bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the viability of metacercariae of Fasciola gigantica
Authors: Prasad A. , Ghosh S. , Bhatnagar P.K. , Santra P.K.
Published: April 2024

The viability of metacercariae of Fasciola gigantica was tested by in vitro and in vivo methods. In vitro testing was based upon the motility of juvenile flukes within the inner cyst as examined under the light microscope. In vivo testing was undertaken through experimental infections of rabbits (two groups) and natural definitive hosts, lambs (one group). In the first group, out of six rabbits each given 25 metacercariae, worm establishment only took place in one rabbit with a single fluke recovery on 60 days post infection. In the second group of six rabbits each given 200 metacercariae, five were infected, with two or three flukes per host. All the lambs given 250 metacercariae became infected showing prevalences of 7.2–40% in comparison with rabbits in which low prevalences (0–4%) were recorded. The results indicated that even viable metacercariae which were already tested in vitro could not readily establish in rabbits. Such variability in worm establishment suggests that immunological and chemotherapeutic studies in rabbits infected with F. gigantica are likely to be unreliable.
Partial cross protection against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in Gyrodactylus derjavini immunized rainbow trout
Authors: Buchmann K. , Lindenstrøm T. , Sigh J.
Published: April 2024

Partial cross protection against a skin-parasitic ciliate has been recorded in rainbow trout previously immunized with an ectoparasitic platyhelminth. The susceptibility to infection by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis differed significantly between naive and Gyrodactylus derjavini immunized rainbow trout. Fish partly immune to the ectoparasitic monogenean G. derjavini became less infected and experienced lower mortality than naive fish when exposed to I. multifiliisinfections. In vitro studies on immobilization of theronts using decomplemented (heat-inactivated) serum from G. derjavini immune or non-immune hosts showed no immobilization. However, untreated serum from both immune and non-immune fish containing intact complement immobilized theronts (titre 128–256). In addition, non-specific priming of the host response with interleukin (IL-1), bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), concanavalin A (Con A) or mannan did confer a partial resistance to I. multifiliis infection. This will suggest that non-specific factors including complement could be partly responsible for the host response against infections with this ciliate.
Influence of host weight, sex and reproductive status on helminth parasites of the wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, in Navarra, Spain
Authors: Molina X. , Casanova J.C. , Feliu C.
Published: April 2024

A study was carried out in Navarra (northern Spain) on the influence of the weight, sex and reproductive status (lactant, pregnant or lactant + pregnant females and testicular weight for males) of the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) on two cestodes species: Andrya cuniculi and Mosgovoyia ctenoides and four intestinal nematodes: Graphidium strigosum, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Nematodiroides zembrae and Dermatoxys hispaniensis. A significantly higher prevalence of A. cuniculi was detected in lactant + pregnant females compared with non-breeding females. Trichostrongylus retortaeformis and N. zembrae showed a significantly higher mean intensity in lactant and lactant + pregnant females than in non-reproductive females. Trichostrongylus retortaeformis presented a higher mean intensity in females than in males, and the mean intensity of the same parasite species was significantly lower in active and inactive males compared with lactant and lactant + pregnant females. There were no significant differences between sexes in the prevalence of helminth parasites. No significant correlation was detected between host weight and the intensity (of infection) of helminths studied. No significant differences in the prevalence and mean intensity of the two cestode species were observed in the three weight categories studied (kittens, juveniles and adults). The prevalence of G. strigosum and mean intensity of T. retortaeformis were significantly higher in older heavier animals than in juveniles.
Predilection sites of Trichinella spiralis larvae in naturally infected horses
Authors: Pozio E. , Paterlini F. , Pedarra C. , Sacchi L. , Bugarini R. , Goffredo E. , Boni P.
Published: April 2024

A total of 120 muscle tissues from three horses naturally infected with Trichinella spiralis were examined. The head was the most infected site. In particular, the muscles harbouring the highest number of larvae were: musculus buccinator (12, 411 and 1183 larvae g-1), the tongue (11, 615 and 1749 larvae g-1), m. levator labii maxillaris (17, 582 and 1676 larvae g-1), and the masseter (4.9, 289 and 821 larvae g-1). Compared with the diaphragm, the number of larvae per gram was from 3.5 to 6.8 times higher in the tongue, from 3.5 to 6.5 higher in m. levator labii maxillaris, and from 2.5 to 4.6 higher in m. buccinator. Of the examined muscles, the diaphragm had from the 6th to the 15th highest level of infection (3.1, 166 and 256 larvae g-1). Published data from experimentally infected horses confirm these results, suggesting that efforts to detect predilection sites should focus on the head muscles.
Humoral immune responses induced by Gymnorhynchus gigas extracts in BALB/c mice
Authors: Rodero M. , Cuéllar C.
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to determine if the plerocercoid larvae of Gymnorhynchus gigas, a common cestode of the ray’s bream (Brama raii), possess antigenic compounds potentially capable of provoking anaphylactic episodes. A murine experimental model, using BALB/c mice, was developed to study the humoral immune response induced by G. gigas extracts. A highly specific humoral immune response was detected and cross-reactions were not observed between parasite and host antigens. The presence of IgM and IgG3 levels suggest the presence of thymus-independent antigens in the parasitic extract. The IgG antibody class showed the highest levels, with the IgG1 the predominant subclass. These IgG1 levels are in accordance with the supposed presence of a type I allergic reaction after the ingestion of G. gigas plerocercoids parasitizing fish, as well as inducing anaphylaxia in fish. These results indicate that somatic products released from ingested larvae of G. gigas could induce the development of a Th2 response capable of causing allergic disorders.
Influence of infection intensity on predilection sites in swine trichinellosis
Authors: Serrano F.J. , Pérez-Martín J.E. , Reina D. , Navarrete I. , Kapel C.M.O.
Published: April 2024

