bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium flux during hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration treatment of acute kidney injury: Effects of dialysate and infusate sodium concentration at 140 and 145 mmol/L
Authors: Buzancais Aurèle , Brunot Vincent , Larcher Romaric , Tudesq Jean‐Jacques , Platon Laura , Besnard Noémie , Amalric Matthieu , Daubin Delphine , Corne Philippe , Moulaire Valérie , Jung Boris , Canaud Bernard , Cristol Jean‐Paul , Klouche Kada
Published: December 2022

Background

A higher sodium (Na) dialysate concentration is recommended during renal replacement therapy (RRT) of acute kidney injury (AKI) to improve intradialytic hemodynamic tolerance, but it may lead to Na loading to the patient. We aimed to evaluate Na flux according to Na dialysate and infusate concentrations at 140 and 145 mmol/L during hemodialysis (HD) and hemodiafiltration (HDF).

Methods

Fourteen AKI patients that underwent consecutive HD or HDF sessions with Na dialysate/infusate at 140 and 145 mmol/L were included. Per‐dialytic flux of Na was estimated using mean sodium logarithmic concentration including diffusive and convective influx. We compared the flux of sodium between HD140 and 145, and between HDF140 and 145.

Results

Nine HD140, ten HDF140, nine HD145, and 11 HDF145 sessions were analyzed. A Na gradient from the dialysate/replacement fluid to the patient was observed with dialysate/infusate Na at 145 mmol/L in both HD and HDF (p = 0.01). The comparison of HD145 to HD140 showed that higher Na dialysate induced a diffusive Na gradient to the patient (163 mmol vs. −25 mmol, p = 0.004) and that of HDF145 to −140 (211 vs. 36 mmol, p = 0.03) as well. Intradialytic hemodynamic tolerance was similar across all RRT sessions.

Conclusions

During both HD and HDF, a substantial Na loading occurred with a Na dialysate and infusate at 145 mmol/L. This Na loading is smaller in HDF with Na dialysate and infusate concentration at 140 mmol/L and inversed with HD140. Clinical and intradialytic hemodynamic tolerance was fair regardless of Na dialysate and infusate.
Can enuresis alarm therapy be managed by the families without the support of a nurse? A prospective study of a real‐world sample
Authors: Larsson Jens , Borgström Malin , Karanikas Birgitta , Nevéus Tryggve
Published: December 2022

Aim

The alarm is the first‐line treatment of nocturnal enuresis. However, the therapy is labour‐intensive for both families and healthcare providers. Our aim was to see whether the treatment could be successfully used by the families, without support from healthcare providers.

Methods

An alarm linked to an application on a parent's smartphone was used. The app recorded enuretic events and gave instructions. Group A were children supported by a nurse. Group B were patients whose families had bought the alarm and downloaded the app independently.

Results

There were 196 children in group A and 202 in group B. The percentages of full responders, partial responders, non‐responders and dropouts were 18.4%, 20.4%, 22.4% and 38.8% in group A and 13.4%, 11.4%, 14.9% and 60.4% in group B. The risk for dropping out of therapy was higher in group B (p < 0.001), whereas the chance for adherent children to become dry did not differ between the groups (p = 0.905).

Conclusion

For families who are able to adhere to alarm therapy the chance of success is just as good when managed independently as when supported by a nurse. But the latter children will have a greater chance of adhering to the full treatment.
Prehistoric wooden bows and arrows in the Turpan Basin, Northwest China: Wood selection and utilization in a mosaic landscape
Authors: Nong Kuangyuan , Zhang Guilin , Wang Long , Cheng Yeming , Jiang Hongen
Published: December 2022

In the present study, we analyzed seven wooden bows and 13 arrows excavated from the cemeteries of Subeixi Culture (13th century BCE–AD second century) in the Turpan Basin, northwest China. A total of six taxa, viz. Morus sp., Salix sp., Picea sp., Lonicera sp., Betula sp., and Tamarix sp. were identified. Some of these taxa have been generally accepted to be suitable for bow‐and‐arrow production. All these taxa were local in origin but distributed in different ecotonal zones, including oases, saline‐alkali lands, and mountain areas. Previous archaeological studies have confirmed that the Subeixi populations lived an agro‐pastoral life. By analyzing the possible provenance of these wood samples, it can be hypothesized that these ancient agro‐pastoralists moved between the Turpan Basin and the Tianshan Mountains on a seasonal basis.
Production and use of birch bark tar at the Neolithic pile‐dwelling of Palù di Livenza (North‐Eastern Italy) revealed by X‐ray computed micro‐tomography and synchrotron Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Bernardini Federico , Vaccari Lisa , Zanini Franco , Bassetti Michele , Degasperi Nicola , Rottoli Mauro , Micheli Roberto
Published: December 2022

