bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculation of cerebral hemispheres volume values (grey matter, white matter and lateral ventricle) of sheep and goat: A stereological study
Authors: Aydoğdu Sedat , Eken Emrullah
Published: October 2023

Stereology is a discipline that allows us to obtain quantitative information about the geometric structure of three‐dimensional objects. In this study, the volume of grey matter (GM), white matter (WM), and lateral ventricle (LV) of the cerebral hemispheres (CH) in sheep and goats were calculated. For this purpose, six healthy male sheep and goat brains (1–2 years old) without any anomaly were used. Brains were fixed with 10% formaldehyde in the skull. The skull was opened using standard anatomical dissection methods, and the brains were carefully removed. Brain weight and volume were measured (using Archimedes' principle) after the meninges were removed. The cerebral hemispheres were separated from the other parts of the brain by a section made in front of the rostral colliculus. In the same way, the weight and volume of the cerebral hemispheres were measured. Afterward, the cerebral hemispheres were blocked with agar, and transversal cross sections (from rostral to caudal) with an average thickness of 3.42 mm were taken from the cerebral hemispheres. Grey matter was stained with Berlin blue macroscopic staining method. The stained cross sections were scanned at 600 dpi resolution, and a point counting grid was placed on the images with the ImageJ software. Cavalieri's principle calculated the surface area and volume measurements of the grey matter, white matter, and lateral ventricle. GM, WM, and LV volumes in sheep and goat cerebral hemispheres were calculated as 54.94, 21.48 and 3.06 mL in sheep, 57.46, 24.13 and 3.12 mL in goats, respectively. The percentages of these structures in the total hemisphere volume were 71.83%, 28.17% and 4.00% in sheep, 70.42%, 29.58% and 3.82% in goats, respectively. Asymmetry was not observed in cerebral hemispheres in both species. A difference was found in the WM, LV and LV: CH ratios in the right/left comparison of the goat (p < 0.05). In comparing sheep and goats, a significant difference was observed in WM right, WM left, WM total, CH left and CH total (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the cerebral hemispheres' grey matter and white matter ratio are frequently used to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, the increase in neurodegenerative disease models in farm animals has been enormous. It is thought that these values obtained from healthy animals in the current study will be important for such experimental studies in the future.
Asymmetric information and capital mobility in antebellum America
Authors: Vitaliano Donald F.
Published: October 2023

The New York legislature granted charters to 28 new banks in 1829. Over $5 million in capital was subscribed by 1745 individuals or entities. The average distance between investor and bank is less than 40 miles, and the average number of investors is 75 per bank, with ownership and control closely aligned. A gravity model fixed effects regression is estimated. Insiders, such as public officials and bank officers account for over one quarter of the invested capital. After accounting for information asymmetry, a strong home bias exists which suggests a high degree of capital immobility. The failure of Northern capital to invest in Southern manufacturing is readily explained by the picture of a thin and localized market dominated by political elite and specialized traders.
Insight into inflammation involvement in varicocele: A narrative review
Authors: Minas Aram , de Oliveira Rodrigues Larissa , Camargo Mariana , Bertolla Ricardo Pimenta
Published: October 2023

Background

Varicocele is one of the main causes of male infertility. Although the pathophysiology mechanism of varicocele is very well described and understood, there are some unanswered questions that remains unknown. Some studies have previously described the state of testicular inflammation and sperm in animal models, especially the mouse model, and the seminal plasma of men with varicocele, with or without changes in semen parameters.

Methods of study

This review intended to verify the role of inflammatory mechanism in varicocele, using clinical studies as well as animal model studies on the effect of inflammation caused by varicocele on the function of testicular somatic and germ cells.

Results

In‐vivo studies confirmed whether anti‐inflammatory molecules could treat the semen of men with varicocele and rats with varicocele. The use of different anti‐inflammatory agents in mouse model studies provided a new perspective for future clinical studies to investigate the effect of concurrent treatment with surgery to improve surgical outcomes.

Conclusion

Similar to animal model studies, previously conducted clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of anti‐inflammatory therapy in varicocele patients. However, clinical trials using anti‐inflammatory are needed to be conducted agents to evaluate different aspects of this therapeutical approach in varicocele patients.
Clinical impact of the TPSAB1 genotype in mast cell diseases: A REMA study in a cohort of 959 individuals
Authors: González‐de‐Olano David , Navarro‐Navarro Paula , Muñoz‐González Javier I. , Sánchez‐Muñoz Laura , Henriques Ana , de‐Andrés‐Martín Ana , Peralta‐Arjonilla Dolores , Mayado Andrea , Jara‐Acevedo María , García‐Montero Andrés C. , Orfao Alberto , Álvarez‐Twose Iván
Published: October 2023

Background

A close association between hereditary alpha‐tryptasemia (HAT) and mast cell (MC) disorders has been previously reported. However, the relationship between HAT and the diagnostic subtypes and clinical features of MC disorders still remains to be established.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of HAT in healthy donors (HD) vs patients with different diagnostic subtypes of MC activation syndromes (MCAS) and mastocytosis, and its relationship with the clinical behavior of the disease.

