bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additional evidence for the vascular disruption defect hypothesis in a novel case of brainstem disconnection syndrome
Authors: Vekemans Marie‐Aricie , Maurice Paul , Lachtar Mohamed , Blondiaux Eléonore , Jouannic Jean‐Marie , Burglen Lydie , Rodriguez Diana , Garel Catherine , Valence Stéphanie
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Brainstem disconnection syndrome is a rare and severe disease resulting from a midbrain–hindbrain segmental defect. Clinical signs include a severe neurological impairment, an early death (usually during the first year of life), and pathognomonic postnatal brain imaging features. Two major hypotheses are proposed to explain the etiopathogenesis of this syndrome, namely an inborn error of morphogenesis or a vascular disruption defect.

Case Report and Literature Review

Here we report on prenatal (ultrasound; fetal MRI) and postnatal (MRI) neuroimaging findings observed in a full‐term female newborn with a brainstem disconnection syndrome. The prenatal and postnatal findings point toward an early fetal vascular disruption defect as the pregnancy was marked by three episodes of hospitalization resulting from a very severe maternal dehydration. The first episode took place as early as the 18th week of gestation. Our clinical follow‐up at 1 year age is well in line with the findings observed in 13 other cases reported in the literature. Interestingly, among these 13 cases, a vascular disruption defect was suggested in 8 patients and confirmed by autopsy in at least 2 cases.

Conclusion

In the present report, we bring objective evidence for the antenatal cause of a brainstem disconnection syndrome resulting from a vascular disruption defect occurring in the context of a severe maternal dehydration. In particular, our neuroimaging findings observed during pregnancy and after birth illustrate the prenatal occurrence of this vascular disruption defect.
Recent Developments with Icetexane Natural Products
Authors: Naeini Ali Amiri , Ziegelmeier Alexandre A. , Chain William J.
Published: October 2022

Icetexane diterpenoids are a diverse family of natural products sourced from several species of terrestrial plants. Icetexanes exhibit a broad array of biological activities and together with their complex 6‐7‐6 tricyclic scaffolds, they have piqued the interest of synthetic organic chemists, natural products chemists, and biological investigators over the past four decades and were reviewed 13 years ago. This review summarizes icetexane natural products isolated since 2009, provides an overview of new synthetic approaches to the icetexane problem, and proposes an additional classification of icetexanes based on novel structures that are unlike previously isolated materials.
Protective role of the dandelion extract against the blood–liver axis, cell membranes, and anemia disorder in sodium benzoate‐exposed rats
Authors: Suljević Damir , Mitrašinović‐Brulić Maja , Dervišević Amela , Fočak Muhamed
Published: October 2022

Sodium benzoate (SB) as an additive in various food products prevents the growth of microbes. Although SB is considered safe, many studies have reported adverse effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dandelion extract on cell damage and hematological and biochemical disorders induced by SB in male albino rats. Different doses of SB (200 and 600 mg/kg) and ethanolic dandelion root extract (D) (40 mg/kg) were used in a 2‐week treatment of rats. Rat mortality and a higher frequency of behavioral alterations such as apathy, anxiety, and aggression have been reported at a higher dose of SB. Changes in urine pH, proteinuria, nitrituria, and bilirubinemia caused by SB were regulated by adding dandelion extract. Analysis of specific serum and urine parameters, as well as microscopic analysis of hepatocytes, showed liver and kidney failure. Anemia associated with hemolytic disorder due to erythrocyte impaired the presence of acanthocytes, and decreased values of erythrocyte blood count, hemoglobin concentration, average red blood cell size, hemoglobin amount per red blood cell, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were caused by SB treatment. As a dietary supplement, dandelion extract can be useful in the prevention of SB‐induced liver and kidney injury, and also a remedy against induced anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, hyperproteinemia, hyperglycemia, and reduction of inflammatory responses.
Plant‐based Basic Carbocatalyst for Lactone Ring‐Opening Polymerization and Isosorbide Transesterification with High Efficiency
Authors: Al‐Naji Majd , Brandi Francesco , Kumru Baris , Antonietti Markus
Published: October 2022

