bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in catch rates of sawfish on the Australian North West Shelf
Authors: Harry AV , Wakefield CB , Newman SJ , Braccini JM
Published: November 2023

Northwestern Australia is thought to have some of the world’s last remaining viable sawfish populations, although little quantitative data exists on their status or trends. This study examined 17 years of logbook bycatch records (n = 815) for green sawfish Pristis zijsron and narrow sawfish Anoxypristis cuspidata from a trawl fishery operating on the Australian North West Shelf. Incidental sawfish captures by the fishery are rare, occurring approximately once every 75 trawls (~199 trawl hours). To standardize catch rates and account for excess zeros in the data, we employed generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSSs) using a zero-inflated Poisson distribution. For green sawfish, catch rates approximately doubled over the study period, while an oscillating trend was observed for narrow sawfish catch rates. Reported captures occurred throughout the management boundaries of the fishery, which operates in mid-shelf waters from 48 to 121 m. A weak seasonal signal in catch rates was detected for both species, with the highest capture numbers occurring during autumn-winter, consistent with an expected inshore migration for parturition during spring-summer. Logbook trends were partly corroborated by independently verified data collected in a subset of years, which also showed an increasing proportion of green sawfish in the catch. Our findings emphasize the importance of sawfish populations in northwestern Australia within the context of global conservation efforts for this taxon.
Investigating Profit Persistence Among Hungarian Plastic Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Molnár Dániel , Horváth Tamás , Bareith Tibor
Published: November 2023

This study examines the competitive nature of the Hungarian plastics industry sector based on 2010-2019 data from the Crefoport database.. The aim of the study is to examine that how close the market of plastic industry companies is to perfect competition. Market efficiency was investigated using a Markov chain and profit persistence estimation (Arellano & Bond, 1991). Corporate profitability was measured using the ROA indicator. Variables reflecting industry and market effects are also included in the analysis as controls. Based on the Markov transition probability matrix, market competition is harmed. Based on the panel model estimation, the profit persistence value shows a low value (0.129) compared to the existing literature. The profitability of plastic companies can be statistically proven to be affected by company size (p = -0.046), short (p = 0.016) and long risk (p=-0.093), and the volatility of profitability (p = 0.633). Among the exogenous variables, industry income (p=0.081) and market concentration (p = 0.974) have a significant effect on the profitability of companies. Limited market competition reduces overall social benefit and efficiency in several ways: it reduces price competition, quality orientation, and the pursuit of innovations. Therefore, from the point of view of economic policy , it is definitely justified that the sector receives subsidies in an appropriate amount that improves the efficiency and productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as encourage technological development and innovation.
Author Functions and Freedom: ‘Michel Foucault’ and ‘Ayn Rand’ in the Anglophone ‘Culture Wars’
Authors: Downing Lisa
Published: November 2023

Freedom was a core theme of Michel Foucault's later writings, as well the central tenet of the work of pro-capitalist writer Ayn Rand. This article firstly demonstrates some surprisingly similar arguments made in the oeuvres of these unlikely bedfellows regarding how cultivation of the self/holding the self as one’s highest value (in Foucault's and Rand's respective lexicons) can lead to an ethic of freedom. Secondly, the article examines the ways in which both ‘author functions’ (in Foucault's sense) have recently been deployed in political discourse to stand in for caricatured versions of the freedoms of right-wing greed and left-wing moral relativism. Foucault is doubly problematized, moreover, since, as well as being used as a metonym for the perceived dangers of identity politics by the right, his ambivalent and ambiguous relationship with neoliberalism proves a problem to many scholars who wish to fit him squarely into a left-wing continental canon.
Analysis of the indicators of the environmental state of the Southern Buh River basin in Vinnytsia
Authors: Morozova L.
Published: November 2023

An analysis of modern ecological problems of the Southern Buh River basin was carried out, which allows to identify the most painful ecological threats. Ways to solve these problems and to optimize management of ecological safety of water resources of Vinnytsia region are proposed. Surface water is a special natural resource of strategic importance for any state. It determines the development trends of all branches of the economy. Scientifically unfounded anthropogenic load, intensified by climate change, leads to quantitative and qualitative degradation of rivers. The problem of water quality is considered as the most important social, scientific and technical problem of our time, the solution of which largely depends on the correct management of water systems. Therefore, it is relevant to study the quality of surface water in order to predict changes in the state of the hydroecosystem and reduce the risks of unstable exploitation of water by water users. After analyzing the ecological condition of the Southern Buh River, according to the data of open sources of ecological monitoring, it was confirmed that the main pollutant within the city of Vinnytsia is the discharge of storm water. Surface pollution is formed due to the extremely unsatisfactory condition of the territories of coastal protection strips, enterprises, and the adjacent territories of individual home ownership. According to the data of the regional sanitary-epidemiological service, the specific weight of drinking water samples that do not meet the sanitary standards for microbiological contamination was 5.9%. Control of the water condition of the Southern Buh River in the territory of the city of Vinnytsia is carried out by accredited laboratories of various institutions, but the main problem is that the coastal strips remain unexamined for significant distances. Therefore, constant monitoring of the state of surface waters is an important measure to prevent uncontrolled pollution and deterioration of the quality of water resources.
Foreign experience in managing natural park areas
Authors: Popadynets N. , Hrafska O. , Halachenko O.
Published: November 2023