Methods

A total of 959 subjects were studied including 346 healthy donors (HD), 464 mastocytosis, and 149 non‐clonal MCAS patients. Molecular studies to assess the TPSAB1 genotype were performed, and data on serum baseline tryptase (sBT) and basal MC‐mediator release episodes and triggers of anaphylaxis were collected.

Results

HAT was detected in 15/346 (4%) HD versus 43/149 (29%) non‐clonal MCAS and 84/464 (18%) mastocytosis cases. Among mastocytosis, HAT was more frequently found in patients with MC‐restricted KITD816V (21% vs. 10% among multilineage KITD816V patients; p = .008). Overall, median sBT was higher in cases presenting with HAT (28.9 vs. 24.5 ng/mL; p = .008), while no significant differences in sBT were observed among HAT+ mastocytosis patients depending on the presence of 1 vs. ≥2 extra copies of the α‐tryptase gene (44.1 vs. 35.2 ng/mL, p > .05). In turn, anaphylaxis was more frequently observed in HAT+ versus HAT− mastocytosis patients (76% vs. 65%; p = .018), while HAT+ and HAT− patients who did not refer anaphylaxis as the presenting symptom (n = 308) showed a similar prevalence of subsequent anaphylaxis (35% vs. 36%, respectively).

Conclusion

The frequency of HAT in MC disorders varies according to the diagnostic subtype of the disease. HAT does not imply a higher risk (and severity) of anaphylaxis in mastocytosis patients in whom anaphylaxis is not part of the presenting symptoms of the disease.
Tourism‐Led Rentier Capitalism: Extracting Rent and Value from Tourism Property Investment
Authors: Wijburg Gertjan , Aalbers Manuel B. , Conte Veronica , Stoffelen Arie
Published: October 2023

A highly heterogenous group of actors develops, owns, manages, and purchases tourism property around the globe. In this paper, we discuss the rise of “tourism‐led rentier capitalism”—which is a particular fraction of capital—and its variegated dimensions. Although tourism property investors do not operate as a monolithic bloc or a socio‐economic class, they share similar interests and collectively reshape tourism destinations by extracting tourism rent, a form of monopoly and differential rent, which can be derived from natural and public goods or sign values and imaginations of places that imbue meaning and value into locational attributes. As such, they contribute to unevenly developed and variegated geographies of property investment which are nonetheless driven by common, underlying mechanisms and spatial practices. The conversion of tourism destinations into financialised accumulation frontiers is one broader outcome of tourism‐led rentier capitalism. The extraction of tourism rent is another.
Sacral neuromodulation in endometriosis – A promising treatment option for chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Zegrea Adrian , Ojala Emilia , Suvitie Pia , Varpe Pirita , Huhtinen Heikki , Mäkelä‐Kaikkonen Johanna , Rautio Tero , Härkki Päivi , Salmenkylä Sinikka , Ukkonen Mika , Lavonius Maija , Pinta Tarja
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects over one fifth of women worldwide, and endometriosis is one of the most common causes. In the present study, we examined whether sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is effective in the treatment of refractory chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis.

Material and methods

This multicenter prospective pilot study was started in 2017 and includes patients with chronic pelvic pain with no other obvious pathology than endometriosis. Other treatment options have been tried or they are unsuitable. Patients underwent SNM implantation. The main outcome was postoperative pain reduction and secondary outcome was quality of life. The following questionnaires were used to assess the outcomes: Brief pain inventory (BPI), clinical global impression ‐ improvement (CGI‐I), 15D‐measure of health‐related quality of life, and Biberoglu and Behrman (B&B) score.

Results

A total of 35 patients underwent the SNM procedure and, at the time of analysis, 15 patients had returned one‐year questionnaires. The patients had a history of endometriosis for a median of 5.5 (interquartile range 2–9) years, with no correlation between the severity of symptoms and the duration of the disease (p = 0.158). A total of 31 patients (89%) were implanted with the internal pulse generator. There were statistically significant changes in BPI pain‐related items. Worst experienced daily pain decreased among those who returned 12‐month questionnaires from median 9 to 5 (p = 0.006), average daily pain from 6 to 3.5 (p = 0.004), and least daily pain from 3 to 1 (p = 0.004). Based on the CGI questionnaire (n = 14), at 12 months nine patients (60%) experienced great improvement in their symptoms, three patients (20%) much improvement and two patients (13%) minimal improvement. None of the patients experienced worsening of their symptoms. There was a statistically significant change in overall 15D score at 1 month (p < 0.001), 6 months (p = 0.001) and 12 months (p = 0.018), when the results were compared to baseline values. Median B&B score also improved significantly and decreased from a baseline value of 8 (4–12) to 4.5 (0–6), p = 0.002.

Conclusions

Based on the preliminary findings of our study, SNM might be a promising treatment of CPP in endometriosis patients.
Cervical cancer in Region Skåne, Sweden 2017–2020 after the implementation of primary HPV screening: A quality assurance audit
Authors: Hellsten Caroline , Holmberg Anna , Astrom Jennica , Forslund Ola , Borgfeldt Christer
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Primary human papilloma virus (HPV) screening to detect cervical cancer and dysplastic lesions was implemented in Region Skåne 2017 for women aged 30–70. The aim of this study was to characterize the screening history of women diagnosed with cervical cancer to evaluate the performance of the screening program, as well as to assess the cancer treatments given and shortcomings in the follow‐up of women with cervical dysplasia.