Recent excavations at Palù di Livenza (northeastern Italy) revealed a multiphase Neolithic pile dwelling dated between ca. 4,300/4200 and 3,600 cal BC. Three lumps with teeth imprints and a larger amorphous piece from the Late Neolithic layers have been studied by X‐ray computed micro‐tomography (microCT) and synchrotron Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR spectra match well that of birch bark tar and microCT of the larger piece has revealed a rolled‐up structure likely corresponding to bark rolls. The lumps of birch pitch were probably chewed to soften the tar prior to be used as hafting adhesive or therapeutic substance. The rolled‐up inner structure of the larger piece and the remains of birch bark tar and abundant charcoals on its surface suggest it probably corresponds to a rare waste product from allothermic tar production.
The efficacy and safety of prophylactic antibiotics for post‐acute stroke infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Qing , Wu Zi‐Yang , Tang Hui‐Lin , Yi Zhan‐Miao , Zhai Suo‐Di
Published: December 2022

Aims

Infections are common complications after stroke and associated with unfavourable outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic antibiotics for post‐acute stroke infection.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and clinical trial register platforms from inception to 15 February 2022. We included randomized clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy and safety of prophylactic antibiotics. Primary outcomes were mortality rate and incidence of pneumonia. The pooled risk ratio (RR) and mean differences with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the random or fixed‐effect model depending on heterogeneity. The quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations.

Results

Twelve studies (4809 participants) were included. There was no significant difference in the mortality rate (12 trials, n = 4740, RR 1.03 [95% Cl: 0.91–1.16], high‐quality evidence), incidence of pneumonia (7 trials, n = 4352, RR 0.94 [95% CI: 0.79–1.11], high‐quality evidence) and the incidence of adverse events between the prophylactic antibiotics and control groups. Prophylactic antibiotics significantly reduced the incidence of infections (8 trials, n = 4517, RR 0.72 [95% CI: 0.58–0.89], moderate‐quality evidence) and urinary tract infections (7 trials, n = 4352, RR 0.39 [95% CI: 0.3–0.49], moderate‐quality evidence). None of the subgroup analyses showed a significant difference in mortality or the incidence of pneumonia.

Conclusion

For acute stroke patients, prophylactic antibiotics were significantly associated with fewer incidences of any infections and urinary tract infections without significant differences in mortality rate and pneumonia.
Effect of different doses of dexmedetomidine on the median effective concentration of propofol during gastrointestinal endoscopy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Hai‐yan , Deng Fang , Tang Shu‐heng , Liu Wen , Yang Hua , Song Jin‐Chao
Published: December 2022

Aims

Dexmedetomidine could be an ideal adjuvant to propofol during gastrointestinal endoscopy because it provides both analgesia and sedation without respiratory depression. This study investigates the effect of different doses of dexmedetomidine on the median effective concentration of propofol during gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Methods

Ninety adult patients were randomly assigned to Group Control, Group DEX0.5 (0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine) or Group DEX1.0 (1.0 μg/kg dexmedetomidine). Anaesthesia during endoscopy was implemented by plasma target‐controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol with different doses of dexmedetomidine. TCI concentration of the first patient for each group was 2.5 μg/mL and the consecutive adjacent concentration gradient was 0.5 μg/mL. Median effective concentration (EC50) of propofol by TCI for gastrointestinal endoscopy was determined by using the modified Dixon's up‐and‐down method. Cardiovascular variables were also measured.

Results

EC50 of propofol by TCI and 95% confidence interval (CI) for gastrointestinal endoscopy were 3.77 (3.48–4.09), 2.51 (2.27–2.78) and 2.10 (1.90–2.33) μg/mL in Group Control, Group DEX0.5 and Group DEX1.0, respectively. The average percent change from heart rate (HR) baseline was 2.8 (8.9), −7.4 (7.7) and −10.5 (8.8) (P < .001), and the average percent change from mean arterial pressure (MAP) baseline was −10.6 [−24.7; 3.5], −9.5 [−29.2; 11.4] and −4.0 [−27.3; 15.5] (P = .034) in Group Control, Group DEX0.5 and Group DEX1.0, respectively.

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine reduced the EC50 of propofol by TCI. A 0.5–1 μg/kg dose of dexmedetomidine caused a decrease in HR without bradycardia. The decrease in dosage of propofol with increasing doses of dexmedetomidine caused more stable MAP. Dexmedetomidine is an ideal adjuvant drug to propofol during gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Illuminating the monoamine transporters: Fluorescently labelled ligands to study dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine transporters
Authors: Camacho‐Hernandez Gisela Andrea , Jahan Khorshada , Newman Amy Hauck
Published: December 2022

Fluorescence microscopy has revolutionized the visualization of physiological processes in live‐cell systems. With the recent innovations in super resolution microscopy, these events can be examined with high precision and accuracy. The development of fluorescently labelled small molecules has provided a significant advance in understanding the physiological relevance of targeted proteins that can now be visualized at the cellular level. One set of physiologically important target proteins are the monoamine transporters (MATs) that play an instrumental role in maintaining monoamine signalling homeostasis. Understanding the mechanisms underlying their regulation and dysregulation is fundamental to treating several neuropsychiatric conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression and substance use disorders. Herein, we describe the rationale behind the small molecule design of fluorescently labelled ligands (FLL) either as MAT substrates or inhibitors as well as their applications to advance our understanding of this class of transporters in health and disease.
‘A blessing and a burden’: Exploring posttraumatic growth in doctors with acquired invisible disability—An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Sen Mukherjee Amrita , Barr Margaret
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Qualitative studies of the relationship between acquired invisible disability (AcqID) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are scant, especially in the context of healthcare professionals. This study aimed to explore in‐depth accounts of the lived experience of PTG in doctors with AcqID arising from physical illness with cognitive dysfunction.