The muscular distribution of Trichinella spiralis or T. britovi was studied by digestion in 59 experimentally infected pigs and seven wild boars. Crus muscle was the predilection site in 89.3% of 28 heavily infected swine with 146–3634 larvae per gram (lpg), but in 51.6% of middle to light infections (0.005–59 lpg) the basis of the tongue showed higher larval densities than the crus muscle. The basis of the tongue was also the predilection site in 71.4% of wild boars. Highest counts in other muscles were found only in lightly infected pigs. The influence of intensity of infection, host species, and Trichinella species on muscle distribution is discussed.
Lung nematodes of chamois, Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica, from the Tatra National Park, Slovakia
Authors: Štefanèíková A. , Chovancová B. , Dubinský P. , Tomašovièová O. , Èorba J. , Königová A. , Hovorka I. , Vasilková Z.
Published: April 2024

A larvoscopic examination of faeces collected from localities inhabited by chamois in the Tatra National Park (TANAP) in 1997 demonstrated the presence of the lung nematodes Muellerius spp. (likely to be M. tenuispiculatus and M. capillaris) and Neostrongylus linearis. The overall prevalence of lung nematodes in chamois herds in TANAP was 48.4% with prevalences of 45.6% and 11.9% for Muellerius spp. and N. linearis, respectively. No significant differences in lung nematode prevalences were observed in the biotopes of TANAP with prevalence values of 44.9% being recorded in the High Tatras and 58.5% in the Belianske Tatras. Individual species were in equal proportion in both biotopes, although N. linearis was significantly less prevalent (11.2–13.8%). The prevalence of lung nematodes in the High Tatras varied from 25.0 to 84.2% within individual localities, while in the Belianske Tatras it was more proportionate (50.0–85.7%). In the High Tatras, the prevalence of lung nematodes in the chamois herds peaked during August, declining to its lowest in October. A similar prevalence was also recorded for Muellerius species, while the minimum prevalence of N. linearis was found in July. In the Belianske Tatras, the prevalence of lung nematodes including both species of Muellerius peaked in July and gradually decreased until October. On the other hand, N. linearis was most prevalent in October. The mean L1 count per gram faeces was low (7.6 ± 13.2 larvae g-1).
Polymorphism in the Dirofilaria immitis immunodominant antigen gene
Authors: Sugane K. , Nakayama K. , Kato H.
Published: April 2024

Dg2, a gene encoding a 34 kDa immunodominant antigen of Dirofilaria immitis was cloned and demonstrated to be specifically expressed in the larval stage. In this study, a newly constructed genomic DNA library was screened by hybridization with Dg2. One of the resulting positive clones was similar to Dg2 in the structure of its exonic regions but different in number, position, size and sequence of introns. This was designated DgK. Full-length cDNA was isolated using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method to study the transcript corresponding to DgK. Sequence analysis revealed that the mRNA corresponding to DgK is trans-spliced during post-transcriptional processing because the 5′ end of the amplified cDNA contains seven nucleotides of the nematode-spliced leader (SL) sequence.
Schistosoma japonicum infection in pregnant mice
Authors: Bendixen M. , Johansen M.V. , Andreassen J. , Nansen P.
Published: April 2024

Ten 1-week and ten 2-weeks pregnant female NMRI mice were experimentally exposed to 70 Schistosoma japonicum cercariae. Ten littermice from each group were examined for worms by perfusion 4, 6 and 8 weeks post infection. Although the mothers (n = 15) were found infected with 15.5 ± 13.4 worms at perfusion 6 and 7 weeks post infection, no worms were found in any of the examined littermice, as well as no detection of faecal or tissue eggs. Litter sizes did not differ from control groups and all littermice were healthy. The present study therefore suggests that congenital infection with S. japonicum does not occur in percutaneously infected mice and that infection of the mother during pregnancy does not seem to affect the offspring.
Bacillus sphaericus interferes with the development of Brugia malayi in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Mahapatra N. , Hazra R.K. , Rup S. , Acharya A.S , Dash A.P.
Published: April 2024

Aedes aegypti (black-eyed Liverpool strain) were exposed to a sublethal dose (LD25) of Bacillus sphaericus and were fed to Mastomys coucha infected with Brugia malayi. The development of the filarial parasite was found to be arrested mostly at the second larval stage. The infection (P< 0.05), infectivity rates (P< 0.001) and L3 load (P< 0.001) were found to be reduced significantly in the treated group.
Variations in microfilariae and infective stages of two types of Wuchereria bancrofti from the Thai-Myanmar border
Authors: Jitpakdi A. , Choochote W. , Panart P. , Insun D. , Panart K. , Pitasawat B. , Prajakwong S.
Published: April 2024