Basic carbocatalyst made of simple natural precursors using environmentally friendly processes are eagerly required for a wide range of chemical processes. This work is devoted to a carbocatalyst with base functionality from soybean flour as a nitrogen‐rich carbon source. This metal‐free basic carbocatalyst showed a density of basic sites of 0.165 mmol g−1as quantified via CO2‐TPD. The activity of the prepared basic carbons was successfully confirmed in two industrially important base‐catalyzed reactions of green chemistry, namely, ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ϵ‐caprolactone and transesterification of isosorbide with dimethyl carbonate. Utilizing the prepared basic carbon in the ROP reaction of ϵ‐caprolactone, gave a white polymer with high molecular weight (Mw=30000 g mol−1), which is comparable to industrial products. Moreover, a yield of 79 % of isosorbide bismethyl carbonate was obtained using the prepared basic carbon in isosorbide transesterification with dimethyl carbonate at 493 K for 6 hours.
Constructing Netlike Nanosheets of ZnO/BiOCl with Heterojunction as Robust Material for Electrochemical Amine Detection
Authors: Ahmed Maruf , Zhao Ruihua , Xing Tian , Du Jianping
Published: October 2022

The electrochemical sensing is a potential method for detection of trace toxic substance. Herein, the heterojunction of netlike ZnO/BiOCl nanosheets was constructed for the enhanced electrochemical detection of ammonia. Cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry were used to investigate the electrochemical performance. The results show that the ZnO/BiOCl‐modified electrode exhibits higher sensitivity towards ammonia compared with the ZnO and BiOCl‐based electrodes, which is ascribed to band structure and fast electron transfer. The high response of 11.8 μA mM−1 and a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.25 μM are achieved. In addition, the ZnO/BiOCl material exhibits high selectivity, repeatability and stability. The better linear relationship between concentration and current (R2=0.99) is significant for quantitative detection of ammonia, implying that netlike ZnO/BiOCl nanosheets can serve as electrochemical sensing platform for detecting toxic substance. This research provides a strategy for fabricating two‐dimensional netlike materials and regulating heterojunctions used for electrochemical application.
A Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitter Investigated by Time‐Resolved Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Haselbach Wiebke , Kaminski Jeremy M. , Kloeters Laura N. , Müller Thomas J. J. , Weingart Oliver , Marian Christel M. , Gilch Peter , Nogueira de Faria Barbara E.
Published: October 2022

Emitters for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) require small singlet (S1)‐triplet (T1) energy gaps as well as fast intersystem crossing (ISC) transitions. These transitions can be mediated by vibronic mixing with higher excited states Snand Tn(n=2, 3, 4, …). For a prototypical TADF emitter consisting of a triarylamine and a dicyanobenzene moiety (TAA‐DCN) it is shown that these higher states can be located energetically by time‐resolved near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy.
Tannery Effluents: Current Practices, Environmental Consequences, Human Health Risks, and Treatment Options
Authors: Singh Kavita , Kumari Madhu , Prasad Kumar Suranjit
Published: October 2022

The tannery industry influences the gross domestic product/economic activity of any country, but the uncontrolled release of tannery effluents causes environmental degradation and increases health risks to human. The reason for the toxicity of tannery effluents is the presence of high concentrations of organic and inorganic chemicals used in the production of leather goods. Untreated or partially treated effluents discharged into surface water results in an increase in both chemical and biological oxygen demand as well as in an increase in the levels of total suspended solids, dissolved solids, and toxic metals in environmental bodies, especially in soil, water bodies, and water sediments. Various treatment techniques, such as physicochemical, biological, and advanced oxidation methods, which include chemical precipitation, electrocoagulation, aerobic or anaerobic treatment, wetland construction, and Fenton, electro‐Fenton, and photo‐Fenton processes are also described. This review also discusses the technical appropriateness and economic feasibility of reducing the effluent pollution load and solid waste emanating from the tannery industry. Considering the enhanced health risks in the tannery waste treatment and management regime, some green and advanced technologies should be explored. A sustainable green technology that avoids the use of toxic chemicals in the tanning process is seen well for ecological health.
Incidence, characteristics, and management of central nervous system metastases in patients with inflammatory breast cancer
Authors: Warren Laura E.G. , Niman Samuel M. , Remolano Marie C. , Landry Jean M. , Nakhlis Faina , Bellon Jennifer R. , Aizer Ayal A. , Lin Nancy U. , Tolaney Sara M. , Regan Meredith M. , Overmoyer Beth A. , Lynce Filipa
Published: October 2022