Although the importance of preserving the environment and encouraging public recreation in national parks is widely recognized, challenges to achieving these goals remain. With over a century of national park management experience, the institutional knowledge of national park systems in the European Union and the United States can offer valuable insights into best management practices. Effective and sustainable management of a national park requires an organizational structure at the state level with respect for local institutions at the park level, involvement of stakeholders in park management decisions, public involvement encouraged by information sharing and education, clarity of boundaries, improved relations with landowners of adjacent lands, and give priority to improving relations with the indigenous population. It has been determined that better park management relies on education to increase public awareness of the importance of national parks and park systems. Tourism and climate change were identified as creating increasing challenges for park management, underscoring the shared urgency of addressing these challenges. The foreign experience on the example of the European Union and the United States of America regarding the management of the territories of natural parks is studied. Three methods of using information on management efficiency are characterized: programming, which includes identifying problems and setting priorities; adaptive management, which is based on the use of performance data for the purpose of continuous improvement of management processes; accountability, which means providing reports and answers about activities and performance. It has been proven that in modern times, due to restrictions established by legislation, the territories of national parks in Ukraine do not have wide access for organized mass tourism and recreation.
Genetic structure of the herds of two bighead carp species in «Аgrofirm Кolos» PLC
Authors: Stetsiuk I. , Borysenko N. , Mariutsa А.
Published: November 2023

The allelic and genotypic composition of herds of silver carp and bighead carp of Agrofirma Kolos PLC (Kyiv region) was studied. The method of electrophoresis in a polyacrylamide gel with histochemical staining and subsequent genotyping of samples according to the three most variable blood proteins: transferrin, albumin, and esterase is used to detect molecular genetic markers. The number of three-year-old fish that were used to take blood samples for genetic research was 20 specimens for each species of fishes. The frequency of alleles and genotypes, actual and expected heterozygosity, and fixation indices were calculated. According to the results of the study, the predominance of heterozygous genotypes over homozygous genotypes at all three studied loci was found in the herds of both types of fish. The highest level of heterozygosity was established at the transferrin locus (98% in silver carp and 66.2% in bighead carp), the lowest was at the albumin locus (65% in silver carp and 50.8% in bighead carp). A slight excess of heterozygous individuals was found for transferrin and esterase loci in the herd of silver carp. For the bighead carp, this was found only in the transferrin locus. The influence of inbreeding on the formation of the genetic structure of herds of both species of fishes was revealed. To prevent the negative impact of inbreeding, it is recommended to use the high genetic variability of herds for the heterogeneous selection of fish for breeding purposes and to carry out cyclic genetic monitoring of the stock.
Impacto do futsal na coordenação óculo-pedal em escolares de 7 a 9 anos da cidade de Cambará-PR
Authors: Ferreira Wendel Rafael Silveira
Published: November 2023

O presente estudo se refere a uma avaliação na modalidade futsal em escolares que praticam e que não praticam essa modalidade. Foi avaliado se o futsal auxilia na melhora da coordenação óculo pedal de seus praticantes. Foram definidos dois grupos de escolares com idade entre 7 e 9 anos, ambos matriculados no Colégio Estadual Carolina Lupion. O primeiro grupo pratica futsal na escolinha Dani gol 3 vezes por semana, enquanto que o segundo grupo apenas frequenta as aulas de educação física. Como procedimento foi aplicado o teste de práxia-global para coordenação óculo-pedal. Os materiais utilizados foram: papel sulfite, caneta esferográfica, uma bola de tênis, uma cadeira uma fita métrica, prancheta e fita crepe. A pesquisa contou com 26 alunos praticantes e não praticantes de futsal, onde foi encontrado um melhor resultado nos alunos que praticam o futsal. O futsal com certeza é uma ferramenta para melhorar o desempenho motor das crianças na escola, por isso devemos ofertar essa modalidade na escola pois sua contribuição para o desenvolvimento motor da criança e gigantesca.
Polymeric reinforcements for cellularized collagen-based vascular wall models: influence of the scaffold architecture on the mechanical and biological properties
Authors: Pien Nele , Di Francesco Dalila , Copes Francesco , Bartolf-Kopp Michael , Chausse Victor , Meeremans Marguerite , Pegueroles Marta , Jüngst Tomasz , De Schauwer Catharina , Boccafoschi Francesca , Dubruel Peter , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Mantovani Diego
Published: November 2023

