTE 1 (GmAGO1) to inhibit the cleavage efficiency on the target genes of sRNAs. The enhanced gene silencing mediated by siRNA and miRNA in the Gmdfb1 mutants leads to the downregulation of their target genes associated with flower development. This study revealed the crucial role of GmDFB1 in regulating floral organ identity in soybean probably by participating in two distinct gene silencing pathways.
A deep intronic variant in MME causes autosomal recessive Charcot–Marie–Tooth neuropathy through aberrant splicing
Authors: Grosz Bianca R. , Parmar Jevin M. , Ellis Melina , Bryen Samantha , Simons Cas , Reis Andre L. M. , Stevanovski Igor , Deveson Ira W. , Nicholson Garth , Laing Nigel , Wallis Mathew , Ravenscroft Gianina , Kumar Kishore R. , Vucic Steve , Kennerson Marina L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Loss‐of‐function variants in MME (membrane metalloendopeptidase) are a known cause of recessive Charcot–Marie–Tooth Neuropathy (CMT). A deep intronic variant, MME c.1188+428A>G (NM_000902.5), was identified through whole genome sequencing (WGS) of two Australian families with recessive inheritance of axonal CMT using the seqr platform. MME c.1188+428A>G was detected in a homozygous state in Family 1, and in a compound heterozygous state with a known pathogenic MME variant (c.467del; p.Pro156Leufs*14) in Family 2.

Aims

We aimed to determine the pathogenicity of the MME c.1188+428A>G variant through segregation and splicing analysis.

Methods

The splicing impact of the deep intronic MME variant c.1188+428A>G was assessed using an in vitro exon‐trapping assay.

Results

The exon‐trapping assay demonstrated that the MME c.1188+428A>G variant created a novel splice donor site resulting in the inclusion of an 83 bp pseudoexon between MME exons 12 and 13. The incorporation of the pseudoexon into MME transcript is predicted to lead to a coding frameshift and premature termination codon (PTC) in MME exon 14 (p.Ala397ProfsTer47). This PTC is likely to result in nonsense mediated decay (NMD) of MME transcript leading to a pathogenic loss‐of‐function.

Interpretation

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pathogenic deep intronic MME variant causing CMT. This is of significance as deep intronic variants are missed using whole exome sequencing screening methods. Individuals with CMT should be reassessed for deep intronic variants, with splicing impacts being considered in relation to the potential pathogenicity of variants.
Impact of human papillomavirus types on uterine cervical neoplasia
Authors: Taguchi Ayumi , Yoshimoto Daisuke , Kusakabe Misako , Baba Satoshi , Kawata Akira , Miyamoto Yuichiro , Mori Mayuyo , Sone Kenbun , Hirota Yasushi , Osuga Yutaka
Published: June 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancer. As the natural history of HPV‐associated cervical lesions is HPV genotype‐dependent, it is important to understand the characteristics of these genotypes and to manage them accordingly. Among high‐risk HPVs, HPV16 and 18 are particularly aggressive, together accounting for 70% of HPV genotypes detected in cervical cancer. Other than HPV16 and 18, HPV31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58 are also at a high risk of progression to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)3 or higher. Recent studies have shown that the natural history of HPV16, 18, 52, and 58, which are frequently detected in Japan, depends on the HPV genotype. For example, HPV16 tends to progress in a stepwise fashion from CIN1 to CIN3, while HPV52 and 58 are more likely to persist in the CIN1 to CIN2 state. Among the high‐risk HPVs, HPV18 has some peculiar characteristics different from those of other high‐risk HPV types; the detection rate in precancerous lesions is much lower than those of other high‐risk HPVs, and it is frequently detected in highly malignant adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma. Recent findings demonstrate that HPV18 may be characterized by latent infection and carcinogenesis in stem cell‐like cells. In this context, this review outlines the natural history of HPV‐infected cervical lesions and the characteristics of each HPV genotype.
How intergenerational estrangement matters for maternal and adult children's health
Authors: Reczek Rin , Thomeer Mieke Beth , Bijou Christina
Published: June 2024

Objective

We compare maternal and adult child health outcomes across (1) estranged (i.e., no contact, or low contact and low quality), (2) socially positive (i.e., high quality, moderate to high contact), and (3) socially negative (i.e., high contact but low quality) maternal–adult child relationships.