Material and methods

We performed a quality assurance audit. The data was collected from the National Cervical Cancer Prevention Registry, Region Skåne Labmedicin database and the Melior Journal system in 2017–2020.

Results

We identified 247 women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer in Region Skåne in 2017–2020. Of these, 35 (14.2%) had a screening history over at least two screening rounds before diagnosis. There were 25 (10.1%) women diagnosed with cervical cancer in between screening intervals, i.e., interval cancer. The most common screening history in women with cervical cancer was irregular screening (143, 57.9%), followed by women being above screening age (44, 17.8%). HPV was detected in 96% of the cases, either in cervical cytology or in the tumor tissue. The screening program detected the disease in 96 (38.9%) of the patients, 149 (60.3%) were diagnosed through symptoms and two (0.80%) as a result of incidental findings.

Conclusions

The most powerful tool in the prevention of cervical cancer is screening program attendance. Prolongation with HPV screening among elderly women will also reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. Today, such cancers are usually discovered when symptoms appear.
Using pulsatility responses to breath‐hold maneuvers to predict readmission rates in continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device patients
Authors: Krishnaswamy Rohan Joshua , Robson Desiree , Gunawan Aaron , Ramanayake Anju , Barua Sumita , Jain Pankaj , Adji Audrey , Macdonald Peter Simon , Hayward Christopher Simon , Muthiah Kavitha
Published: October 2023

Background

Dynamic respiratory maneuvers induce heterogenous changes to flow‐pulsatility in continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device patients. We evaluated the association of these pulsatility responses with patient hemodynamics and outcomes.

Methods

Responses obtained from HVAD (Medtronic) outpatients during successive weekly clinics were categorized into three ordinal groups according to the percentage reduction in flow‐waveform pulsatility (peak‐trough flow) upon inspiratory‐breath‐hold, (%∆P): (1) minimal change (%∆P ≤ 50), (2) reduced pulsatility (%∆P > 50 but <100), (3) flatline (%∆P = 100). Same‐day echocardiography and right‐heart‐catheterization were performed. Readmissions were compared between patients with ≥1 flatline response (F‐group) and those without (NF‐group).

Results

Overall, 712 responses were obtained from 55 patients (82% male, age 56.4 ± 11.5). When compared to minimal change, reduced pulsatility and flatline responses were associated with lower central venous pressure (14.2 vs. 11.4 vs. 9.0 mm Hg, p = 0.08) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (19.8 vs. 14.3 vs. 13.0 mm Hg, p = 0.03), lower rates of ≥moderate mitral regurgitation (48% vs. 13% vs. 10%, p = 0.01), lower rates of ≥moderate right ventricular impairment (62% vs. 25% vs. 27%, p = 0.03), and increased rates of aortic valve opening (32% vs. 50% vs. 75%, p = 0.03). The F‐group (n = 28) experienced numerically lower all‐cause readmissions (1.51 vs. 2.79 events‐per‐patient‐year [EPPY], hazard‐ratio [HR] = 0.67, p = 0.12), reduced heart failure readmissions (0.07 vs. 0.57 EPPY, HR = 0.15, p = 0.008), and superior readmission‐free survival (HR = 0.47, log‐rank p = 0.04). Syncopal readmissions occurred exclusively in the F‐group (0.20 vs. 0 EPPY, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Responses to inspiratory‐breath‐hold predicted hemodynamics and readmission risk. The impact of inspiratory‐breath‐hold on pulsatility can non‐invasively guide hemodynamic management decisions, patient optimization, and readmission risk stratification.
Left ventricular assist device implantation and concomitant mitral valve surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Arjomandi Rad Arian , Fleet Ben , Zubarevich Alina , Nanchahal Sukanya , Naruka Vinci , Subbiah Ponniah Hariharan , Vardanyan Robert , Sardari Nia Peyman , Loubani Mahmoud , Moorjani Narain , Schmack Bastian , Punjabi Prakash P. , Schmitto Jan , Ruhparwar Arjang , Weymann Alexander
Published: October 2023

Background

The management of concomitant valvular lesions in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains a topic of debate. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the existing evidence on postoperative outcomes following LVAD implantation, with and without concomitant MV surgery.

Methods

A systematic database search was conducted as per PRISMA guidelines, of original articles comparing LVAD alone to LVAD plus concomitant MV surgery up to February 2023. The primary outcomes assessed were overall mortality and early mortality, while secondary outcomes included stroke, need for right ventricular assist device (RVAD) implantation, postoperative mitral valve regurgitation, major bleeding, and renal dysfunction.