Background

Patients with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) have a high risk of central nervous system metastasis (mCNS). The purpose of this study was to quantify the incidence of and identify risk factors for mCNS in patients with IBC.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with IBC between 1997 and 2019. mCNS‐free survival time was defined as the date from the diagnosis of IBC to the date of diagnosis of mCNS or the date of death, whichever occurred first. A competing risks hazard model was used to evaluate risk factors for mCNS.

Results

A total of 531 patients were identified; 372 patients with stage III and 159 patients with de novo stage IV disease. During the study, there were a total of 124 patients who had mCNS. The 1‐, 2‐, and 5‐year incidence of mCNS was 5%, 9%, and 18% in stage III patients (median follow‐up: 5.6 years) and 17%, 30%, and 42% in stage IV patients (1.8 years). Multivariate analysis identified triple‐negative tumor subtype as a significant risk factor for mCNS for stage III patients. For patients diagnosed with metastatic disease, visceral metastasis as first metastatic site, triple‐negative subtype, and younger age at diagnosis of metastases were risk factors for mCNS.

Conclusions

Patients with IBC, particularly those with triple‐negative IBC, visceral metastasis, and those at a younger age at diagnosis of metastatic disease, are at significant risk of developing mCNS. Further investigation into prevention of mCNS and whether early detection of mCNS is associated with improved IBC patient outcomes is warranted.
Dynamic modulations of sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids in COVID‐19
Authors: Kurano Makoto , Okamoto Koh , Jubishi Daisuke , Hashimoto Hideki , Sakai Eri , Saigusa Daisuke , Kano Kuniyuki , Aoki Junken , Harada Sohei , Okugawa Shu , Doi Kent , Moriya Kyoji , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: October 2022

Background

A heterogeneous clinical phenotype is a characteristic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Therefore, investigating biomarkers associated with disease severity is important for understanding the mechanisms responsible for this heterogeneity and for developing novel agents to prevent critical conditions. This study aimed to elucidate the modulations of sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids, which have been shown to possess potent biological properties.

Methods

We measured the serum sphingolipid and glycerophospholipid levels in a total of 887 samples from 215 COVID‐19 subjects, plus 115 control subjects without infectious diseases and 109 subjects with infectious diseases other than COVID‐19.

Results

We observed the dynamic modulations of sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids in the serum of COVID‐19 subjects, depending on the time course and severity. The elevation of C16:0 ceramide and lysophosphatidylinositol and decreases in C18:1 ceramide, dihydrosphingosine, lysophosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol were specific to COVID‐19. Regarding the association with maximum severity, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine species with long unsaturated acyl chains were negatively associated, while lysophosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylethanolamine were positively associated with maximum severity during the early phase. Lysophosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylcholine had strong negative correlations with CRP, while phosphatidylethanolamine had strong positive ones. C16:0 ceramide, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine species with long unsaturated acyl chains had negative correlations with D‐dimer, while phosphatidylethanolamine species with short acyl chains and phosphatidylinositol had positive ones. Several species of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin might serve as better biomarkers for predicting severe COVID‐19 during the early phase than CRP and D‐dimer. Compared with the lipid modulations seen in mice treated with lipopolysaccharide, tissue factor, or histone, the lipid modulations observed in severe COVID‐19 were most akin to those in mice administered lipopolysaccharide.