Design

Five doctors who had been diagnosed in the last decade with a physical illness with cognitive dysfunction resulting in an AcqID, and who self‐reported at least one feature of PTG participated in this qualitative research study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect data, which were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

This study recognized that AcqID supported a process of PTG for participants. Three superordinate themes were apparent across the sample: identity (The human left behind), self (Acceptance of the disabled self), and rebirth (The phoenix rises from the ashes). Human connection, service as a value, and the role of the body were found to be key facilitators of PTG in these participants. This study offers new perspectives on cognitive‐embodied appreciation in facilitating PTG in doctors with AcqID.

Conclusions

While the participants perceived AcqID with cognitive dysfunction to be a trauma, they also experienced PTG, Corporeal PTG and a new considered domain, Cognitive‐Embodied PTG. The unrealised potential of PTG can be harnessed if doctors with disability are viewed as assets to the medical profession, and diversity is promoted through the provision of appropriate support. Thus, there is potential to cultivate a flourishing, inclusive, and compassionate culture within medicine.
Economic self‐sufficiency and the employment outcomes of care leavers: A 10‐year follow up
Authors: Zeira Anat , Refaeli Tehila , Achdut Netta , Benbenishty Rami
Published: December 2022

Gaining employment and reaching a stable and self‐sufficient livelihood are essential life tasks, especially for young people ageing out of public care. This longitudinal study followed alumni of welfare and educational residential care settings in Israel for 10 years after leaving care. Here, we describe care leavers' employment and economic self‐sufficiency outcomes and examine differences over time in their experiences. They were interviewed at the age of 19, 1‐year post‐care (N = 235), 3 years later (N = 222) and 10 years after ageing out (N = 151). Results paint a mixed picture. While the majority of participants were employed, many in stable jobs, their wages were low even as they grow older. At the same time, they experienced significant economic hardships. For some, economic hardship decreased with time, but for others it remained a cause for concern. Our findings highlight the inherent dependency between experiences at different life stages and suggest that providing more support to care leavers would improve their economic outcomes.
Strategies for activity analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with human diseases
Authors: Ren Naixia , Dai Shangkun , Ma Shumin , Yang Fengtang
Published: December 2022

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a large number of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites associated with human diseases. In the annotation of human diseases, especially cancers, SNPs, as an important component of genetic factors, have gained increasing attention. Given that most of the SNPs are located in non‐coding regions, the functional verification of these SNPs is a great challenge. The key to functional annotation for risk SNPs is to screen SNPs with regulatory activity from thousands of disease associated‐SNPs. In this review, we systematically recapitulate the characteristics and functional roles of SNP sites, discuss three parallel reporter screening strategies in detail based on barcode tag classification, and recommend the common in silico strategies to help supplement the annotation of SNP sites with epigenetic activity analysis, prediction of target genes and trans‐acting factors. We hope that this review will contribute to this exuberant research field by providing robust activity analysis strategies that can facilitate the translation of GWAS results into personalized diagnosis and prevention measures for human diseases.
Identification of oogonial stem cells in chicken ovary
Authors: Meng Lu , Zhang Yun , Hua Yao , Ma Yuxiao , Wang Heng , Li Xianyao , Jiang Yunliang , Zhu Guiyu
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Oogonial stem cells (OSCs) are germ cells that can sustain neo‐oogenesis to replenish the pool of primary follicles in adult ovaries. In lower vertebrates, fresh oocytes are produced by numerous OSCs through mitosis and meiosis during each reproduction cycle, but the OSCs in adult mammals are rare. The birds have retained many conserved features and developed unique features of ovarian physiology during evolution, and the presence of OSCs within avian species remain unknown.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we investigated the existence and function of OSCs in adult chickens. The chicken OSCs were isolated and expanded in culture. We then used cell transplantation system to evaluate their potential for migration and differentiation in vivo.

Results

DDX4/SSEA1‐positive OSCs were identified in both the cortex and medulla of the adult chicken ovary. These putative OSCs undergo meiosis in the reproductively active ovary. Furthermore, the isolated OSCs were expanded in vitro for months and found to express germline markers similar to those of primordial germ cells. When transplanted into the bloodstream of recipient embryos, these OSCs efficiently migrated into developing gonads, initiated meiosis, and then derived oocytes in postnatal ovaries.

Conclusions

This study has confirmed the presence of functional OSCs in birds for the first time. The identification of chicken OSCs has great potential for improving egg laying and preserving endangered species.
Tuberculin skin test and interferon‐γ release assays: Can they agree?
Authors: Santos João Almeida , Duarte Raquel , Nunes Carla
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) relies largely on the tuberculin skin test (TST) or, more recently, on interferon‐gamma release assays (IGRA). Knowledge regarding these tests is essential to improve their usefulness in combating the tuberculosis epidemic.