Comparative morphometric and morphological studies of microfilariae and infective stages were undertaken in nocturnally periodic and subperiodic Wuchereria bancrofti. For microfilariae, the body dimensions of nocturnally periodic (NP) were significantly smaller than nocturnally subperiodic (NSP), i.e. body length 268.03 ± 14.75 μm (NP), 307.61 ± 11.52 μm (NSP); cephalic space length 4.21 ± 0.62 μm (NP), 5.32 ± 0.79 μm (NSP); head to nerve ring 49.39 ± 5.43 μm (NP), 57.40 ± 4.46 μm (NSP); innenkörper length 33.05 ± 5.89 μm (NP), 44.02 ± 8.71 μm (NSP); cephalic space width 4.28 ± 0.59 μm (NP), 6.04 ± 0.68 μm (NSP); body width at nerve ring 5.01 ± 0.57 μm (NP), 7.45 ± 0.75 μm (NSP). The number of nuclei between the cephalic space and nerve ring of NP (66.67 ± 5.19) was also significantly less than in NSP (94.74 ± 6.95). For infective stages, the body dimensions of NP were significantly smaller than NSP, i.e. body length 1632.50 ± 131.48 μm (NP), 2002.63 ± 222.60 μm (NSP); head to nerve ring 103.09 ± 7.47 μm (NP), 122.44 ± 9.62 μm (NSP); head to oesophago-intestinal junction 567.69 ± 94.84 μm (NP), 666.75 ± 110.08 μm (NSP); body width at oesophago-intestinal junction 23.15 ± 1.55 μm (NP), 26.78 ± 1.62 μm (NSP). It is too early to infer the NP type as an additional sibling species of W. bancrofti but it is reasonable to treat it as a new variety and additional work is needed to clarify its status.
Larval toxocariasis and its clinical manifestation in childhood in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Kinčeková J. , Reiterová K. , Dubinský P.
Published: April 2024

Results are presented of 90 children aged 1–15 years hospitalized with toxocariasis. Blood count analysis and laboratory examination were done by routine clinical laboratory methods. Anti-Toxocara antibodies were detected in the serum of patients using an ELISA method. Demographic analysis of the children's families exposed to the risk of disease allowed estimation of age-specific rates for clinical toxocariasis. The probability of toxocaral infection and the intensity of its clinical manifestations in children are determined by the epidemiology of this zoonosis and by the risk factors in the family. The presence of high titres of specific IgG antibodies in all age categories correlates with the clinical manifestations of toxocariasis. The highest admission rate is in the age categories of 3–5 years (43.3%) and 6–10 years (36.7%). Laboratory findings show that the most conspicuous changes occur in the age category 1–5 years. The high percentage of seropositive dog-keeping and puppy-breeding families and the possibility of infection with repeated doses of larvae stimulate eosinophilia, which prevails in children under the age of five years. We present the percentage of patients whose parameters showed deviations from the reference values for a particular age category. Analyses of laboratory indices and of clinical manifestations will contribute to the accuracy of diagnosis and effectiveness of treatment of this disease.
Mating behaviour of Echinostoma trivolvis and E. paraensei in concurrent infections in hamsters
Authors: Nollen P.M.
Published: April 2024

Young adults of Echinostoma trivolvis and E. paraensei were recovered from hamsters previously infected with metacercarial cysts. Some worms of each species were exposed for 1 h to 3-H-tyrosine to label sperm and transplanted singly to uninfected hamsters with several unlabelled worms of the same or opposite species or both species. After 5 days, recovered worms were processed for paraffin sectioning and autoradiography. The resulting slides were observed for the location of radioactive sperm in the seminal receptacles of donor (labelled) and recipient (unlabelled) worms. When E. trivolvis was the donor with the recipient E. paraensei, self-insemination took place, but only one interspecies mating occurred out of 72 possible recipient worms. When E. paraensei served as the donor, self-insemination again occurred, but no cross-insemination was observed among the 59 E. trivolvis recipient worms. When single donor worms had a choice of either species of recipient worms, no interspecies mating took place, but both self- and cross-insemination occurred in the normal, unrestricted behaviour found in single species mating studies. Rates of both self- and cross-insemination were higher in concurrent infections of both recipient species than in single species mating studies. After transplant, both species localized in their natural habitat within the small intestine, with 1/3 overlapping in the duodenum, making interspecies mating a possibility. The correlation between mating and electrophoretic studies on the genetic relationship between 37-collar-spined echinostomes is discussed.
Comparison of adult liver flukes from highland and lowland populations of Bolivian and Spanish sheep
Authors: Valero M.A. , Marcos M.D. , Comes A.M. , Sendra M. , Mas-Coma S.
Published: April 2024

A morphological study of adult liver flukes and eggs from sheep in a human fascioliasis endemic zone in the Northern Bolivian Altiplano showed that they belong to the species Fasciola hepatica. An exhaustive morphometric comparison with a F. hepatica population from Spanish sheep was made using image analysis and an allometric model: (y2m - y2)]#x002F;y2 = c[(y1m - y1)/y1]b, where y1 = body surface or body length, y2 = one of the measurements analysed, y1m, y2m = maximum values towards which y1 and y2 respectively tend, and c, b = constants. Only slight allometric differences in worms were observed despite the geographic distance between both Spanish and Bolivian sheep populations and the very high altitude of the Bolivian Altiplano.
A retrospective study of ocular toxocariasis in Japan: correlation with antibody prevalence and ophthalmological findings of patients with uveitis
Authors: Yoshida M. , Shirao Y. , Asai H. , Nagase H. , Nakamura H. , Okazawa T. , Kondo K. , Takayanagi T. H. , Fujita K. , Akao N.
Published: April 2024