Results

The meta‐analysis included 10 studies comprising 32 184 patients. It revealed that concomitant MV surgery during LVAD implantation did not significantly affect overall mortality (OR:0.83; 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.29; p = 0.40), early mortality (OR:1.17; 95% CI: 0.63 to 2.17; p = 0.63), stroke, need for RVAD implantation, postoperative mitral valve regurgitation, major bleeding, or renal dysfunction. These findings suggest that concomitant MV surgery appears not to confer additional benefits in terms of these clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Based on the available evidence, concomitant MV surgery during LVAD implantation does not appear to have a significant impact on postoperative outcomes. However, decision‐making regarding MV surgery should be individualized, considering patient‐specific factors and characteristics. Further research with prospective studies focusing on specific patient populations and newer LVAD devices is warranted to provide more robust evidence and guide clinical practice in the management of valvular lesions in LVAD recipients.
Editorial: Continuous monitoring to improve outcome of treatment—the next step towards safe and effective faecal microbiota transplantation
Authors: Keller Josbert J. , Terveer Elisabeth M.
Published: October 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Baunwall et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17642 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17721
Letter: Rethinking the lower incidence of HCC in HIV‐infected patients—A closer look at confounding factors. Authors' reply
Authors: Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Hui Vicki Wing‐Ki , Hui Yee‐Tak , Lui Grace Chung‐Yan
Published: October 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lui et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17654 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17689
Editorial: Continuous monitoring to improve outcome of treatment—the next step towards safe and effective faecal microbiota transplantation. Authors' reply
Authors: Baunwall Simon Mark Dahl , Hansen Mette Mejlby , Andreasen Sara Ellegaard , Eriksen Marcel Kjærsgaard , Rågård Nina , Kelsen Jens , Grosen Anne Karmisholt , Mikkelsen Susan , Erikstrup Christian , Dahlerup Jens Frederik , Hvas Christian Lodberg
Published: October 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Baunwall et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17642andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17694
Workforce preparation for delivery of nurturing care in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Expert consensus on critical multisectoral training needs
Authors: Pearson Emma , Rao Nirmala , Siraj Iram , Aboud Frances , Horton Caroline , Hendry Helen
Published: October 2023

Background

Services to support nurturing care through early childhood development (ECD) in low‐ and middle‐income countries are hampered by significant workforce challenges. The global early childhood workforce is both diverse and complex, and it supports the delivery of a wide range of services in extremely diverse geographical and social settings. In the context of contemporary global goals for the universal provision of quality early childhood provision, there is an urgent need to build appropriate platforms for strengthening and supporting this workforce. However, the evidence base to support this work is severely limited.

Methods

To contribute to evidence on how to strengthen the ECD workforce in low‐ and middle‐income countries, this study used a Delphi methodology involving three rounds of data collection with 14 global experts, to reach consensus on the most critical training needs of three key early childhood workforce groups: (i) health; (ii) community‐based paraprofessionals, and (iii) educational professionals working across ECD programmes.

Results

The study identified a comprehensive set of shared, as well as distinct, training needs across the three groups. Shared training needs include the following: (i) nurturing dispositions that facilitate work with children and families in complex settings; (ii) knowledge and skills to support responsive, adaptable delivery of ECD programmes; and (iii) systems for ECD training and professional pathways that prioritise ongoing mentoring and support.

Conclusions

The study's detailed findings help to address a critical gap in the evidence on training needs for ECD workers in low‐resource contexts. They provide insights into how to strengthen content, systems, and methods of training to support intersectoral ECD work in resource‐constrained contexts.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis identifies potent CpG signature for temzolomide response in non‐G‐CIMP glioblastomas with unmethylated MGMT promoter: MGMT‐dependent roles of GPR81
Authors: Liang Bao‐Bao , Wang Yu‐Hong , Huang Jing‐Jing , Lin Shuai , Mao Guo‐Chao , Zhou Zhang‐Jian , Yan Wan‐Jun , Shan Chang‐You , Wu Hui‐Zi , Etcheverry Amandine , He Ya‐Long , Liu Fang‐Fang , Kang Hua‐Feng , Yin An‐An , Zhang Shu‐Qun
Published: October 2023

Purposes

To identify potent DNA methylation candidates that could predict response to temozolomide (TMZ) in glioblastomas (GBMs) that do not have glioma‐CpGs island methylator phenotype (G‐CIMP) but have an unmethylated promoter of O‐6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (unMGMT).

Methods

The discovery‐validation approach was planned incorporating a series of G‐CIMP−/unMGMT GBM cohorts with DNA methylation microarray data and clinical information, to construct multi‐CpG prediction models. Different bioinformatic and experimental analyses were performed for biological exploration.

Results

By analyzing discovery sets with radiotherapy (RT) plus TMZ versus RT alone, we identified a panel of 64 TMZ efficacy‐related CpGs, from which a 10‐CpG risk signature was further constructed. Both the 64‐CpG panel and the 10‐CpG risk signature were validated showing significant correlations with overall survival of G‐CIMP−/unMGMT GBMs when treated with RT/TMZ, rather than RT alone. The 10‐CpG risk signature was further observed for aiding TMZ choice by distinguishing differential outcomes to RT/TMZ versus RT within each risk subgroup. Functional studies on GPR81, the gene harboring one of the 10 CpGs, indicated its distinct impacts on TMZ resistance in GBM cells, which may be dependent on the status of MGMT expression.