A previously developed cellularized collagen-based vascular wall model showed promising results in mimicking the biological properties of a native vessel but lacked appropriate mechanical properties. In this work, we aim to improve this collagen-based model by reinforcing it using a tubular polymeric (reinforcement) scaffold. The polymeric reinforcements were fabricated exploiting commercial poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), a polymer already used to fabricate other FDA-approved and commercially available devices serving medical applications, through 1) solution electrospinning (SES), 2) 3D printing (3DP) and 3) melt electrowriting (MEW). The non-reinforced cellularized collagen-based model was used as a reference (COL). The effect of the scaffold’s architecture on the resulting mechanical and biological properties of the reinforced collagen-based model were evaluated. SEM imaging showed the differences in scaffolds’ architecture (fiber alignment, fiber diameter and pore size) at both the micro- and the macrolevel. The polymeric scaffold led to significantly improved mechanical properties for the reinforced collagen-based model (initial elastic moduli of 382.05 ± 132.01 kPa, 100.59 ± 31.15 kPa and 245.78 ± 33.54 kPa, respectively for SES, 3DP and MEW at day 7 of maturation) compared to the non-reinforced collagen-based model (16.63 ± 5.69 kPa). Moreover, on day 7, the developed collagen gels showed stresses (for strains between 20% and 55%) in the range of [5–15] kPa for COL, [80–350] kPa for SES, [20–70] kPa for 3DP and [100–190] kPa for MEW. In addition to the effect on the resulting mechanical properties, the polymeric tubes’ architecture influenced cell behavior, in terms of proliferation and attachment, along with collagen gel compaction and extracellular matrix protein expression. The MEW reinforcement resulted in a collagen gel compaction similar to the COL reference, whereas 3DP and SES led to thinner and longer collagen gels. Overall, it can be concluded that 1) the selected processing technique influences the scaffolds’ architecture, which in turn influences the resulting mechanical and biological properties, and 2) the incorporation of a polymeric reinforcement leads to mechanical properties closely matching those of native arteries.
Is it reasonable to shorten the length of cemented stems? A finite element analysis and biomechanical experiment
Authors: Li Junyan , Xiong Liang , Lei Chao , Wu Xinyu , Mao Xinzhan
Published: November 2023

Background: Uncemented short stems have been shown to optimize load distribution on the proximal femur, reducing stress shielding and preserving bone mass. However, they may adversely affect the initial stability of the stems. To date, most research conducted on short stems has predominantly centered on uncemented stems, leaving a notable dearth of investigations encompassing cemented stems. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the length of cemented stems on the transmission of femoral load patterns and assess the initial stability of cemented short stems.

Method: A series of finite element models were created by gradient truncation on identical cemented stem. The impact of varying lengths of the cemented stem on both the peak stress of the femur and the stress distribution in the proximal femur (specifically Gruen zones 1 and 7) were assessed. In addition, an experimental biomechanical model for cemented short stem was established, and the initial stability was measured by evaluating the axial irreversible displacement of the stem relative to the cement.

Result: The maximum von-Mises stress of the femur was 58.170 MPa. Spearman correlation analysis on the shortened length and von-Mises stress of all nodes in each region showed that the p-values for all regions were less than 0.0001, and the correlation coefficients (r) for each region were 0.092 (Gruen Zone 1) and 0.366 (Gruen Zone 7). The result of the biomechanical experiment showed that the irreversible axial displacement of the stem relative to cement was −870 μm (SD 430 μm).

Conclusion: Reducing the length of a cemented stem can effectively enhance the proximal load of the femur without posing additional fracture risk. Moreover, the biomechanical experiment demonstrated favorable initial stabilities of cemented short stems.
Joint 2D–3D cross-pseudo supervision for carotid vessel wall segmentation
Authors: Zhou Yahan , Yang Lin , Guo Yuan , Xu Jing , Li Yutong , Cai Yongjiang , Duan Yuping
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The segmentation of the carotid vessel wall using black-blood magnetic resonance images was a crucial step in the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. The objective was to accurately isolate the region between the artery lumen and outer wall. Although supervised learning methods achieved remarkable accuracy in vessel segmentation, their effectiveness remained limited due to their reliance on extensive labeled data and human intervention. Furthermore, when confronted with three-dimensional datasets featuring insufficient and discontinuous label data, these learning-based approaches could lose their efficacy. In this paper, we proposed a novel Joint 2D–3D Cross-Pseudo Supervision (JCPS) method for accurate carotid vessel wall segmentation.

Methods

In this study, a vascular center-of-gravity positioning module was developed to automatically estimate the region of blood vessels. To achieve accurate segmentation, we proposed a joint 2D–3D semi-supervised network to model the three-dimensional continuity of vascular structure. In addition, a novel loss function tailored for vessel segmentation was introduced, consisting of four components: supervision loss, cross-pseudo supervision loss, pseudo label supervision loss, and continuous supervision loss, all aimed at ensuring the accuracy and continuity of the vessel structure. In what followed, we also built up a user-friendly Graphical User Interface based on our JCPS method for end-users.

Results

Our proposed JCPS method was evaluated using the Carotid Artery Vessel Wall Segmentation Challenge dataset to assess its performance. The experimental results clearly indicated that our approach surpassed the top 10 methods on the leaderboard, resulting in a significant enhancement in segmentation accuracy. Specifically, we achieved an average Dice similarity coefficient increase from 0.775 to 0.806 and an average quantitative score improvement from 0.837 to 0.850, demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed JCPS method for carotid artery vessel wall segmentation.