To classify the clinical characteristics of ocular toxocariasis in Japan, the prevalence of antibodies to Toxocara antigens was examined in patients with uveitis of unknown aetiology. From 1982 to 1993, serum specimens of 383 cases and intraocular fluid samples of 22 cases were serologically screened for Toxocara infection with five immunodiagnostic tests. Fifty-five sera and 11 intravitreous fluid samples were estimated to have significantly high antibody levels against larval excretory–secretory (ES) antigens of T. canis. Eight cases were positive in both serum and vitreous fluid, and three were positive only in the vitreous fluid. Among the 58 antibody positive samples, 20 cases were omitted due to a lack of detailed description of ocular findings. The remaining 38 cases are described in this study. Of these 38 cases, 34 (89%) were older than 20 years of age. Ocular lesions were located in the posterior fundus in 11 cases, in the peripheral fundus in 18 cases, and in both areas in seven cases. Of the eight cases in which papillary oedema or redness was observed, chorioretinal lesions were also present in seven of them. Tractional retinal detachment was present in five cases. These observations suggest that ocular toxocariasis in Japan has a different clinical profile compared with those in the other countries, and indicate a need for revised classification of ocular toxocariasis.
ELISA and immunoblot using purified glycoproteins for serodiagnosis of cysticercosisin pigs naturally infected with Taenia solium
Authors: Ito A. , Plancarte A. , Nakao M. , Nakaya K. , Ikejima T. , Piao Z.X. , Kanazawa T. , Margono S.S.
Published: April 2024

The establishment of reliable serological methods for cysticercosis in pigs is important for the surveillance, control and prevention of taeniosis/cysticercosis in humans as well as in pigs to prevent economic loss. Both ELISA and immunoblot using glycoproteins (GPs) purified by a single step of preparative iso-electric focusing, which are highly useful for human cysticercosis, have been applied for a serological study in pigs naturally infected with Taenia solium. All sera from pigs showed similar responses to those in human cysticercosis. Therefore, it is expected that both ELISA and immunoblots using GPs would be useful in differentiating infected pigs from uninfected ones.
Effects of Echinostoma caproni infections on metallic ions in the intestinal mucosa of ICR mice
Authors: Layman L.R. , Mueller T.J. , Koehnlein K.M. , Fried B. , Sherma J.
Published: April 2024

Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was used to study metallic ions in the intestinal mucosa of ICR mice infected with Echinostoma caproni and the mucosa of uninfected control mice. Infected mucosa (n = 9 with about 100 mg wet weight per sample) were examined at 2 weeks p.i. in mice that were infected with about 25 worms per host. Uninfected mucosa (n = 9 with about 100 mg wet weight per sample) were examined in the same time frame as the infected mucosa. Five metals were measured in the mucosa by ICP-AES analysis, as follows: calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium and zinc. There were no significant differences (Student's t-test, P > 0.05) in the concentrations of calcium, potassium or zinc in infected versus uninfected mucosa. The concentration of sodium was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the mucosa of infected versus uninfected mucosa, but the situation was reversed in regard to magnesium.
Low-molecular-weight heparin salvage in pedicled flap reconstruction in head and neck: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Panda Smriti , Gautam Vimmi , Mitra Sandipta , Singh Chirom Amit , Mani Suresh , Palreddy Akshara , Kabilan Yuvanesh , Konkimalla Abhilash , Kondamudi Dheeraj , Bagchi Debadeep , Raveendran Sarath , Sikka Kapil , Kumar Rajeev , Singh Anup , Thakar Alok
Published: April 2024

Objective

To determine if systemic administration of low-molecular-weight heparin impacts venous compromise in loco-regional flap reconstruction for head and neck subsites.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted on patients who had developed features of venous compromise of the flap. The case group received low-molecular-weight heparin (dalteparin).

Results

Of the 73 patients who developed venous congestion, low-molecular-weight heparin was administered in 47 patients. In the low-molecular-weight heparin subset, 23 patients had either reversal or non-progression of venous compromise (48.9 per cent). Of the patients who had no response to low-molecular-weight heparin rescue, complete necrosis was seen in 4 and partial flap necrosis was observed in 19. The corresponding numbers in the control group were 13 and 12, respectively (odds ratio 23.9, p = 0.002). Additionally, the low-molecular-weight heparin arm had a lower incidence of partial or complete flap necrosis (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Low-molecular-weight heparin salvage, when instituted early, is likely to result in a significant reduction in flap-related morbidity.
Optimization of nonlinear turbulence in stellarators
Authors: Kim P. , Buller S. , Conlin R. , Dorland W. , Dudt D.W. , Gaur R. , Jorge R. , Kolemen E. , Landreman M. , Mandell N.R. , Panici D.
Published: April 2024