Conclusions

The 64 TMZ efficacy‐related CpGs and in particular the 10‐CpG risk signature may serve as promising predictive biomarker candidates for guiding optimal usage of TMZ in G‐CIMP−/unMGMT GBMs.
The guiding effect of local field potential during deep brain stimulation surgery for programming in Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Dong Wenwen , Qiu Chang , Chang Lei , Sun Jian , Yan Jiuqi , Luo Bei , Lu Yue , Liu Weiguo , Zhang Li , Zhang Wenbin
Published: October 2023

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery require subsequent programming, which is complex and cumbersome. The local field potential (LFP) in the deep brain is associated with motor symptom improvement. The current study aimed to identify LFP biomarkers correlated with improved motor symptoms in PD patients after DBS and verify their guiding role in postoperative programming.

Methods

Initially, the study included 36 PD patients undergoing DBS surgery. Temporary external electrical stimulation was performed during electrode implantation, and LFP signals around the electrode contacts were collected before and after stimulation. The stimulating contact at 6 months of programming was regarded as the optimal and effective stimulating contact. The LFP signal of this contact during surgery was analyzed to identify potential LFP biomarkers. Next, we randomly assigned another 30 PD patients who had undergone DBS to physician empirical programming and LFP biomarker‐guided programming groups and compared the outcomes.

Results

In the first part of the study, LFP signals of electrode contacts changed after electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation reduced gamma energy and the beta/alpha oscillation ratio. The different programming method groups were compared, indicating the superiority of beta/alpha oscillations ratio‐guided programming over physician experience programming for patients' improvement rate (IR) of UPDRS‐III. There were no significant differences in the IR of UPDRS‐III, post‐LED, IR‐PDQ39, number of programmings, and the contact change rate between the gamma oscillations‐guided programming and empirical programming groups.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings reveal that gamma oscillations and the beta/alpha oscillations ratio are potential biomarkers for programming in PD patients after DBS. Instead of relying solely on spike action potential signals from single neurons, LFP biomarkers can provide the appropriate depth for electrode placement.
Sublabial excision versus transnasal endoscopic marsupialization for nasolabial cysts: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tsai Hao‐Wen , Chao Wei‐Chieh , Lee Yi‐Hsuan , Tsai Yao‐Te , Tsai Ming‐Shao , Lee Yi‐Chan
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of sublabial excision and transnasal endoscopic marsupialization, the two primary surgical approaches for nasolabial cysts.

Design and Setting

A comprehensive meta‐analysis of studies identified from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library.

Participants

Patients diagnosed with nasolabial cysts who underwent surgical treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

Operative time, postoperative pain, overall postoperative complications, admission rate, length of hospital stay, use of general anaesthesia, medical costs, and recurrence rate.

Results

The pooled analysis revealed that the transnasal endoscopic marsupialization group had shorter operative time (mean differences [MD], −32.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], −38.52 to −26.51), reduced postoperative pain (MD, −4.25; 95% CI, −7.62 to −0.89), fewer overall postoperative complications (risk difference [RD], −0.68; 95% CI, −0.90 to −0.46), lower admission rates (RD, −0.86; 95% CI, −1.11 to −0.61), shorter hospital stays (MD, −1.74; 95% CI, −2.58 to −0.89), decreased use of general anaesthesia (RD, −0.40; 95% CI, −0.76 to −0.03), and reduced medical costs (MD, −229.69; 95% CI, −338.64 to −120.75). The recurrence rate between the two groups showed no significant difference (RD, −0.01; 95% CI, −0.05 to 0.04).

Conclusion

Transnasal endoscopic marsupialization presents as a promising alternative to sublabial excision in the treatment of nasolabial cysts. It offers advantages like reduced operative time, decreased postoperative pain, fewer complications, lower admission rates, shorter hospital stays, diminished need for general anaesthesia, and cost savings. Clinicians can leverage these findings to select the most suitable surgical approach for their patients.
A progressive mesh simplification algorithm based on neural implicit representation
Authors: Chen Yihua
Published: October 2023

Progressive mesh simplification (PM) algorithm aims to generate simplified mesh at any resolution for the input high‐precision mesh, and only needs to be optimized or fitted once. Most of the existing PM algorithms are obtained based on heuristic mesh simplification algorithms, which leads to redundant storage space and poor practice‐ability of the algorithm. In this article, a progressive mesh simplification algorithm based on neural implicit representation (NePM) is proposed, and NePM transforms algorithm process into an implicit continuous optimization problem through neural network and probabilistic model. NePM uses Gaussian mixture model to model high‐precision mesh and samples the probabilistic model to obtain simplified meshes at different resolutions. In addition, the simplified mesh is optimized through multi‐level neural network, preserving characteristics of the input high‐precision mesh. Thus, the algorithm in this work lowers the memory usage of the PM and improves the practicability of the algorithm while ensuring the accuracy.
Applying Natural Language Processing to ClinicalTrials.gov: mRNA cancer vaccine case study
Authors: Vora Bianca , Kuruvilla Denison , Kim Chloe , Wu Michael , Shemesh Colby S. , Roth Gillie A.
Published: October 2023