Background

We develop intergenerational resource, crisis, and strain theories to test the link between socially positive, socially negative, and estranged maternal–adult child dynamics and the health of both generations.

Method

Regression models of National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79 and NLSY79‐CYA) data compare self‐rated health and CES‐D scores across maternal–adult child relationship types (N = 2609 mothers; 5590 children).

Results

Mothers with estranged ties report poorer health relative to those with socially positive ties. Mothers with socially negative ties report statistically similar health relative to mothers with either socially positive or estranged ties. The health of adult children with estrangement exposure is similar to those in socially negative ties, while adult children with socially negative ties have worse health relative to those in socially positive ties. Estranged adult children report worse self‐rated health than those in socially positive ties, but adult children's mental health is not statistically different than those in socially positive ties. Family‐level analyses incorporating siblings suggest that for mothers, an estranged/socially negative tie with any child is associated with worse self‐rated health; for adult children, one's own maternal relationship is more consequential than the sibling context.

Conclusion

This study has implications for research and theory on the health cost of socially negative and estranged intergenerational ties.
Putting Health care Where the Kids Are: US Public Attitudes About School‐Based Health Centers
Authors: Haeder Simon F. , Marthey Daniel , Skinner Daniel
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

School‐based health centers (SBHCs) have been shown to offer substantial benefits to students but we know little about how the public thinks about them. We sought to assess US public attitudes about SBHCs and the provision of 7 health service lines—primary care, preventive care, vaccinations, preventive dental care, preventive vision care, mental health care, and nutrition counseling.

METHODS

We administered a national online survey (N = 4196) of US adults using Lucid, a large, internet‐based, opt‐in panel to assess public attitudes about SBHCs as well as 7 commonly offered health services in SBHCs. We then used t‐tests and weighted linear regression models to carry out our study objectives.

RESULTS

Unadjusted analysis revealed that more than 2 in 3 respondents supported SBHCs in general as well as the provision of all health services in SBHCs. Regression analysis indicated that ideology, partisanship, and trust in public school principals served as consistent predictors of attitudes when controlling for demographic and health characteristics. The provision of vaccinations stood out as particularly controversial. Subanalysis of parents found even higher levels of support as well as a more subdued role of ideology and partisanship.

CONCLUSIONS

The US public broadly supports the provision of health services in SBHCs. Our results should inform policymakers, advocates, and providers seeking to improve access to health care among school‐aged children, particularly for underserved populations. Increasing knowledge about SBHCs and providing stable funding should be a priority. In the immediate future, SBHCs may offer an important buffer against ongoing Medicaid disenrollments.
Leaf spot of Desmodium triflorum caused by Epicoccum sorghinum in South China
Authors: Lu Ying , Zhang Hui‐ru , Zhang Wei‐yi , Wu Wei‐huai , He Chun‐ping , Liang Yan‐qiong , Huang Xing , Yi Ke‐xian
Published: June 2024

Desmodium triflorum is an important gramineous forage grown in tropical regions of China. In August 2022, a new leaf spot disease was observed on D. triflorum during a field survey at the base of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Hainan, China. The pathogen was isolated and identified using morphological examination and phylogeny based on multi‐gene sequences analysis of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer, the second largest RNA polymerase subunit (RPB2), and beta‐tubulin genes. The isolates were identified as Epicoccum sorghinum. The pathogenicity of E. sorghinum on D. triflorum was validated fulfilling Koch's postulates, causing leaf spot disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot disease on D. triflorum caused by E. sorghinum in China.
Combined application of resistance inducer and Trichoderma control two tobacco soil‐borne diseases by regulating the field soil microbial composition
Authors: Xia Xianren , Wang Quanzhen , Guo Kai , Yuan GuoQin , Deng Tao , Zhao Zhenyu , Guo Qichao , Wu Kai , Chen Biao , Pan Yihong
Published: June 2024