We present new stellarator equilibria that have been optimized for reduced turbulent transport using nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations within the optimization loop. The optimization routine involves coupling the pseudo-spectral GPU-native gyrokinetic codeGXwith the stellarator equilibrium and optimization codeDESC. Since usingGXallows for fast nonlinear simulations, we directly optimize for reduced nonlinear heat fluxes. To handle the noisy heat flux traces returned by these simulations, we employ the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) method that only uses two objective function evaluations for a simple estimate of the gradient. We show several examples that optimize for both reduced heat fluxes and good quasi-symmetry as a proxy for low neoclassical transport. Finally, we run full transport simulations using theT3Dstellarator transport code to evaluate the changes in the macroscopic profiles.
How well do schoolchildren and adolescents know the form and meaning of different derivational suffixes? Evidence from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Martinez Dalia , Colenbrander Danielle , Inoue Tomohiro , Georgiou George K.
Published: April 2024

As children advance through school, derived words become increasingly common in their reading materials. Previous studies have shown that children’s knowledge of derivational morphology develops relatively slowly, but there is more to learn about this development. This study examined differences in knowledge of the form and meaning of suffixes across grade levels (Grades 3, 5, and 8) and different types of derivational suffixes (adjectives and nominals). We assessed 309 English-speaking children on word reading and receptive vocabulary tests and two tasks designed to assess the form (orthographic knowledge) and meaning (semantic knowledge) of 28 derivational suffixes (14 adjectives and 14 nominals). Overall, our findings showed a significant improvement in identifying and understanding derivational suffixes from Grade 3 to Grade 5 and a smaller, but still significant, improvement from Grade 5 to Grade 8. Our findings regarding suffix types were mixed. While written forms of adjectives were identified more accurately than nominals across all grades, this advantage did not extend to the students’ understanding of the meaning of the suffixes. These results highlight the distinction between the identification of suffixes and the understanding of their meaning. We discuss our results in relation to suffix frequency in children’s reading materials.
Points de vue d’adultes vieillissants ayant une déficience intellectuelle à l’égard de leur participation sociale
Authors: Milot Élise , Couvrette Romane , Marthouret Bertille , Caouette Martin , Beauchamp Julie
Published: April 2024

Au cours du vieillissement, les adultes ayant une déficience intellectuelle (DI) vivent de nombreux changements susceptibles d’influencer leurs possibilités d’exercer leurs activités quotidiennes et leurs rôles sociaux. Une bonne connaissance de leurs points de vue sur le sujet apparaît cruciale pour mieux adapter l’offre de services à leurs besoins. Cette recherche a pour but de mieux comprendre les points de vue des personnes ayant une DI à l’égard de leurs possibilités de participation sociale à travers l’avancée en âge. Des entrevues individuelles et un atelier participatif ont été réalisés avec des adultes âgés de 40 à 75 ans dans la ville de Québec. L’analyse de leurs propos a permis d’identifier leurs points de vue relatifs à trois thèmes, soit leurs capacités, les possibilités d’exercer leur participation sociale et les soutiens reçus. Pour conclure, des recommandations sont proposées afin que les pratiques soutiennent réellement leur participation sociale à travers l’avancée en âge.
Impact of right ventriculotomy on cardiac function after pulmonary valve sparing repair of tetralogy of Fallot and double outlet right ventricle with pulmonary stenosis
Authors: Kadeetham Khunthorn , Samankatiwat Piya
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

Pulmonary valve-sparing repair of tetralogy of Fallot and double outlet right ventricle with pulmonary stenosis has the advantage of reduced incidence of late pulmonary valve regurgitation and better-preserved cardiac function. However, a right ventriculotomy is sometimes necessary in order to adequately relieve subvalvular pulmonary stenosis. We aimed to compare postoperative cardiac function and patients’ symptoms between pulmonary valve-sparing repair with and without right ventriculotomy.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively collected data from electronic medical records of Ramathibodi Hospital from 1st January 2013 to 31st October 2023. Patients diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot and double outlet right ventricle with pulmonary stenosis who underwent pulmonary valve-sparing repair were included. Patients who underwent other types of repairs and whose medical record data were significantly missing were excluded. Demographic data, operative, and postoperative details were collected and reviewed.

Results:

There were 49 patients included in our study with 10 patients undergoing pulmonary valve-sparing repair with and the other 39 without right ventriculotomy. Before-discharge echocardiographic parameters were generally similar between both groups (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion = 0.9 versus 0.89 cm, P = 0.737; pressure gradient across pulmonary valve across pulmonary valve = 24 versus 19 mmHg, P = 0.275; left ventricular end-systolic volume index = 17.84 versus 19.19 ml/m2, P = 0.437; left ventricular end-diastolic volume index = 63.79 versus 61.13 ml/m2, P = 0.436). Patients’ symptoms were also not statistically different. There was no early and late death up to the end date of our study.