Conclusion

A better understanding of the disturbances in sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids observed in this study will prompt further investigation to develop laboratory testing for predicting maximum severity and/or novel agents to suppress the aggravation of COVID‐19.
Early versus delayed interventions for necrotizing pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nakai Yousuke , Shiomi Hideyuki , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Ota Shogo , Takenaka Mamoru , Iwashita Takuji , Sato Tatsuya , Saito Tomotaka , Masuda Atsuhiro , Matsubara Saburo , Iwata Keisuke , Mukai Tsuyoshi , Isayama Hiroyuki , Yasuda Ichiro
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Interventions for necrotizing pancreatitis are generally postponed until 4 weeks after the onset of acute pancreatitis, but there remains controversy about whether we should always wait >4 weeks or can intervene early when necessary. This meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate treatment outcomes of necrotizing pancreatitis according to the cut‐off defined in the revised Atlanta classification (≤4 vs. >4 weeks).

Methods

Using PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database, we identified clinical studies published until March 2022 with data comparing outcomes of early and delayed interventions of necrotizing pancreatitis. We pooled data on adverse events, mortality, technical and clinical success rates, and needs for necrosectomy and open surgery, using the random‐effects model.

Results

We identified 11 retrospective studies, including 775 patients with early interventions and 725 patients with delayed interventions. Patients with early interventions tended to be complicated by organ failure. The rate of adverse events was comparable (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.66–3.01; p = 0.38) but the rate of mortality was significantly higher (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.21–2.40; p < 0.01) in early interventions. Technical success rates were similarly high but clinical success rates tended to be low (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.15–1.00; p = 0.05) in early interventions, though not statistically significant. Pooled ORs for necrosectomy and open surgery were 2.14 and 1.23, respectively.

Conclusions

Early interventions for necrotizing pancreatitis were associated with higher mortality rates and did not reduce adverse events or improve clinical success. However, our results should be confirmed in prospective studies.
Small mammals from the Caatinga: A dataset for the Brazilian semiarid biome
Authors: da Costa‐Pinto Anna Ludmilla , Bovendorp Ricardo S. , Bocchiglieri Adriana , Caccavo Aldo , Delciellos Ana Cláudia , Malhado Ana Cláudia , de Almeida Ana Karolina Rodrigues , Braga Caryne , Loretto Diogo , Câmara Edeltrudes Maria Valadares Calaça , Menezes Fernando Heberson , Guilhon Gabby , Paise Gabriela , Sobral Gisela , Varjão Iardley Cícero Gomes , Ferreira Jéssica Viviane Amorim , da Silva Oliveira Leandro , Geise Lena , Pereira Luiz Cezar Machado , Corrêa Matheus Rocha Jorge , Nicola Patricia Avello , Guedes Patricia Gonçalves , Becker Rafael Gustavo , Barreto Rebeca Mascarenhas Fonseca , da Silva Shirley Seixas Pereira , Orsini Vinicius Santana , Ladle Richard James
Published: October 2022

The Caatinga is an exclusively Brazilian biome, and is the largest and most biodiverse Seasonal Tropical Dry Forest in the world. Despite that, the mammalian fauna, especially small mammals, is the least studied of all Brazilian biomes. In order to fill gaps and provide detailed information on small mammals (Didelphimorphia, Rodentia) in the Caatinga biome, we compiled reliable records focusing on richness, composition and some biometric data. These records came from mammal collections, papers, theses, books, and unpublished data, prioritizing records with vouchers housed in scientific collections. We compiled a total of 3133 records from 816 locations, resulting in a richness of 47 native species (12 marsupials and 35 rodents, plus three exotic rodents, Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus, and Mus musculus). This dataset includes records of three new species for the biome and its transition zone: the rodents Calomys mattevii, Holochilus oxe, and Nectomys squamipes. Of the total number of records, 1808 (57.71%) are from consulting activities, 95 (3.03%) are from zoonoses studies and 104 (3.32%) are from the National Plague Service (SNP). All nine Brazilian states with territory in the Caatinga have sampling data for small mammals, but the number of records and localities are unevenly distributed, with the state of Rio Grande do Norte having the lowest number of records and locations sampled. Our dataset is the first of its kind for the Caatinga biome and has considerable potential value for studies of habitat use, landscape ecology, macroecology, biogeography, and conservation. There are no copyright restrictions on the data. Please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using the data.
Expression of soluble ST2 in patients with essential hypertension and its relationship with left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Wei Peng , Liu Liang , Wang Xiaoqing , Zong Bin , Liu Xuekui , Zhang Miaomiao , Fu Qiang , Wang Liansheng , Cao Bangming
Published: October 2022