Objectives

To characterize the agreement between the IGRA and TST tests by determining the kappa coefficient (K) and agreement rate between these two tests in patients with active tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study conducted with data from active TB patients notified in the Portuguese Tuberculosis Surveillance System (SVIG‐TB), from 2008 to 2015. TST results were interpreted using a 5 mm (TST‐5 mm) and 10 mm (TST‐10 mm) cutoff. Kappa coefficient and agreement rate were calculated in order to evaluate the agreement between IGRA and TST (both cutoffs) test results.

Results

A total of 727 patients with results for both tests were included in the study, of which 3.4% (n = 25) had HIV infection, 5.6% (n = 41) diabetes, 5.0% (n = 36) oncological diseases and 4.4% (n = 32) inflammatory diseases.

Of the 727 patients, 16.5% (n = 120) presented different outcomes between IGRA and TST‐5 mm, and 20.5% (n = 149) presented different outcomes between IGRA and TST‐10 mm. Kappa coefficient between IGRA and TST‐5 mm was 0.402 (p < 0.001) with an agreement rate of 83.5%. Between IGRA and TST‐10 mm, the kappa coefficient was 0.351 (p < 0.001), with an agreement rate of 79.5%. Patients with HIV infection, diabetes, oncologic diseases and inflammatory diseases presented a substantial agreement between IGRA and TST‐5 mm, while inflammatory diseases was the only variable that presented a substantial agreement between IGRA and TST‐10 mm.

Conclusion

As both tests can present false‐negative results, the low level of agreement between the tests can potentially help identify more cases of LTBI if the two tests are used in parallel, with infections not detected by IGRA possibly being detected by the TST and vice versa.
Recreational angler reporting as a tool for tracking the distribution of invasive Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio)
Authors: Pentyliuk Natasha , Schmidt Brittany , Poesch Mark S. , Green Stephanie J.
Published: December 2022

The recent invasion of Carassius gibelio (commonly known as Prussian carp or Gibel carp) in freshwater environments in central Canada threatens native North American aquatic species and ecosystems. Accurate distribution information is essential for targeting control efforts but is challenging given the resources necessary to continually sample the species' potential distribution. We investigated the extent to which reports by recreational anglers—key resource users—could be used in a citizen science program to generate species distribution information, and factors affecting the accuracy of reporting for C. gibelio. Comparing the location of angler reports to the known distribution of C. gibelio generated by professional biological sampling across the region revealed that anglers can be a powerful resource for tracking an invasive species' distribution; 88% of the C. gibelio angler reports aligned with invaded watersheds (HUC‐8 [hydrological unit code 8], the second finest watershed unit) identified by professional biological sampling. For every report of C. gibelio received in a HUC‐8 area, the probability that area was invaded increased by more than 10 times (odds ratio = 10.26, ±95% CI: 4.4–29.7). Anglers' fish identification abilities were positively related to likelihood of reporting Carassius spp. (odds ratio = 2.52, ±95% CI:1.51–4.45). Anglers that fished more frequently were also more likely to have reported C. gibelio accurately (odds ratio = 1.00, ±95% CI: 0.99–1.01), although the mechanism behind this relationship is unclear. Our results suggest programs that engage recreational anglers in reporting could provide a cost‐effective alternative or complimentary tool for traditional Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) population tracking.
Heart transplantation in the era of corona virus disease 2019: Impact of the pandemic on donors, recipients and outcome
Authors: Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Ballazs Christina , Hettlich Vincent , Scheiber Daniel , Bönner Florian , Westenfeld Ralf , Aubin Hug , Tudorache Igor , Akhyari Payam , Lichtenberg Artur , Boeken Udo
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Since March 2020, the COVID‐19 pandemic has tremendously impacted health care all around the globe. We analyzed the impact of the pandemic on donors, recipients, and outcome of heart transplantation (HTx).

Methods

Between 2010 and early 2022, a total of n = 235 patients underwent HTx in our department. Patients were assigned to the study groups regarding the date of the performed HTx. Group 1 (09/2010 to 02/2020): n = 160, Group 2 (03/2020 to 02/2022): n = 75.

Results

Since the pandemic, the etiology of heart failure in the recipients has shifted from dilated (Group 1: 53.8%, Group 2: 32.0%) to ischemic cardiomyopathy (Group 1: 39.4%, Group 2: 50.7%, p < .01). The percentage of high urgency status of the recipients dropped from 50.0% to 36.0% (p = .05), and the use of left ventricular assist (LVAD) support from 56.9% to just 37.3% (p < .01). Meanwhile, the waiting time for the recipients also decreased by about 40% (p = .05). Since the pandemic, donors were 2‐ times more likely to have been previously resuscitated (Group 1: 21.3%, Group 2: 45.3% (p < .01), and drug abuse increased by more than 3‐times (p < .01), indicating acceptance of more marginal donors. Surprisingly, the incidence of postoperative severe primary graft dysfunction requiring extracorporeal life support decreased from 33.1% to 19.4% (p = .04) since the pandemic.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic affected both donors and recipients of HTX but not the postoperative outcome. Donors nowadays are more likely to suffer from ischemic heart disease and are less likely to be on the high‐urgency waitlist and on LVAD support. Simultaneously, an increasing number of marginal donors are accepted, leading to shorter waiting times.
Infant‐directed song potentiates infants’ selective attention to adults’ mouths over the first year of life
Authors: Alviar Camila , Sahoo Manash , Edwards Laura A. , Jones Warren , Klin Ami , Lense Miriam
Published: December 2022