Conclusion

The experimental results suggested that the JCPS method had a high level of generalization performance by producing pseudo labels that were comparable with software annotations for data-imbalanced segmentation tasks.
Association between serum complements and kidney function in patients with diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Liu Meng-chao , Li Jia-lin , Wang Yue-fen , Meng Yuan , Zheng Gui-min , Cai Zhen , Shen Cun , Wang Meng-di , Zhu Xiang-gang , Chen Yang-zi , Wang Yu-lin , Zhao Wen-jing , Niu Wen-quan , Wang Yao-xian
Published: November 2023

Objective

We aimed to explore the association between serum complements and kidney function of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in Chinese patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective study involving 2,441 participants. DKD was diagnosed according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) categories. Participants were classified as stages G1-G5 by KDIGO glomerular filtration rate (GFR) categories. Effect sizes are expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

After balancing age, gender, systolic blood pressure (SBP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), serum triglyceride (TG), and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) between the G2-G5 and control groups, per 0.1 g/L increment in serum complement C3 was significantly associated with a 27.8% reduced risk of DKD at G5 stage (OR, 95% CI, P: 0.722, 0.616-0.847, <0.001) relative to the G1 stage. Conversely, per 0.1 g/L increment in serum complement C4 was associated with an 83.0-177.6% increased risk of G2-G5 stage (P<0.001). Serum complement C1q was not statistically significant compared to controls at all stages prior to or after propensity score matching.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that high concentrations of serum C4 were associated with the significantly elevated risk of kidney function deterioration across all stages, and reduced serum C3 levels with an increased risk of DKD stage G5.
PolySialic acid-nanoparticles inhibit macrophage mediated inflammation through Siglec agonism: a potential treatment for age related macular degeneration
Authors: Krishnan Anitha , Sendra Victor G. , Patel Diyan , Lad Amit , Greene Michelle K. , Smyth Peter , Gallaher Samantha A. , Herron Úna M. , Scott Christopher J. , Genead Mohamed , Tolentino Michael
Published: November 2023

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic, progressive retinal disease characterized by an inflammatory response mediated by activated macrophages and microglia infiltrating the inner layer of the retina. In this study, we demonstrate that inhibition of macrophages through Siglec binding in the AMD eye can generate therapeutically useful effects. We show that Siglecs-7, -9 and -11 are upregulated in AMD associated M0 and M1 macrophages, and that these can be selectively targeted using polysialic acid (PolySia)-nanoparticles (NPs) to control dampen AMD-associated inflammation. In vitro studies showed that PolySia-NPs bind to macrophages through human Siglecs-7, -9, -11 as well as murine ortholog Siglec-E. Following treatment with PolySia-NPs, we observed that the PolySia-NPs bound and agonized the macrophage Siglecs resulting in a significant decrease in the secretion of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and VEGF, and an increased secretion of IL-10. In vivo intravitreal (IVT) injection of PolySia-NPs was found to be well-tolerated and safe making it effective in preventing thinning of the retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL), inhibiting macrophage infiltration, and restoring electrophysiological retinal function in a model of bright light-induced retinal degeneration. In a clinically validated, laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model of exudative AMD, PolySia-NPs reduced the size of neovascular lesions with associated reduction in macrophages. The PolySia-NPs described herein are therefore a promising therapeutic strategy for repolarizing pro-inflammatory macrophages to a more anti-inflammatory, non-angiogenic phenotype, which play a key role in the pathophysiology of non-exudative AMD.
Interleukin-17 and inflammatory bowel disease: a 2-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cai Yangke , Jia Xuan , Xu Liyi , Chen Hanwen , Xie Siyuan , Cai Jianting
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Observational studies have discovered a contradictory phenomenon between interleukin-17 (IL-17) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study aimed to confirm the causal association between each subtype of IL-17 and IBD.

Methods

We performed a 2-sample univariable and multivariable mendelian randomization (MR) to determine which subtype of IL-17 is causally related to IBD and its subtypes, and used a series of sensitivity analysis to examine the reliability of the main MR assumptions.

Results

We found that IL-17B, IL-17E and IL-17RB were significantly associated with an increased risk of UC (IL-17B: OR: 1.26, 95% CI, 1.09-1.46, P < 0.01; IL-17E: OR: 1.17, 95% CI, 1.05-1.30, P < 0.01; IL-17RB: OR: 1.30, 95% CI, 1.20-1.40, P < 0.0001) while IL-17C and IL-17RC showed causal effects on the increased risk of CD (IL-17C: OR: 1.23, 95% CI, 1.21-1.26, P < 0.0001; IL-17RC: OR: 2.01, 95% CI, 1.07-3.75, P=0.03). The results of multivariable MR (MVMR) showed that the causal effects of IL-17B and IL-17E on UC were unilaterally dependent on IL-17RB, while the effects of IL-17C and IL-17RC on CD were interdependent.