Conclusions:

Right ventriculotomy in pulmonary valve-sparing repair did not result in worse postoperative cardiac function and symptoms. This suggested that the previously thought-to-be hazardous incision could be strongly considered if mandated.
Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in premature infants requiring high-frequency ventilation
Authors: Dalby Stephen T. , Courtney Sherry E. , Sharma Megha , Angtuaco Michael J.
Published: April 2024

Transcatheter closure has become a common treatment method for patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants at many centres; however, many remain uncertain about the ability to perform the procedure in the catheterisation laboratory for infants requiring high-frequency ventilation. This study presents our centre’s experience following the implementation of neonatal ventilatory guidelines, which resulted in 100% procedural success without any procedural or respiratory adverse events.
The Political Geography of the January 6 Insurrectionists
Authors: Pape Robert A. , Larson Kyle D. , Ruby Keven G.
Published: April 2024

What are the local political, economic, and social conditions of the communities that sent insurrectionists to the US Capitol in support of Donald Trump? Using a new dataset of the home counties of individuals charged for the Capitol insurrection, we tested two prominent theories of electoral populism and support for populist leaders like Donald Trump—demographic change and manufacturing decline—and whether they also explain violent populism. We also examined the effects of local political conditions. We find that white population decline is a stronger predictor of violent populism and that counties that voted for Trump were less likely to fight for Trump. The effect of white population decline is even greater in counties whose US House Representative rejected the 2020 election results. These findings suggest scholars should resist assuming violent populism is merely an extension of electoral populism, and solutions to one will not necessarily remedy the other.
Mediterranean diet for cardiovascular disease: an evidence mapping study
Authors: Cai Zi-ling , Wang Liao-yao , Zhang Bing-yue , Zhu Ai-song
Published: April 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the methodological quality of existing meta-analyses (MA) and the quality of evidence for outcome indicators to provide an updated overview of the evidence concerning the therapeutic efficacy of the Mediterranean diet (MD) for various types of CVD.

Design:

We conducted comprehensive searches of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. The quality of the MA was assessed using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) checklist, while the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence evaluation system was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence for significant outcomes.

Setting:

The CVD remains a significant contributor to global mortality. Multiple MA have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of medical interventions in managing CVD. However, due to variations in the scope, quality and outcomes of these reviews, definitive conclusions are yet to be established.

Participants:

This study included five randomized trials and twelve non-randomized studies, with a combined participant population of 716 318.

Results:

The AMSTAR 2 checklist revealed that 54·55 % of the studies demonstrated high quality, while 9·09 % exhibited low quality, and 36·36 % were deemed critically low quality. Additionally, there was moderate evidence supporting a positive correlation between MD and CHD/acute myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, cardiovascular events, coronary events and major adverse cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

This study indicates that although recognizing the potential efficacy of MD in managing CVD, the quality of the methodology and the evidence for the outcome indicators remain unsatisfactory.
2D leaky-wave antenna with controlled direction of radiation in the azimuthal plane
Authors: Machac Jan , Svanda Milan , Kabourek Vaclav
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a two-dimensional (2D) metasurface antenna array composed of mushroom cells coupled by thin slots in the top metallization. The antenna is fed through power dividers designed in substrate-integrated waveguide technology. The antenna structure is therefore designed in a fully up-to-date integrated version. The array shows beam steering in the azimuthal plane controlled by signal amplitudes fed into particular ports at the edges of the matrix. The main advantage of this antenna is no need to use phase shifters applied in standard 2D antenna arrays. Two antenna versions have been designed, fabricated, and experimentally tested. The beam can be steered within 360° (90°) in azimuth. The steering of the beam in elevation from backward to forward directions within 40° is done by changing frequency from 21 up to 23.8 GHz. This interval is reduced to 30° by exciting the antenna simultaneously at two adjacent ports at the same amplitude.
Reconceptualizing Norm Conflict in International Law
Authors: YIP Ka Lok
Published: April 2024

This article reconceptualizes norm conflict in international law by uncovering the experiential dimension of its definition and the intentional dimension of its resolution that has been missing from traditional accounts. The article locates the basis of recognizing norm conflict in the experienced sense of incompatibility between norms in view of their contexts rather than in the predesignated constellation of norms with contrary or contradictory functions according to their texts. Concomitantly, it argues that the justification for using certain legal techniques to resolve norm conflicts lies in the intended relationship deducible only between those norms that share the same regulatory purpose rather than between norms merely applying to the same factual situation. This reconceptualization generates a new typology of norm conflicts in light of the norms’ end goals and the means they provide to achieve them: “Ends Conflict”, “Means Conflict”, and “Unexperienced Conflict”, and suggests apposite ways to tackle them.
Us and Ours
Authors: Šimunović Dora , Grigoryan Lusine , Boehnke Klaus , Šimunović Damir
Published: April 2024

Abstract: In this work, we investigate how parochial concerns for common resources, such as tax-funded goods, relate to prejudice against immigrants. Previous experimental work showed majority groups assume minorities will exploit common resources without contributing toward their maintenance. We relate predictions about, and support for, various types of common resources to prejudice against immigrants in two correlational studies. Prejudice against immigrants was negatively associated with support for universal, but positively with security-related resources. Participants' prediction that minority groups would contribute less to the management of communally shared resources was reflected in the degree of negative attitudes they expressed against immigrants in particular. We discuss these results in view of political narratives about immigrants and common resource management policies.
Can Asymmetric Punishment Explain Norm Changes?
Authors: Tobias Robert , Frisch Lisa K. , Sebben Simone , Ullrich Johannes
Published: April 2024