The mechanisms by which infant‐directed (ID) speech and song support language development in infancy are poorly understood, with most prior investigations focused on the auditory components of these signals. However, the visual components of ID communication are also of fundamental importance for language learning: over the first year of life, infants’ visual attention to caregivers’ faces during ID speech switches from a focus on the eyes to a focus on the mouth, which provides synchronous visual cues that support speech and language development. Caregivers’ facial displays during ID song are highly effective for sustaining infants’ attention. Here we investigate if ID song specifically enhances infants’ attention to caregivers’ mouths. 299 typically developing infants watched clips of female actors engaging them with ID song and speech longitudinally at six time points from 3 to 12 months of age while eye‐tracking data was collected. Infants’ mouth‐looking significantly increased over the first year of life with a significantly greater increase during ID song versus speech. This difference was early‐emerging (evident in the first 6 months of age) and sustained over the first year. Follow‐up analyses indicated specific properties inherent to ID song (e.g., slower tempo, reduced rhythmic variability) in part contribute to infants’ increased mouth‐looking, with effects increasing with age. The exaggerated and expressive facial features that naturally accompany ID song may make it a particularly effective context for modulating infants’ visual attention and supporting speech and language development in both typically developing infants and those with or at risk for communication challenges. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/SZ8xQW8h93A.

Research Highlights

Infants’ visual attention to adults’ mouths during infant‐directed speech has been found to support speech and language development.

Infant‐directed (ID) song promotes mouth‐looking by infants to a greater extent than does ID speech across the first year of life.

Features characteristic of ID song such as slower tempo, increased rhythmicity, increased audiovisual synchrony, and increased positive affect, all increase infants’ attention to the mouth.

The effects of song on infants’ attention to the mouth are more prominent during the second half of the first year of life.
Simultaneous activation of genes encoding urea cycle enzymes and gluconeogenetic enzymes coincides with a corticosterone surge period before metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Konno Norifumi
Published: December 2022

Amphibian tadpoles are postulated to excrete ammonia as nitrogen metabolites but to shift from ammonotelism to ureotelism during metamorphosis. However, it is unknown whether ureagenesis occurs or plays a functional role before metamorphosis. Here, the mRNA‐expression levels of two urea cycle enzymes (carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I [CPSI] and ornithine transcarbamylase [OTC]) were measured beginning with stage‐47 Xenopus tadpoles at 5 days post‐fertilization (dpf), between the onset of feeding (stage 45, 4 dpf) and metamorphosis (stage 55, 32 dpf). CPSI and OTC expression levels increased significantly from stage 49 (12 dpf). Urea excretion was also detected at stage 47. A transient corticosterone surge peaking at stage 48 was previously reported, supporting the hypothesis that corticosterone can induce CPSI expression in tadpoles, as found in adult frogs and mammals. Stage‐46 tadpoles were exposed to a synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (Dex, 10–500 nM) for 3 days. CPSI mRNA expression was significantly higher in tadpoles exposed to Dex than in tadpoles exposed to the vehicle control. Furthermore, glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression increased during the pre‐metamorphic period. In addition to CPSI and OTC mRNA upregulation, the expression levels of three gluconeogenic enzyme genes (glucose 6‐phosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase 1) increased with the onset of urea synthesis and excretion. These results suggest that simultaneous induction of the urea cycle and gluconeogenic enzymes coincided with a corticosterone surge occurring prior to metamorphosis. These metabolic changes preceding metamorphosis may be closely related to the onset of feeding and nutrient accumulation required for metamorphosis.
Periodontopathic bacterial adhesion to different restorative materials used to elevate proximal subgingival margins
Authors: Ismail Hoda S. , Azees Parveez Ahamed Abdul , Wang Hanzhou , Ali Ashraf I. , Mehesen Rabab El , Mahmoud Salah H. , Chen Xiao‐Dong , Yeh Chih‐Ko , Garcia‐Godoy Franklin
Published: December 2022

This study compared the periodontopathic bacterial adhesion to four restorative materials used for deep margin elevation at 2, 24, and 48‐h after incubation. Discs were produced from four restorative materials: resin modified glass ionomer, glass hybrid, flowable bulk fill resin composite, and bioactive ionic resin. Root dentin was used as control. Specimens were coated with saliva and used to culture a biofilm comprised of three strains of periodontopathic bacteria; Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Bacterial adherence was assessed by colony count assay, crystal violet staining, and visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Data were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc tests. The adhesion values for the control specimens were significantly higher than for other materials, while those for the flowable bulk fill were significantly lower than for any other material within all evaluation assays. The 2‐h incubation period showed the lowest adhesion values regardless of the group. The 48‐h adhesion values were higher than the 24‐h results in all groups except the flowable bulk fill. Microscopic imaging partially supported the findings of the measurements. In terms of periodontopathic bacterial adhesion, the tested flowable bulk fill may be preferable for subgingival use over other tested materials.
Intrinsic and secondary epileptogenicity in focal cortical dysplasia type II
Authors: Macdonald‐Laurs Emma , Warren Aaron E. L. , Lee Wei Shern , Yang Joseph Yuan‐Mou , MacGregor Duncan , Lockhart Paul J. , Leventer Richard J. , Neal Andrew , Harvey A. Simon
Published: December 2022