Discussion

Our study provided new genetic evidence for the causal relationships between each subtype of IL-17 and IBD, promoting future mechanistic research in IBD.
High-dimensional mass cytometry reveals systemic and local immune signatures in necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Zhou Jialiang , Chen Baozhu , Liu Xiao , Cai Yao , Liu Wei , Hao Hu , Li Sitao
Published: November 2023

Objective

Patients with necrotizing enterocolitis display severe gastrointestinal complications of prematurity, but the mechanism driving this clinical profile remains unknown. We used mass cytometry time-of-flight to characterize and compare immune cell populations in the blood and intestine tissue from patients with and without (controls) necrotizing enterocolitis at single-cell resolution.

Methods

We completed a deep mapping of the immune system of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and intestinal mucosa tissue using mass cytometry to evaluate immune cell types, which revealed global immune dysregulation characteristics underlying necrotizing enterocolitis.

Results

Compared with controls, natural killer cells display signs of heightened activation and increased cytotoxic potential in the peripheral blood and mucosa of patients with necrotizing enterocolitis. Furthermore, CD4+ T effector memory cells, non-classical monocytes, active dendritic cells, and neutrophils were specifically enriched in the mucosa, suggesting trafficking from the periphery to areas of inflammation. Moreover, we mapped the systemic and local distinct immune signatures suggesting patterns of cell localization in necrotizing enterocolitis.

Conclusion

We used mass cytometry time-of-flight technology to identify immune cell populations specific to the peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa tissue from patients with necrotizing enterocolitis and controls. This information might be used to develop precise diagnosis and therapies that target specific cell populations in patients with necrotizing enterocolitis.
Dynamics of the Apostichopus californicus-associated flavivirus under suboxic conditions and organic matter amendment
Authors: Crandell Jameson G. , Altera Ashley K. , DeRito Christopher M. , Hebert Kyle P. , Lim Em G. , Markis Joel , Philipp Katherine H. , Rede Jordan E. , Schwartz Megan , Vilanova-Cuevas Brayan , Wang Evangeline , Hewson Ian
Published: November 2023

Flaviviruses cause some of the most detrimental vertebrate diseases, yet little is known of their impacts on invertebrates. Microbial activities at the animal-water interface are hypothesized to influence viral replication and possibly contribute to pathology of echinoderm wasting diseases due to hypoxic stress. We assessed the impacts of enhanced microbial production and suboxic stress on Apostichopus californicus associated flavivirus (PcaFV) load in a mesocosm experiment. Organic matter amendment and suboxic stress resulted in lower PcaFV load, which also correlated negatively with animal mass loss and microbial activity at the animal-water interface. These data suggest that PcaFV replication and persistence was best supported in healthier specimens. Our results do not support the hypothesis that suboxic stress or microbial activity promote PcaFV replication, but rather that PcaFV appears to be a neutral or beneficial symbiont of Apostichopus californicus.
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing to investigate infectious keratitis by Corynespora cassiicola: a case report
Authors: Xu Shuo , Lu Shui , Gu Yan , Sun Hongjuan , Ma Minghui , Leng Yue , Liu Wenhui
Published: November 2023

In this report, the case of a 65-year-old immunosuppressed female who presented with recurring redness and irritation in her right eye for 2 months is described. Ocular examination revealed conjunctival congestion, feather-like greyish-white corneal deep stromal infiltrate, white, floccular material sprawling from the anterior chamber angle and hypopyon. The in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) instantly confirmed fungal keratitis, and empirical antifungal therapy was thus administered. The patient exhibited therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, however, due to the progression of infection and the lack of identified pathogens. The fungal isolate was identified as Corynespora cassiicola by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of the host cornea. The patient responded well to intensive conservative therapy and subsequent surgical therapy. To our knowledge, this case represents the first case of C. cassiicola infection from China, highlighting the emergence of a rare fungus that causes keratitis. Furthermore, mNGS has the capability to facilitate prompt identification and timely management of challenging ocular infections that are difficult to diagnose.
Application of the #Enzian classification for endometriosis on MRI: prospective evaluation of inter- and intraobserver agreement
Authors: Harth Sebastian , Kaya Hasan Emin , Zeppernick Felix , Meinhold-Heerlein Ivo , Keckstein Jörg , Yildiz Selcuk Murat , Nurkan Emina , Krombach Gabriele Anja , Roller Fritz Christian
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the inter- and intraobserver variability of the updated #Enzian classification of endometriosis on MRI and to evaluate the influence of reader experience on interobserver concordance.

Methods

This was a prospective single-center study. All patients were included who received an MRI of the pelvis for evaluation of endometriosis between March and July 2023 and who have provided written informed consent. Images were reviewed independently for endometriosis by three radiologists, utilizing the MRI-applicable categories of the #Enzian classification. Two radiologists had experience in pelvic MRI and endometriosis imaging. One radiologist had no specific experience in pelvic MRI and received a one-hour briefing beforehand.