Tobacco black shank (TBS) and tobacco root black rot (TRBR) are two of the most devastating tobacco soil‐borne diseases that threaten sustainable tobacco planting. This study investigated the effects of Trichoderma sp. and a resistance inducer (RI) extracted from traditional Chinese medicine, individually or in combination, on the control of TBS and TRBR. The results showed that the application of Trichoderma sp. and RI, individually or in combination, significantly controlled the two soil‐borne diseases by significantly affecting the bacterial, but not fungal, Shannon and Simpson diversity indexes. The disease indexes of TBS and TRBR in integrated application management were the lowest, resulting in the highest potassium contents in the tobacco leaves. The control efficacies of TBS and TRBR in the integrated application treatment were 71.52 ± 1.43% and 68.33 ± 0.69%, respectively. The integrated treatment altered the composition of the rhizosphere soil microbial community. The bacterial community, but not the fungal community, of the control treatment was separated from those of other treatments. The relative abundance of bacteria involved in chemoheterotrophy and fermentation in the control treatment increased, whereas that of bacteria involved in nitrification and aerobic ammonia oxidation decreased compared with the other treatments. Importantly, the application of Trichoderma sp. and RI, individually or in combination, clearly increased the relative abundance of saprotrophic fungi in contrast to the control treatment, while decreasing that of pathotrophic fungi. Our study suggests that a suitable integrated application of bioagents and RI has synergistic effects on the suppression of two tobacco soil‐borne diseases by altering the rhizosphere microbiome composition in the field.
Centre stage or lurking in the wings? Blurred boundaries of social media identities
Authors: Reid Helen
Published: June 2024

'.@DrHelenReid comments on physicians' identity curation and how it is influenced by working in online spaces.
Gendered personal nationalism: National cause as a resource of self‐construction in Finnish nineteenth‐century letters
Authors: Eiranen Reetta
Published: June 2024

The article studies the personal experience and meaning of nationalism for Finnish mid‐nineteenth‐century national protagonists from the gender perspective. Using the concept of personal nationalism and the group biographical approach, the article analyses experiential and narrative self‐construction in the correspondence exchanged between members of the key family of the contemporary Finnish national circles, the Tengströms. I argue that nationalism had a deep personal, even existential, meaning for these people. However, there were differences in the ways men and women could tap into nationalism as a resource of self‐construction and in the ways they could embody and express their personal nationalism. The national meanings were, in the end, somehow branded as masculine. Men tied the national cause intensively and explicitly to their entire existence, for instance, through emotional friendships and nationalised careers. Women had to use detours, like constructing proper national womanhood through countertypes and mediating their national engagement through men.
Aquaponics in schools: Hands‐on learning about healthy eating and a healthy planet
Authors: Kluczkovski Alana , Ehgartner Ulrike , Pugh Emily , Hockenhull Imogen , Heaps‐Page Rachel , Williams Abigail , Thomas Jens M. H. , Doherty Bob , Bryant Maria , Denby Katherine
Published: June 2024

Our food system is giving rise to a growing social, health and environmental crisis. Much of the food consumed in the United Kingdom is cheap, nutrient‐poor and highly processed, leading to under‐consumption of essential foods such as grains, beans, vegetables and fruit. This has contributed to a rise in diet‐related diseases, with approximately 22% of primary school leavers being overweight or obese. Food production is unsustainable with agriculture responsible for 10% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions and intensive farming practices have led to a significant loss of soil carbon and a decline in biodiversity. COVID‐19 increased inequalities in our food system. Therefore, there is an urgent need for interventions to counteract these adverse social, health and environmental impacts. Education can play a crucial role as an intervention to address challenges in the food system. We tested an innovative school initiative using portable aquaponic pods and aligned to the national curriculum, to engage pupils in food production and foster learning about sustainability, climate change and healthy eating. The evaluation, based on teacher surveys, aquapod chart data, student blogs and postcards and feedback from the development team, revealed positive impacts on students’ environmental awareness, as well as sustainability and practical food production knowledge. However, the programme encountered logistical challenges and we therefore highlight future improvements to produce a curriculum programme that can be delivered at scale to enhance food education and empower pupils to drive the agenda on tackling food sustainability and climate change.
Complicated obstructive uropathy after kidney biopsy: A case report highlighting the risk of biopsy‐related acute kidney injury in a patient with unilateral kidney hypoplasia
Authors: Tsai Chi‐Huan , Tang Yu‐Shuo , Cheng Chung‐Yi , Hong Wei‐Tse
Published: June 2024