Objective

Favorable seizure outcome is reported following resection of bottom‐of‐sulcus dysplasia (BOSD). We assessed the distribution of epileptogenicity and dysplasia in and around BOSD to better understand this clinical outcome and the optimal surgical approach.

Methods

We studied 27 children and adolescents with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐positive BOSD who underwent epilepsy surgery; 85% became seizure‐free postresection (median = 5.0 years follow‐up). All patients had resection of the dysplastic sulcus, and 11 had additional resection of the gyral crown (GC) or adjacent gyri (AG). Markers of epileptogenicity were relative cortical hypometabolism on preoperative 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), and spiking, ripples, fast ripples, spike–high‐frequency oscillation cross‐rate, and phase amplitude coupling (PAC) on preresection and postresection electrocorticography (ECoG), all analyzed at the bottom‐of‐sulcus (BOS), top‐of‐sulcus (TOS), GC, and AG. Markers of dysplasia were increased cortical thickness on preoperative MRI, and dysmorphic neuron density and variant allele frequency of somatic MTOR mutations in resected tissue, analyzed at similar locations.

Results

Relative cortical metabolism was significantly reduced and ECoG markers were significantly increased at the BOS compared to other regions. Apart from spiking and PAC, which were greater at the TOS compared to the GC, there were no significant differences in PET and other ECoG markers between the TOS, GC, and AG, suggesting a cutoff of epileptogenicity at the TOS rather than a tapering gradient on the cortical surface. MRI and tissue markers of dysplasia were all maximal in the BOS, reduced in the TOS, and mostly absent in the GC. Spiking and PAC reduced significantly over the GC after resection of the dysplastic sulcus.

Significance

These findings support the concept that dysplasia and intrinsic epileptogenicity are mostly limited to the dysplastic sulcus in BOSD and support resection or ablation confined to the MRI‐visible lesion as a first‐line surgical approach. 18F‐FDG PET and ECoG abnormalities in surrounding cortex seem to be secondary phenomena.
Machine learning methods in finance: Recent applications and prospects
Authors: Hoang Daniel , Wiegratz Kevin
Published: December 2022

We study how researchers can apply machine learning (ML) methods in finance. We first establish that the two major categories of ML (supervised and unsupervised learning) address fundamentally different problems than traditional econometric approaches. Then, we review the current state of research on ML in finance and identify three archetypes of applications: (i) the construction of superior and novel measures, (ii) the reduction of prediction error, and (iii) the extension of the standard econometric toolset. With this taxonomy, we give an outlook on potential future directions for both researchers and practitioners. Our results suggest many benefits of ML methods compared to traditional approaches and indicate that ML holds great potential for future research in finance.
An inception‐ResNet deep learning approach to classify tumours in the ovary as benign and malignant
Authors: Kodipalli Ashwini , Guha Srirupa , Dasar Santosh , Ismail Taha
Published: December 2022

The classification of tumours into benign and malignant continues to date to be a very relevant and significant research topic in the cancer research domain. With the advent of Computer Vision and rapid developments in the fields of deep learning, as well as medical devices and instruments, researchers are therefore utilizing the state‐of‐the‐art deep learning architectures to discover patterns in the medical image data and thereby use this information to detect tumours and classify them as benign or malignant. In this paper, we propose a custom state‐of‐the‐art deep learning architecture, the Inception‐ResNet v2 for the classification of ovarian tumours into the two categories of benign and malignant based on a custom dataset with a validation accuracy of 97.5% and a test accuracy of 67%. Furthermore, a quantum convolutional neural network (QCNN) was also implemented with an accuracy of 92% on the validation dataset.
Associations among parent technology use, locus of control, and child problem behaviors
Authors: Dworkin Jodi , Sun Xiaoran , LeBouef Samantha , Keyzers Angela
Published: December 2022

Objective

The current study had two objectives: (a) describe demographic differences in parent technology use and (b) explore how parent technology use contributes to parent locus of control and how locus of control is associated with child problem behaviors.

Background

The ubiquitous use of technology is likely to influence parenting and, in turn, children's outcomes. This study was designed to test the pathway from parents' technology use to children's problem behaviors through their locus of control for parenting.

Method

Participants were 316 U.S. parents (36% fathers; Mage = 41.93 years), recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk, with at least one child aged 10 to 18 years. Structural equation models were estimated to test the hypothesized paths.

Results and Conclusion

Fathers and lower income parents reported significantly less frequent online information gathering and parents of color reported significantly more frequent calling and texting and social networking than White parents. Parents' texting and calling was positively, and online information gathering negatively, linked to child problem behaviors through parental locus of control.