Results

Fifty consecutive patients (mean age, 34.9 years ±8.6 [standard deviation]) were prospectively evaluated. Interobserver agreement was excellent for diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (Fleiss’ kappa: 0.89; 95% CI 0.73–1.00; p < 0.001) and endometriomas (Fleiss’ kappa: 0.93; 95% CI 0.77–1.00; p < 0.001). For the experienced readers, interobserver agreement in the assessment of compartments A, B and C was excellent (κw ranging from 0.84; 95% CI 0.71–0.97; p < 0.001 to 0.89; 95% CI 0.82–0.97; p < 0.001). For the pairings of the experienced readers to the reader without specific experience in pelvic MRI, agreement was substantial to excellent (κw ranging from 0.64; 95% CI 0.44–0.85; p < 0.001 to 0.91; 95% CI 0.84–0.98; p < 0.001). Intraobserver variability was excellent for compartments A, B and C (κw ranging from 0.85; 95% CI 0.73–0.96; p < 0.001 to 0.95; 95% CI 0.89–1.00; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

With sufficient experience, the #Enzian classification enables the achievement of excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement in MRI-based diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis and endometriomas.
The efficacy and safety of general anesthesia vs. conscious sedation for endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Jiashuo , Tan Xin , Wu Xin , Li Jiaxuan , Wang Shixin , Qu Ruisi , Chu Tianchen , Chen Zhouqing , Liu Jiangang , Wang Zhong
Published: November 2023

Background

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is an important treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A number of studies have suggested that anesthesia type (conscious sedation vs. general anesthesia) during intra-arterial treatment for acute ischemic stroke has implications for patient outcomes.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were performed to evaluate general anesthesia (GA) and conscious sedation (CS) up to May 30, 2023. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to assess the data. The risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) were analyzed and calculated with a fixed effect model.

Results

We pooled 930 patients from seven RCTs. We conducted a meta-analysis comparing the outcomes of GA and CS in the included trials. The rate of functional independence in the GA group was higher than that in the CS group (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00–1.35; P = 0.04; I2 = 16%). The GA group had a higher successful recanalization rate than the CS group (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08–1.22; P < 0.0001; I2 = 26%). The GA group had a higher pneumonia rate than the CS group (RR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.22–2.34; P = 0.002; I2 = 26%). In addition, there was no significant difference between GA and CS with respect to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at 24 h (P = 0.62), Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days (P = 0.25), intracerebral hemorrhage (P = 0.54), and mortality at 3 months (P = 0.61).

Conclusion

GA demonstrated superiority over CS in achieving successful recanalization and functional independence at 3 months when performing EVT in AIS patients. However, it was also associated with a higher risk of pneumonia. Further studies, particularly those with long-term follow-ups, are necessary to identify precise strategies for selecting the appropriate anesthetic modality in EVT patients.

Systematic review registration

INPLASY202370116.
Case report: Coexistence of triple-seronegative myasthenia gravis and pathology-proven cryptogenic organizing pneumonia
Authors: Huang Shi-Qi , Wang Bin , Gao Lin , Wang Meng , Zhao Hong-Dong , Shi Jian-Quan
Published: November 2023

Objective

Emerging evidence shows that patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) were at a higher risk for the co-occurrence of other autoimmune diseases, which reflects phenotypic heterogeneity in MG. The coexistence of MG and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) has rarely been reported. The present case is to report the coexistence of triple-seronegative MG and pathology-proven COP in a patient.

Methods

The clinical data of the patient were derived from medical records of Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient.

Results

We presented a 56-year-old man with acute respiratory syndrome, who was diagnosed with COP based on the intra-alveolar fibroinflammatory buds (Masson's bodies) in the pathology of bronchoscopy biopsy. Oral prednisone induced dramatic symptomatic improvement and complete resolution of previous lung lesions. After a stable course of no respiratory symptom for 2 months, he was referred to the neurology department with complaints of fluctuating generalized muscle weakness. He was diagnosed with triple-seronegative MG based on fluctuating weakness, neostigmine test-positivity and RNS-positivity. After three-month treatment with pyridostigmine in combination with tacrolimus, the symptoms gradually improved and he achieved minimal symptom expression.

Conclusions

This case highlights the rare coexistence of triple-seronegative MG and pathology-proven COP. However, a causal association between COP and MG cannot be explicitly ascertained. In future, more data are needed to clarify the relationship, taking into account the limited number of cases reported with this coexistence of the diseases.
Exploring the relationship between IGHMBP2 gene mutations and spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2S: a systematic review
Authors: Tian Yuan , Xing Jinfang , Shi Ying , Yuan Enwu
Published: November 2023

Background

IGHMBP2 is a crucial gene for the development and maintenance of the nervous system, especially in the survival of motor neurons. Mutations in this gene have been associated with spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2S (CMT2S).

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search using the PubMed database to identify studies published up to April 1st, 2023, that investigated the association between IGHMBP2 mutations and SMARD1 or CMT2S. We compared the non-truncating mutations and truncating mutations of the IGHMBP2 gene and selected high-frequency mutations of the IGHMBP2 gene.