Unilateral kidney hypoplasia is a congenital condition characterized by the underdevelopment of one kidney. Although often asymptomatic, it can cause severe renal complications in patients combined with contralateral renal injury, leading to acute renal failure. This case report describes a patient with unilateral kidney hypoplasia who underwent a kidney biopsy on the contralateral normal‐sized kidney and subsequently developed oliguric acute kidney injury. This report discusses the challenges encountered while diagnosing and managing this rare case, highlighting the importance of awareness and recognition to perform timely intervention and optimize the patient's outcome.
Pyroptosis: A major trigger of excessive immune response in the gingiva
Authors: Xiang Xueyu , Zhang Jing , Yue Yuan
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The gingival mucosal barrier, an important oral cavity barrier, plays a significant role in preventing pathogenic microorganism invasion and maintaining periodontal tissue health. Pathogenic microorganism invasion of the gingival mucosa produces a large number of cytokines. Among them, pyroptosis is an important player in exacerbating immune‐inflammatory responses, leading to tissue destruction. However, the mechanism of pyroptosis and the immune response it triggers have not been fully elucidated. We provide an overview of recent advances in understanding gingival physical barrier pyroptosis and inflammation‐induced hyperimmunity.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science databases were searched for articles, reviews, and clinical studies published until March 2024.

Results

We summarised the importance of the gingival barrier in terms of the functions of different cells, described the progress in research on gingival epithelial cell and gingival fibroblast pyroptosis and the immune‐inflammatory response it induces, and discussed the relationship between pyroptosis and systemic diseases, association of multiple cell death systems. Finally, we propose future directions for pyroptosis research.

Conclusions

Pyroptosis often triggers a range of inflammatory immune responses that lead to associated diseases. Therefore, further study of the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis and the immune responses is warranted.
Proliferative verrucous and homogeneous Leukoplakias exhibit differential methylation patterns
Authors: Herreros‐Pomares Alejandro , Hervás David , Bagán Leticia , Proaño Alex , Bagan José
Published: June 2024

Objective

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is considered a clinically distinct entity from other oral leucoplakias (OLs) due to its clinical presentation and evolution. However, molecular differences between them remain unclear. We aimed to determine whether there are methylation differences between PVL and other forms of OLs.

Materials and Methods

Oral biopsies from 12 patients with PVL, eight patients with homogeneous leucoplakia (HL), and 10 healthy individuals were obtained for a genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis via the Infinium EPIC Platform.

Results

A total of 1815 differentially methylated CpGs were found between PVL and HL, with a prominent state of hypermethylation in HL patients. CpGs covered 813 genes with distinct roles, including cell adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, and cell and synaptic signaling. 43% of these genes had been previously described in cancer and associated with prognosis. We developed a multinomial logistic regression model able to differentiate HL, PVL, and control samples. The model had a cross‐validated estimate of 73% and included differentially methylated cancer‐related genes between the pathological conditions and the healthy donors, including ADNP, BRCA2, CDK13, GNB1, NIN, NUMB, PIK3C2B, PTK2, SHISA4, THSD7B, WWP1, and ZNF292. It also included CpGs covering differentially methylated genes in HL (MEN1 and TNRC6B) and PVL (ACOXL, ADH1B, CAMTA1, CBFA2T3, CPXM2, LRFN2, SORCS2, and SPN).

Conclusions

PVL and HL present differential methylation patterns that could be linked to their differential clinical behavior. Our findings show the potential of methylation markers and suggest novel diagnostic biomarkers.
Efficacy of OFD with EMD for treatment of periodontal defects: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Ziyue , Yu Qin , Ren Lulu , Wang Hongyan , Zhu Lifang
Published: June 2024

Objectives

In order to enhance clinical improvement of periodontal defects, the addition of enamel matrix derivatives (EMD) to open flap debridement (OFD) has been investigated. The aim of this systematic review is to figure out whether such a combination, in comparison to the treatment with OFD alone has some effects on the following outcomes: clinical attachment level gain, probing depth reduction, and gingival recessions increase.

Methods

Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched for randomized controlled trials in humans addressing the use of a combination of OFD and EMD versus a control group with OFD alone for the treatment of periodontal defects, with a minimum of 6 months of follow‐up; meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis were then performed.

Results

From a total of 204 records screened by title and abstract, 13 studies were read full‐text and eight out of them included in the meta‐analysis. Some significant differences have been demonstrated both for clinical attachment level gain and probing depth reduction between test and control groups.

Conclusions

In the treatment of periodontal defects, the addition of EMD to OFD seems to be beneficial in terms of clinical attachment level gain, probing depth reduction, promoting periodontal regeneration. However, such results should be considered with caution because of the small number of studies included in the meta‐analysis and their heterogeneity.