Implications

Understanding how diverse parents are using technology for parenting, and which online tools are effective for supporting parents is essential to developing online resources to support families.
The host cytoskeleton: a key regulator of early HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Stephens Christopher , Naghavi Mojgan H.
Published: December 2022

Due to its central role in cell biology, the cytoskeleton is a key regulator of viral infection, influencing nearly every step of the viral life cycle. In this review, we will discuss the role of two key components of the cytoskeleton, namely the actin and microtubule networks in early HIV‐1 infection. We will discuss key contributions to processes ranging from the attachment and entry of viral particles at the cell surface to their arrival and import into the nucleus and identify areas where further research into this complex relationship may yield new insights into HIV‐1 pathogenesis.
Regulation of CD18 stability by SIGIRR‐modulated ubiquitination: new insights into the relationship between innate immune response and acute lung injury
Authors: Tian Feng , Lei Jie , Ni Yunfeng , Zhong Daixing , Xie Nianlin , Ma Jun , Wang Haiqiang , Si Shaokui , Wu Yumei , Jiang Tao
Published: December 2022

Inappropriate accumulation of alveolar macrophages (AMs) and subsequent excessive production of immune responses play critical roles in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI), but the core negative regulators governing innate signalling in AMs are ill defined. We have previously shown that single immunoglobin IL‐1 receptor‐related protein (SIGIRR), a negative regulator of IL‐1 receptor and Toll‐like receptor signalling, inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammatory responses in AMs. To address the biological relevance of SIGIRR in vivo, we generated a murine ALI model via intratracheal instillation of LPS. Intriguingly, SIGIRR expression was observed to be decreased in resident and recruited macrophages during ALI. This decrease was associated with parallel induction in CD18 protein levels in LPS‐challenged lung tissues. Through intranasal injection of SIGIRR lentiviral particles studies, we showed that the overexpression of SIGIRR attenuated recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils, decreased production of inflammatory cytokines and ameliorated pathological changes in lungs. Whilst exploring the basis for this phenotype, SIGIRR was found to be coexpressed with CD18 in AMs, and SIGIRR potentiated the instability of CD18 protein via enhancement of its ubiquitination and proteasome degradation. Conversely, by using CD18−/− mice, we further observed that CD18 deletion completely abolished the therapeutic effects of overexpression of SIGIRR on LPS‐induced ALI. Mover, overexpression of CD18 in AMs promoted adhesion to ECM components, enhanced TLR4‐mediated inflammasome activation and thereby potentiated IL‐1β production. These data collectively identify SIGIRR/CD18 as a key negative regulatory circuit maintaining innate immune homeostasis in AMs along the pathogenesis of ALI.
Effects of microstructure on crack initiation in super martensitic stainless steel under very‐high‐cycle fatigue at elevated temperature
Authors: Li Xue , He Chao , Wang Xiangyu , Chen Yao , Wang Chong , Zhang Hong , Li Lang , Liu Yongjie , Wang Qingyuan
Published: December 2022

The present study envisaged the behavior and relevant crack initiation mechanism of super martensitic stainless steel (0Cr13Ni5Mo) at elevated temperature (ET) under very‐high‐cycle fatigue (VHCF). Fractographic analysis revealed that all the VHCF cracks of the failure specimens initiated from the surface and formed fine granular area (FGA) morphology at ET in an absence of vacuum. The initiation characteristic area (ICA) consisted of an initiation site, a relatively smooth area, and the annular continuous FGA. FGA was formed in the peaks and valleys of local microstructures, and the smooth regions connected these peaks and valleys dominated by shear stress. It was observed that the FGA was unevenly distributed on the crack surface related to the local microstructure and below the grain surface relevant to local strain distribution. The stress intensity factor (SIF) and the crack tip plastic zone of the ICA slightly changed with temperature.
Fatigue properties of a structural rotor blade adhesive under axial and torsional loading
Authors: Kuhn Michael , Manousides Nikolas , Antoniou Alexandros , Balzani Claudio
Published: December 2022

Axial and torsional fatigue tests at different stress ratios were performed on a structural adhesive designed for wind turbine rotor blades. By employing previously optimized specimens, fatigue properties were recorded without influences of manufacturing‐induced defects such as pores. The Stüssi S–N model was an excellent fit to the data and was combined with a Haibach extension line to account for uncertainties in the gigacycle fatigue regime. A comparison of the results with hand‐mixed specimens revealed significant and load level‐dependent differences, indicating that manufacturing safety factors should be applied to the slope of the S–N curve. The experiments were accompanied by stiffness degradation measurements, which enabled an analysis of Young's and shear modulus degradation interactions. The degradation was modeled using power law fits, which incorporated load level‐dependent fitting parameters to allow for a full description of the stiffness reduction and a prediction of the residual fatigue life of run‐out specimens.
Sarcopenia and decline in appendicular skeletal muscle mass are associated with hypoperfusion in key hubs of central autonomic network on 3DSRT in older adults with progression of normal cognition to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Demura Taichi , Okuno Tazuo , Miwa Takaki , Iritani Osamu , Nakano Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Junpei , Shiga Hideaki , Kodera Kumie , Morimoto Chihiro , Demura Noboru , Morimoto Shigeto
Published: December 2022

Aim

Although sarcopenia is common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the neural substrates involved remain unclear. We investigated the relationship between sarcopenia, as well as its definition components, and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in older adults with progression of normal cognition to AD.