Results

We identified 52 articles that investigated the association between IGHMBP2 mutations and SMARD1/CMT2S. We found 6 hotspot mutations of the IGHMBP2 gene. The truncating mutations in trans were all associated with SMARD1.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that the complete LOF mechanism of the IGHMBP2 gene defect may be an important cause of SMARD1.
The elusive concept of sexual motivation: can it be anchored in the nervous system?
Authors: Ventura-Aquino Elisa , Ågmo Anders
Published: November 2023

Sexual motivation is an abstract concept referring to the mechanisms determining the responsivity to sexually relevant stimuli. This responsivity determines the likelihood of producing a sexual response and the intensity of that response. Both responsivity to stimuli and the likelihood of making a response as well as the intensity of response are characteristics of an individual. Therefore, we need to assume that the concept of sexual motivation materializes in physiological mechanisms within the individual. The aim of the present communication is to analyze the requisites for the endeavor to materialize sexual motivation. The first requisite is to provide an operational definition, making the concept quantifiable. We show that parameters of copulatory behavior are inappropriate. We argue that the intensity of sexual approach behaviors provides the best estimate of sexual motivation in non-human animals, whereas the magnitude of genital responses is an exquisite indicator of human sexual motivation. Having assured how to quantify sexual motivation, we can then proceed to the search for physiological or neurobiological underpinnings. In fact, sexual motivation only manifests itself in animals exposed to appropriate amounts of gonadal hormones. In female rats, the estrogen receptor α in the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus is necessary for the expression of sexual approach behaviors. In male rats, androgen receptors within the medial preoptic area are crucial. Thus, in rats sexual motivation can be localized to specific brain structures, and even to specific cells within these structures. In humans, it is not even known if sexual motivation is materialized in the brain or in peripheral structures. Substantial efforts have been made to determine the relationship between the activity of neurotransmitters and the intensity of sexual motivation, particularly in rodents. The results of this effort have been meager. Likewise, efforts of finding drugs to stimulate sexual motivation, particularly in women complaining of low sexual desire, have produced dismal results. In sum, it appears that the abstract concept of sexual motivation can be reliably quantified, and the neurobiological bases can be described in non-human animals. In humans, objective quantification is feasible, but the neurobiological substrate remains enigmatic.
Low utilization of confirmatory testing for tinea capitis by pediatricians at an academic center in New York, United States, 2005–2021
Authors: Hwang Jonathan K. , Gold Jeremy A. W. , Paller Amy S. , Lipner Shari R.
Published: November 2023

We retrospectively reviewed physician diagnostic and treatment practices for pediatric tinea capitis at an academic institution over 16 years, in assessing adherence with published guidelines. We demonstrate the need to increase utilization of confirmatory testing and systemic therapy, and call for directed pediatrician education towards these goals.
Pharmacogenetics of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Uruguay: adverse events related to induction phase drugs
Authors: Burgueño-Rodríguez Gabriela , Méndez Yessika , Olano Natalia , Schelotto Magdalena , Castillo Luis , Soler Ana María , da Luz Julio
Published: November 2023

In Uruguay, the pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cure rate is 82.2%, similar to those reported in developed countries. However, many patients suffer adverse effects that could be attributed, in part, to genetic variability. This study aims to identify genetic variants related to drugs administered during the induction phase and analyze their contribution to adverse effects, considering individual genetic ancestry. Ten polymorphisms in five genes (ABCB1, CYP3A5, CEP72, ASNS, and GRIA1) related to prednisone, vincristine, and L-asparaginase were genotyped in 200 patients. Ancestry was determined using 45 ancestry informative markers (AIMs). The sample ancestry was 69.2% European, 20.1% Native American, and 10.7% African, but with high heterogeneity. Mucositis, Cushing syndrome, and neurotoxicity were the only adverse effects linked with genetic variants and ancestry. Mucositis was significantly associated with ASNS (rs3832526; 3R/3R vs. 2R carriers; OR: = 6.88 [1.88–25.14], p = 0.004) and CYP3A5 (non-expressors vs. expressors; OR: 4.55 [1.01–20.15], p = 0.049) genes. Regarding Cushing syndrome, patients with the TA genotype (rs1049674, ASNS) had a higher risk of developing Cushing syndrome than those with the TT genotype (OR: 2.60 [1.23–5.51], p = 0.012). Neurotoxicity was significantly associated with ABCB1 (rs9282564; TC vs. TT; OR: 4.25 [1.47–12.29], p = 0.007). Moreover, patients with <20% Native American ancestry had a lower risk of developing neurotoxicity than those with ≥20% (OR: 0.312 [0.120–0.812], p = 0.017). This study shows the importance of knowing individual genetics to improve the efficacy and safety of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Pharmacology activity, toxicity, and clinical trials of Erythrina genus plants (Fabaceae): an evidence-based review
Authors: Susilawati Elis , Levita Jutti , Susilawati Yasmiwar , Sumiwi Sri Adi
Published: November 2023