Recently, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries have made strides to adopt and implement Natural Language Processing (NLP) to address challenges faced when extracting and synthesizing high volumes of information found in unstructured and semistructured text. Here we present, and provide a summary of the findings from, a use case where NLP and text mining methodologies were used to extract clinical trial data from ClinicalTrials.gov for mRNA cancer vaccines.
A novel speckle‐tracking echocardiography parameter assessing left ventricular afterload
Authors: Sato Kei , Wildi Karin , Chan Jonathan , Palmieri Chiara , Obonyo Nchafatso G. , Heinsar Silver , Liu Keibun , Livingstone Samantha , Sato Noriko , Ainola Carmen , Abbate Gabriella , Bouquet Mahé , Wilson Emily , Passmore Margaret , Hyslop Kieran , Platts David G. , Suen Jacky , Bassi Gianluigi Li , Fraser John F.
Published: October 2023

Background

Left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) and afterload‐related cardiac performance (ACP) consider left ventricular (LV) afterload and could be better prognosticators in septic cardiomyopathy. However, their invasive nature prevents their routine clinical applications. This study aimed to investigate (1) whether a proposed speckle‐tracking echocardiography parameter, Pressure‐Strain Product (PSP), can non‐invasively predict catheter‐based LVSWI, ACP and serum lactate in an ovine model of septic cardiomyopathy; and (2) whether PSP can distinguish the sub‐phenotypes of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with or without sepsis‐like conditions.

Methods

Sixteen sheep with ARDS were randomly assigned to either (1) sepsis‐like (n = 8) or (2) non‐sepsis‐like (n = 8) group. Each ARDS and sepsis‐like condition was induced by intravenous infusion of oleic acid and lipopolysaccharide, respectively. Pulmonary artery catheter‐based LVSWI (the product of stroke work index, mean arterial pressure and .0136), ACP (the percentage of cardiac output measured to cardiac output predicted as normal) and serum lactate were measured simultaneously with transthoracic echocardiography. Two PSP indices were calculated by multiplying the mean arterial blood pressure and either global circumferential strain (PSPcirc) or radial strain (PSPrad).

Results

PSPcirc showed a significant correlation with LVSWI (r2 = .66, p < .001) and ACP (r2 = .82, p < .001) in the sepsis‐like group. Although PSP could not distinguish subphenotypes, PSPcirc predicted LVSWI (AUC .86) and ACP (AUC .88), and PSPrad predicted serum lactate (AUC .75) better than LV ejection fraction, global circumferential and radial strain.

Conclusions

A novel PSP has the potential to non‐invasively predict catheter‐based LVSWI and ACP, and was associated with serum lactate in septic cardiomyopathy.
Beetle evolution illuminates the geological history of the World's most diverse tropical archipelago
Authors: Letsch Harald , Balke Michael , Kusy Dominik , McKenna Duane D. , Pramesa Narakusumo Raden , Sagata Katayo , Toussaint Emmanuel F. A. , White Lloyd T. , Riedel Alexander
Published: October 2023

The geologically‐complex Indo–Australian–Melanesian archipelago (IAMA) hosts extraordinarily high levels of species richness and endemism and has long served as a natural laboratory for studying biogeography and evolution. Nonetheless, its geological history and the provenance and evolution of its biodiversity remain poorly understood. Here, we provide a geological scenario for the IAMA informed by a time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny of 1006 species ofTrigonopterusweevils – an exceptionally diverse radiation of regionally‐endemic flightless beetles. Moreover, we performed a statistical biogeographic analysis and examined timing and patterns in the accumulation of lineages residing in a priori‐defined geographic units comprising the IAMA. We estimate thatTrigonopterusoriginated in Australia during the early Paleogene. Subsequent rapid diversification in the area of the present‐day Papuan Peninsula suggests the presence of proto‐Papuan islands by the middle Eocene; the New Guinea North Coast Ranges were colonized in the late Eocene, followed by the New Guinea Highlands and the Bird's Head Peninsula. We inferred the presence of terrestrial habitat in the North Moluccas and Sulawesi in the late Oligocene and the subsequent rapid colonization of Sundaland and the Lesser Sunda Islands. New Caledonia and Samoa were colonized from the Papuan Peninsula, and their faunas also diverged in the late Oligocene. These biota‐informed time estimates are compatible with geological data from the region and shed new light on IAMA paleogeography, even where geological evidence has been lost to erosion. Beetle evolution thus appears to have closely tracked the geological evolution of the IAMA, revealing a uniquely well‐resolved view of regional biogeography.
A Theory of Planetary Social Pedagogy
Authors: Salonen Arto O. , Laininen Erkka , Hämäläinen Juha , Sterling Stephen
Published: October 2023