Abstract: We test a general theory of norm changes based on evidence that people will punish less hygienic others more strongly than more hygienic others. The theory concludes that such asymmetric punishment would result in hygiene norms becoming ever stricter. We argue that, because complaints about one’s behavior might lead to protest, norms might not always change because of such complaints. We conducted an online experiment ( N = 1,023 Swiss adults) using handwashing as the target behavior. We replicated the asymmetry in punishment intensities and found that the intensity of protests against complaints about one’s too unhygienic behavior approached the intensity of these complaints. We conclude that, while asymmetric punishment may drive norm change, protests may lead to norm stability.
Rock Anisotropy Promotes Hydraulic Fracture Containment at Depth
Authors: Lu Guanyi , Momeni Seyyedmaalek , Peruzzo Carlo , Moukhtari Fatima‐Ezzahra , Lecampion Brice
Published: April 2024

We report laboratory experiments and numerical simulations demonstrating that the anisotropic characteristics of rocks play a major role in the elongation of hydraulic fractures (HFs) propagating in a plane perpendicular to the rocks' inherent layering (the bedding planes in sedimentary rocks and foliation planes in metamorphic rocks). Transverse anisotropy leads to larger HF extension in the parallel‐to‐layers/divider direction compared to the perpendicular‐to‐layers/arrester direction. This directly promotes vertical containment of HFs in most sedimentary basins worldwide even in the absence of any favorable in‐situ stress contrasts or other material heterogeneities. More importantly, the ratio of the energy dissipated in fluid viscous flow in the fracture to the energy dissipated in the creation of new surfaces is found to play a critical role on fracture elongation, with fracture‐energy dominated HFs being the most elongated while the viscous dominated ones remain more circular. These results open the door to a better engineering and control of HFs containment at depth in view of the competition between material anisotropy (both elastic stiffnesses and fracture toughness anisotropy) and injection parameters (fluid viscosity and rate of injection).
Systematic review of rodent studies of deep brain stimulation for the treatment of neurological, developmental and neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Zhang Kristina K. , Matin Rafi , Gorodetsky Carolina , Ibrahim George M. , Gouveia Flavia Venetucci
Published: April 2024

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) modulates local and widespread connectivity in dysfunctional networks. Positive results are observed in several patient populations; however, the precise mechanisms underlying treatment remain unknown. Translational DBS studies aim to answer these questions and provide knowledge for advancing the field. Here, we systematically review the literature on DBS studies involving models of neurological, developmental and neuropsychiatric disorders to provide a synthesis of the current scientific landscape surrounding this topic. A systematic analysis of the literature was performed following PRISMA guidelines. 407 original articles were included. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, including stimulation protocol, behavioural outcomes, and mechanisms of action. The number of articles published increased over the years, including 16 rat models and 13 mouse models of transgenic or healthy animals exposed to external factors to induce symptoms. Most studies targeted telencephalic structures with varying stimulation settings. Positive behavioural outcomes were reported in 85.8% of the included studies. In models of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, DBS-induced effects were associated with changes in monoamines and neuronal activity along the mesocorticolimbic circuit. For movement disorders, DBS improves symptoms via modulation of the striatal dopaminergic system. In dementia and epilepsy models, changes to cellular and molecular aspects of the hippocampus were shown to underlie symptom improvement. Despite limitations in translating findings from preclinical to clinical settings, rodent studies have contributed substantially to our current knowledge of the pathophysiology of disease and DBS mechanisms. Direct inhibition/excitation of neural activity, whereby DBS modulates pathological oscillatory activity within brain networks, is among the major theories of its mechanism. However, there remain fundamental questions on mechanisms, optimal targets and parameters that need to be better understood to improve this therapy and provide more individualized treatment according to the patient’s predominant symptoms.
The predictive value of cortisol in psychodynamic psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder: Extended results of the SOPHONET-Study
Authors: Schmalbach Ileana , Witthöft Michael , Strauß Bernhard , Joraschky Peter , Petrowski Katja
Published: April 2024

Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders (AD), yet a vast majority of patients do not respond to therapy, necessitating the identification of predictors to enhance outcomes. Several studies have explored the relationship between stress response and treatment outcome, as a potential treatment mechanism. However, the latter remains under-researched in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD). We studied N = 29 patients undergoing psychodynamic psychotherapy (PDT) within the SOPHONET-Study. Stress reactivity (i.e., area under the curve with respect to the increase; AUCi) was induced by a standardized psychosocial stressor (Trier Social Stress Test; TSST) and assessed by means of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), blood and salivary cortisol samples before (t1) treatment. Samples of these biomarkers were taken −1 min prior stress exposure and six more blood samples were collected post-TSST ( + 1, + 10, + 20, + 30, + 45, + 60 min.). The participants were diagnosed with SAD based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and completed the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale as well as the Beck Depression Inventory before (t1) and after psychotherapy (t2). Pre-treatment stress reactivity significantly predicted changes in depression (salivary p < 0.001 and blood cortisol p = 0.001), as well as in avoidance behavior (blood cortisol p = 0.001). None of the biomarkers revealed significant results in fear or in the total LSAS-scores, except for ACTH with a trend finding (p = 0.06). Regarding therapy success, symptoms of social anxiety (p = 0.005) and depression (p < 0.001) were significantly reduced from pre (t1) to post-treatment (t2). Our study showed that stress reactivity pre-treatment may serve as a predictor of psychotherapy outcome. In this regard, alterations in stress response relate to changes in symptoms of social anxiety and depression after PDT. This implies that patients with chronic stress might benefit from a targeted interventions during psychotherapy, especially to manage fear in social contexts.
An updated review on animal models to study attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Kim Daegeon , Yadav Dhananjay , Song Minseok
Published: April 2024