The concept of using plants to alleviate diseases is always challenging. In West Java, Indonesia, a local plant, named dadap serep has been traditionally used to reduce blood glucose, fever, and edema, by pounding the leaves and applying them on the inflamed skin, or boiled and consumed as herbal tea. This plant belongs to the Erythrina genus, which covers approximately 120 species. The scope of this review (1943–2023) is related to the Global Development Goals, in particular Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, by focusing on the pharmacology activity, toxicity, and clinical trials of Erythrina genus plants and their metabolites, e.g., pterocarpans, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Articles were searched on PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, using “Erythrina” AND “pharmacology activity” keywords, and only original articles written in English and open access were included. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal promising results, particularly for antibacterial and anticancer activities. The toxicity and clinical studies of Erythrina genus plants are limitedly reported. Considering that extensive caution should be taken when prescribing botanical drugs for patients parallelly taking a narrow therapeutic window drug, it is confirmed that no interactions of the Erythrina genus were recorded, indicating the safety of the studied plants. We, therefore, concluded that Erythrina genus plants are promising to be further explored for their effects in various signaling pathways as future plant-based drug candidates.
Photosynthetic characteristics, yield and quality of sunflower response to deficit irrigation in a cold and arid environment
Authors: Chen Xietian , Zhang Hengjia , Teng Anguo , Zhang Changlong , Lei Lian , Ba Yuchun , Wang Zeyi
Published: November 2023

In arid regions, deficit irrigation stands as an efficacious strategy for augmenting agricultural water conservation and fostering sustainable crop production. The Hexi Oasis, an irrigation zone situated in Northwest China, serves as a pivotal area to produce grain and cash crops. Nonetheless, due to the predominant conditions of low rainfall and high evaporation, the scarcity of irrigation water has emerged as a critical constraint affecting crop growth and yield in the area. In order to evaluate the effects of deficit irrigation on photosynthetic characteristics, yield, quality, and water use efficiency of sunflower, a two-year field experiment with under-mulched drip irrigation was conducted in the cold and arid environment of the Hexi Oasis region. Water deficits were implemented at sunflower seedling and maturity and consisted of three deficit levels: mild deficit (65–75% field capacity, FC), moderate deficit (55–65% FC), and severe deficit (45–55% FC). A total of six combined water deficit treatments were applied, using full irrigation (75–85% FC) throughout the entire crop-growing season as the control (CK). The results illustrated that water deficit engendered a decrease in leaf net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance of sunflower compared to CK, with the decrease becoming significant with the water deficit increasing. A mild water deficit, both at the seedling and maturity phases, precipitated a significant enhancement (p< 0.05) in leaf water use efficiency. Under mild water deficit, stomatal limitation emerged as the predominant factor inducing a reduction in the photosynthetic capacity of sunflower leaves, while as the water deficit escalated, non-stomatal limitation progressively assumed dominance. Moreover, a mild/moderate water deficit at seedling and a mild water deficit at maturity (WD1 and WD3) significantly improved sunflower seed quality under consistent yield conditions and significantly increased irrigation water use efficiency, with an average increase of 15.3% and 18.5% over the two years, respectively. Evaluations utilizing principal component analysis and membership function methods revealed that WD1 attained the highest comprehensive score. Consequently, a mild water deficit at both seedling and maturity (WD1) is advocated as the optimal deficit irrigation strategy for sunflower production within the cold and arid environment of Northwest China.
ALS gene overexpression and enhanced metabolism conferring Digitaria sanguinalis resistance to nicosulfuron in China
Authors: Wang Ruolin , Sun Ying , Lan Yuning , Wei Shouhui , Huang Hongjuan , Li Xiangju , Huang Zhaofeng
Published: November 2023

Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is a common malignant weed in corn fields in China. Recently, the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor, nicosulfuron, has shown decreasing efficacy against crabgrass. In order to elucidate the molecular basis of resistance to nicosulfuron in crabgrass, we conducted bioassays, combined with gene sequence analysis, relative expression and relative copy number analysis, to characterize resistance in crabgrass populations collected from Beijing, Heilongjiang, Jilin and Anhui provinces. Whole-plant dose-response results indicated that only population collected in Heilongjiang province (HLJ) had developed low level of resistance to nicosulfuron compared with the sensitive population (SD22). No known resistant mutation of ALS gene was found in HLJ population. The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR results showed that the ALS gene copy number did not differ significantly between the HLJ and SD22 populations. However, the ALS gene expression in the HLJ was 2.07-fold higher than that of the SD22 population at 24 h after treatment with nicosulfuron. Pretreatment with the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) inhibitor malathion, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), and the glutathione S-transferase (GST) inhibitor 4-Chloro-7-nitro-1,2,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD-Cl) all partially reversed HLJ resistance. Among them, the synergistic effect of PBO and nicosulfuron is the most significant. This is the first report of resistance to nicosulfuron in crabgrass through ALS gene overexpression and possible metabolic resistance.