The escalating planetary crises of human‐induced climate change, the depletion of natural resources, and declining biodiversity call for urgent actions to be taken at all levels of society and by the global community. The current political strategy for a sustainable future that emphasizes economic and technological progress is insufficient to bring about the change required; an educational approach based on identities, values, ethics, and new worldviews is also needed. In this article Arto O. Salonen and his coauthors consider the kind of pedagogy that could support a transformation of the human conception of reality into a form that both recognizes the connections and interactions between people, society, and the planet, and imparts an ethical orientation to action that strengthens the health and integrity of all entities. A theory of planetary social pedagogy (PSP) is based on traditional social pedagogy, which provides a theoretical framework for formal, nonformal, and informal education. PSP aims at building a deep holistic understanding of the relationship between the individual, society, and Earth by integrating the fragmented human conception and experience of reality by uniting the three dimensions of a social‐ecological worldview: spatial, temporal, and ethical. Moreover, PSP is a cyclical learning process that alternates between cognitive, metacognitive, and epistemic levels of learning. The ultimate goal of using PSP is to lay the foundation for a fundamental transformation of the ideals, values, and culture that shape human behavior in ways necessary for securing a sustainable future.
Large‐scale bioacoustic monitoring to elucidate the distribution of a non‐native katydid
Authors: Caouette Alexandre P. , Bayne Erin M. , Judge Kevin A.
Published: October 2023

For animals that produce species‐specific audible sounds, environmental recordings combined with automated acoustic monitoring software (passive acoustic monitoring [PAM]) may be an effective monitoring tool because it allows audio data from many, widely distributed autonomous recording units (ARUs) to be processed in a relatively short period of time. Males of many insect species produce loud, species‐specific mating songs, yet acoustic insects have received less attention from PAM relative to vertebrates.

We evaluated the use of PAM to monitor, Roeseliana roeselii (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae), an acoustic insect that has expanded its range to Alberta, Canada, far outside its naturalized North American range. We analysed environmental recordings from ARUs: (1) at two control sites known to be occupied by R. roeselii and (2) across Alberta established by the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) to search for new populations.

PAM successfully detected R. roeselii at the two control sites, but not at any of the 73 ABMI sites that we analysed. Despite the failure to detect new locations of R. roeselii, our analysis of ABMI environmental recordings detected several other species of acoustic insects, including Orchelimum gladiator, Gryllus sp. and Allonemobius spp.

Our results add to the growing body of work showing the feasibility of using PAM for acoustic insects. We make suggestions for how to maximize the effectiveness of this monitoring tool for the conservation and management of singing insects in North America.
Detection and quantification of Cronartium pini from Scots pine bark and wood with Cronartium spp.‐specific quantitative PCR
Authors: Zhang Ke , Stenlid Jan
Published: October 2023

The forest disease, Scots pine blister rust, is caused by the rust fungus Cronartium pini. This pathogen was previously known as the host‐alternating type C. flaccidum and non‐host‐alternating type Peridermium pini. Recent epidemics of this disease in Northern European forests, especially young Scots pine forests in Sweden, caused significant economic and ecological losses. Cronartium pini can be identified based on the typical orange blister‐like aecia in Scots pine in summer, but any molecular identification and quantification method has not been available for Cronartium spp. This study developed qPCR primers that are specific to Cronartium spp. and evaluated DNA extraction protocols from pine bark and wood to enable robust qPCR assays. As little as three Cronartium ITS copies can be detected with the protocol. Since only C. pini is known to infect Scots pine in Northern Europe, the protocols were applied to detect C. pini from Scots pine samples without typical symptoms and investigate the C. pini colonization in Scots pine branches from the forest. These results will aid the detection and quantification of C. pini in asymptomatic or symptomatic samples and monitoring Scots pine blister rust in the forest in northern Europe.
Arc expression regulates long‐term potentiation magnitude and metaplasticity in area CA1 of the hippocampus in ArcKR mice
Authors: Haley Maisy , Bertrand Jeanri , Anderson Vanessa Torrico , Fuad Mukattar , Frenguelli Bruno G. , Corrêa Sonia A. L. , Wall Mark J.
Published: October 2023

Expression of the immediate early gene Arc/Arg3.1 (Arc), a key mediator of synaptic plasticity, is enhanced by neural activity and then reduced by proteasome‐dependent degradation. We have previously shown that the disruption of Arc degradation, in an Arc knock‐in mouse (ArcKR), where the predominant Arc ubiquitination sites were mutated, reduced the threshold to induce, and also enhanced, the strength of Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor‐mediated long‐term depression (DHPG‐LTD). Here, we have investigated if ArcKR expression changes long‐term potentiation (LTP) in CA1 area of the hippocampus. As previously reported, there was no change in basal synaptic transmission at Schaffer collateral/commissural‐CA1 (SC‐CA1) synapses in ArcKR versus wild‐type (WT) mice. There was, however, a significant increase in the amplitude of synaptically induced (with low frequency paired‐pulse stimulation) LTD in ArcKR mice. Theta burst stimulation (TBS)‐evoked LTP at SC‐CA1 synapses was significantly reduced in ArcKR versus WT mice (after 2 h). Group 1 mGluR priming of LTP was abolished in ArcKR mice, which could also potentially contribute to a depression of LTP. Although high frequency stimulation (HFS)‐induced LTP was not significantly different in ArcKR compared with WT mice (after 1 h), there was a phenotype in environmentally enriched mice, with the ratio of LTP to short‐term potentiation (STP) significantly reduced in ArcKR mice. These findings support the hypothesis that Arc ubiquitination supports the induction and expression of LTP, likely via limiting Arc‐dependent removal of AMPA receptors at synapses.
Using sedimentary prokaryotic communities to assess historical changes in the Gippsland Lakes
Authors: Pérez Vilma , Liu Yichen , Wong Wei Wen , Kessler Adam , Cook Perran L. M. , Zawadzki Atun , Moore Nicole E. , Kurte Lenka , Child David , Hotchkis Michael , Weyrich Laura S. , Lintern Anna
Published: October 2023

The Gippsland Lakes is the largest estuarine system in Australia. Over the last 2 centuries, this unique aquatic ecosystem has suffered substantial modifications mostly associated with anthropogenic impacts, including the creation in 1889 of an artificial channel to the ocean after European arrival, creating chronic salinisation in the system. However, the biological impacts of this historic shift are unclear.