Methods

99mTc‐ethyl‐cysteinate‐dimer single‐photon emission computed tomography was carried out in 95 older adults with progression of normal cognition to AD (40 men and 55 women, mean ± SD age 80.9 ± 6.8 years). The associations of rCBF determined by 3‐D stereotactic region of interest template software, with sarcopenia and its definition components, slower gait speed, weaker grip strength, and decline in appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) were analyzed.

Results

Logistic regression analysis adjusted by age, sex, mini‐mental state examination score and education showed that sarcopenia as well as ASMI less than the cut‐off (men 7.0 kg/m2, women 5.7 kg/m2) were associated with significantly reduced rCBF in the key hub of the central autonomic network, including the insula, anterior cingulate cortex, subcallosal area, rectal gyrus, hypothalamus, amygdala and caudate head. Sarcopenia and ASMI decline were associated with hypoperfusion in the aforementioned cortical hubs of the central autonomic network in men, but with hypoperfusion of the hypothalamus in women. Linear regression analysis showed significant correlations of ASMI/cut‐off with rCBF in the bilateral medial frontal cortex, as well as rCBF in the aforementioned key hubs.

Conclusions

Hypoperfusion in key hubs of central autonomic network is implicated in the emergence of sarcopenia, probably through ASMI decline in vulnerable older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 16–24.
Risk Assessment of Radon Exposure by Ingestion and Inhalation of Groundwater Within Different Age Groups
Authors: Mamun Al , Alazmi Amira Salman
Published: December 2022

Radon and its short‐lived progeny are exposed to most human exposures as a natural source of radiation. Many studies have presumed that one of the most common incidences of lung cancer, colon cancer, and stomach cancer is caused by radon‐contaminated water. In this study, water was collected from different groundwater sources in the Hafr Al Batin area, Saudi Arabia, and the radon concentration was investigated using an electronic portable radon detector. The annual effective dose of radon exposure by ingestion and inhalation of water is calculated from that radon concentration for the different age groups to assess the risk of radon exposure. The calculated annual effective doses are then compared with the international standard of risk limit as directed by the international organizations. The estimated radon concentration for groundwater samples is found to be between 0.03 and 3.20 Bq/L with an average value of 1.16 Bq/L. These estimated values are below the safety limits set by the USEPA and EAEC and far below those recommended by the UNSCEAR, EC, and WHO standards. The calculated annual effective dose of radon exposure for the different age groups ranging from infant to adult is found to be in the range of 0.05 to 16.24 μSv/year, with a mean value of 5.89 μSv/year, which is in the safe limit recommended by the EC and WHO. The obtained results of this present study will support the authority and regulators who are responsible for controlling and strategizing to ensure public safety against radon exposure.
TROP2, androgen receptor, and PD‐L1 status in histological subtypes of high‐grade metaplastic breast carcinomas
Authors: Chartier Suzanne , Brochard Camille , Martinat Charlotte , Coussy Florence , Feron Jean‐Guillaume , Kirova Youlia , Cottu Paul , Marchiò Caterina , Vincent‐Salomon Anne
Published: December 2022

Aims

High‐grade metaplastic breast carcinoma (HG‐MBC) is a rare subtype of invasive breast carcinoma, mostly triple‐negative. Metaplastic carcinomas are less responsive to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and are associated with a worse outcome than invasive carcinomas of no special type.

Methods

Clinicopathological characteristics and immunophenotype were retrospectively assessed in a series of 65 patients diagnosed with HG‐MBC between 2005 and 2017 at the Curie Institute (antibody panel: oestrogen receptor [ER], progesterone receptor [PR], androgen receptor [AR], human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2], programmed death ligand‐1 [PD‐L1], and trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 [TROP2]).

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 59.5 years. Six (9%) patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis. Among the nonmetastatic patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy, 26% (5/19) achieved pathological complete response. Most tumours were pT1/pT2 (77%) and 12% were pN+. Histological subtypes (mixed, squamous, mesenchymal, and spindle cell) were 40%, 35.5%, 15.5%, and 9%, respectively. Tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes were low or moderate except when squamous differentiation was present. Most tumours were triple‐negative (92%). AR and TROP2 were positive in 34% and 85% of the cases, respectively. PD‐L1 was positive in tumour cells in 18% (cutoff: 1% of positive tumour cells) of the cases and in tumour‐infiltrating immune cells in 40% (cutoff: 1% of tumour area) of the cases. Notably, spindle cell and mesenchymal metaplastic breast carcinomas were mostly PDL1‐negative. Lastly, 21 (32.3%) cases were HER2‐low, all being HER2 1+, with no HER2 2+.

Conclusion

Metaplastic breast carcinoma could benefit from tailored therapeutic strategies adapted to the phenotypic specificities of histological subtypes.