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder affecting both children and adolescents. Individuals with ADHD experience heterogeneous problems, such as difficulty in attention, behavioral hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recent studies have shown that complex genetic factors play a role in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. Animal models with clear hereditary traits are crucial for studying the molecular, biological, and brain circuit mechanisms underlying ADHD. Owing to their well-managed genetic origins and the relative simplicity with which the function of neuronal circuits is clearly established, models of mice can help learn the mechanisms involved in ADHD. Therefore, in this review, we highlighting the important genetic animal models that can be used to study ADHD.
OTUD5 promotes the inflammatory immune response by enhancing MyD88 oligomerization and Myddosome formation
Authors: Liu Yaxing , Yuan Jiahua , Zhang Yuling , Qin Fei , Bai Xuemei , Sun Wanwei , Chen Tian , Liu Feng , Zheng Yi , Qi Xiaopeng , Zhao Wei , Liu Bingyu , Gao Chengjiang
Published: April 2024

Myddosome is an oligomeric complex required for the transmission of inflammatory signals from TLR/IL1Rs and consists of MyD88 and IRAK family kinases. However, the molecular basis for the self-assemble of Myddosome proteins and regulation of intracellular signaling remains poorly understood. Here, we identify OTUD5 acts as an essential regulator for MyD88 oligomerization and Myddosome formation. OTUD5 directly interacts with MyD88 and cleaves its K11-linked polyubiquitin chains at Lys95, Lys231 and Lys250. This polyubiquitin cleavage enhances MyD88 oligomerization after LPS stimulation, which subsequently promotes the recruitment of downstream IRAK4 and IRAK2 to form Myddosome and the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling and production of inflammatory cytokines. Consistently, Otud5-deficient mice are less susceptible to LPS- and CLP-induced sepsis. Taken together, our findings reveal a positive regulatory role of OTUD5 in MyD88 oligomerization and Myddosome formation, which provides new sights into the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
FOXA1 and FOXA2: the regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic implications in cancer
Authors: Liu Na , Wang Anran , Xue Mengen , Zhu Xiaoren , Liu Yang , Chen Minbin
Published: April 2024

FOXA1 (Forkhead Box A1) and FOXA2 (Forkhead Box A2) serve as pioneering transcription factors that build gene expression capacity and play a central role in biological processes, including organogenesis and differentiation, glycolipid metabolism, proliferation, migration and invasion, and drug resistance. Notably, FOXA1 and FOXA2 may exert antagonistic, synergistic, or complementary effects in the aforementioned biological processes. This article focuses on the molecular mechanisms and clinical relevance of FOXA1 and FOXA2 in steroid hormone-induced malignancies and highlights potential strategies for targeting FOXA1 and FOXA2 for cancer therapy. Furthermore, the article describes the prospect of targeting upstream regulators of FOXA1/FOXA2 to regulate its expression for cancer therapy because of the drug untargetability of FOXA1/FOXA2.
Chromosome 20p11.2 deletions cause congenital hyperinsulinism via the loss of FOXA2 or its regulatory elements
Authors: Laver Thomas W. , Wakeling Matthew N. , Caswell Richard C. , Bunce Benjamin , Yau Daphne , Männistö Jonna M. E. , Houghton Jayne A. L. , Hopkins Jasmin J. , Weedon Michael N. , Saraff Vrinda , Kershaw Melanie , Honey Engela M. , Murphy Nuala , Giri Dinesh , Nath Stuart , Tangari Saredo Ana , Banerjee Indraneel , Hussain Khalid , Owens Nick D. L. , Flanagan Sarah E.
Published: April 2024

Persistent congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) is a rare genetically heterogeneous condition characterised by dysregulated insulin secretion leading to life-threatening hypoglycaemia. For up to 50% of affected individuals screening of the known HI genes does not identify a disease-causing variant. Large deletions have previously been used to identify novel regulatory regions causing HI. Here, we used genome sequencing to search for novel large (>1 Mb) deletions in 180 probands with HI of unknown cause and replicated our findings in a large cohort of 883 genetically unsolved individuals with HI using off-target copy number variant calling from targeted gene panels. We identified overlapping heterozygous deletions in five individuals (range 3–8 Mb) spanning chromosome 20p11.2. The pancreatic beta-cell transcription factor gene, FOXA2, a known cause of HI was deleted in two of the five individuals. In the remaining three, we found a minimal deleted region of 2.4 Mb adjacent to FOXA2 that encompasses multiple non-coding regulatory elements that are in conformational contact with FOXA2. Our data suggests that the deletions in these three children may cause disease through the dysregulation of FOXA2 expression. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of FOXA2 in the beta-cell and confirm an aetiological role for chromosome 20p11.2 deletions in syndromic HI.