Here, we use shotgun metagenomics of environmental DNA from historical sediments of Lake King and Lake Victoria to detect ancient microbial DNA and track past ecological changes in prokaryotic communities.

Sedimentary prokaryotic communities changed with core depth, organic matter levels and European arrival. Specifically, we observed an increase in sulfate‐reducing bacteria (e.g., Desulfobacterales) and organic matter enrichment in the upper layers of the sediment cores of the Gippsland Lakes, which could reflect a period of eutrophication caused by higher rates of organic deposition and marine intrusion post‐European arrival.

However, while some species presented authentic ancient DNA signals, the shifts in community composition probably reflect changes in indigenous sediment‐dwelling microorganisms in response to geochemical changes of the sediment.

Overall, these observations suggest that historic waterway management practices may influence microbial systems today and that sedimentary microbial communities can change in response to both natural biogeochemical dynamics along the depth profile and past environmental conditions.
Increased dispersal explains increasing local diversity with global biodiversity declines
Authors: Fagan Brennen , Pitchford Jon W. , Stepney Susan , Thomas Chris D.
Published: October 2023

The narrative of biodiversity decline in response to human impacts is overly simplistic because different aspects of biodiversity show different trajectories at different spatial scales. It is also debated whether human‐caused biodiversity changes lead to subsequent, accelerating change (cascades) in ecological communities, or alternatively build increasingly robust community networks with decreasing extinction rates and reduced invasibility. Mechanistic approaches are needed that simultaneously reconcile different aspects of biodiversity change, and explore the robustness of communities to further change. We develop a trophically structured, mainland‐archipelago metacommunity model of community assembly. Varying the parameters across model simulations shows that local alpha diversity (the number of species per island) and regional gamma diversity (the total number of species in the archipelago) depend on both the rate of extirpation per island and on the rate of dispersal between islands within the archipelago. In particular, local diversity increases with increased dispersal and heterogeneity between islands, but regional diversity declines because the islands become biotically similar and local one‐island and few‐island species are excluded (homogenisation, or reduced beta diversity). This mirrors changes observed empirically: real islands have gained species (increased local and island‐scale community diversity) with increased human‐assisted transfers of species, but global diversity has declined with the loss of endemic species. However, biological invasions may be self‐limiting. High‐dispersal, high local‐diversity model communities become resistant to subsequent invasions, generating robust species‐community networks unless dispersal is extremely high. A mixed‐up world is likely to lose many species, but the resulting ecological communities may nonetheless be relatively robust.
Multi‐taxon biodiversity responses to the 2019–2020 Australian megafires
Authors: Gorta Simon B. Z. , Callaghan Corey T. , Samonte Fabrice , Ooi Mark K. J. , Mesaglio Thomas , Laffan Shawn W. , Cornwell Will K.
Published: October 2023

Conditions conducive to fires are becoming increasingly common and widespread under climate change. Recent fire events across the globe have occurred over unprecedented scales, affecting a diverse array of species and habitats. Understanding biodiversity responses to such fires is critical for conservation. Quantifying post‐fire recovery is problematic across taxa, from insects to plants to vertebrates, especially at large geographic scales. Novel datasets can address this challenge. We use presence‐only citizen science data from iNaturalist, collected before and after the 2019–2020 megafires in burnt and unburnt regions of eastern Australia, to quantify the effect of post‐fire diversity responses, up to 18 months post‐fire. The geographic, temporal, and taxonomic sampling of this dataset was large, but sampling effort and species discoverability were unevenly spread. We used rarefaction and prediction (iNEXT) with which we controlled sampling completeness among treatments, to estimate diversity indices (Hill numbers: q = 0–2) among nine broad taxon groupings and seven habitats, including 3885 species. We estimated an increase in species diversity up to 18 months after the 2019–2020 Australian megafires in regions which were burnt, compared to before the fires in burnt and unburnt regions. Diversity estimates in dry sclerophyll forest matched and likely drove this overall increase post‐fire, while no taxon groupings showed clear increases inconsistent with both control treatments post‐fire. Compared to unburnt regions, overall diversity across all taxon groupings and habitats greatly decreased in areas exposed to extreme fire severity. Post‐fire life histories are complex and species detectability is an important consideration in all post‐fire sampling. We demonstrate how fire characteristics, distinct taxa, and habitat influence biodiversity, as seen in local‐scale datasets. Further integration of large‐scale datasets with small‐scale studies will lead to a more robust understanding of fire recovery.