Aims

Identification and intervention of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in essential hypertension (EH) are important for the prevention of adverse cardiovascular events. However, effective methods for diagnosing LVH are still lacking. This study aimed to explore the relationship between soluble ST2 (sST2) and LVH in EH patients to identify a potential specific biomarker for hypertensive LVH.

Methods and results

This study included 97 EH patients. Based on the criteria for LVH, participants were divided into the LVH group (n = 52) and the non‐LVH group (n = 45). The level of serum sST2 was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson correlation analysis, logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to investigate the potential of sST2 as a biomarker of LVH in EH patients. Compared with the non‐LVH group, the sST2 level was elevated in EH patients with LVH (P < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the sST2 level was positively correlated with the left ventricular mass index in EH patients (r = 0.454, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) value of LVH was 2.990, suggesting that sST2 is an independent risk factor for LVH in EH patients [OR = 2.990, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.650–5.419; P < 0.001]. The area under the ROC curve was 0.767 (95% CI, 0.669–0.866; P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 0.808 and specificity of 0.689, indicating the possibility of considering sST2 as a biomarker for diagnosing LVH.

Conclusions

Up‐regulation of sST2 is strongly related to LVH in EH patients, is an independent risk factor for hypertensive LVH, and can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of LVH.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Carbonylative Synthesis of Functionalized Isoquinoline‐1,3‐diones and Oxindoles Using Dimethyl Carbonate as both Solvent and Reactant
Authors: Wen D. , Shen Z. , Qi X. , Wu X.‐F.
Published: October 2022

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC), a non‐toxic liquid, which shows diverse and tunable reactivity in organic synthesis. Herein, we report a nice study on using DMC as both solvent and reactant in palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular Heck/Carbonylation for the synthesis of functionalized isoquinoline‐1,3‐diones and oxindoles. To avoid the usage of toxic CO gas, formic acid is employed as the CO source, and a variety of functionalized isoquinoline‐1,3‐diones and oxindoles were obtained in very good yields.
Enantioselective Friedel‐Crafts Alkylation of Indoles with α, β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes Catalyzed by Recyclable Second‐generation MacMillan Catalysts
Authors: Aalam Mohd Jubair , Deepa  , Singh Surendra
Published: October 2022

Imidazolium ionic liquids containing second‐generation MacMillan catalysts were synthesized and evaluated as organocatalysts (10 mol%) for enantioselective Friedel‐Crafts reaction between N‐benzylindole and crotonaldehyde using trifluoroacetic acid as a co‐catalyst (10 mol%) at −60 °C, the corresponding product was obtained in 87 % yield with 89 % ee. The scope and limitation of organocatalyst were studied using substituted indoles and different α, β‐unsaturated aldehydes, and enantioselective alkylated indoles were obtained in 43–95 % yields with 58–90 % ee's. The second‐generation modified MacMillan catalyst 6 was successfully recovered and reused up to four cycles and a significant drop in yields and ee was observed after the third recycle.
What should allies do? Identifying activist perspectives on the role of white allies in the struggle for racial justice in the United States
Authors: Selvanathan Hema Preya , Uluğ Özden Melis , Burrows Brooke
Published: October 2022

The present research examined the perspectives of both White and Black racial justice activists on the roles of White allies in the struggle for justice for Black people in the United States. Study 1 used Q methodology, a mixed‐methods approach, which identified four distinct perspectives about the role of White allies from a sample of activists (33 White and 22 Black Americans): (1) mobilize to support Black leadership, (2) interpersonal activism, (3) avoid dominating Black people's efforts, and (4) lifelong learning. In Study 2, we interviewed activists (22 White and 12 Black Americans) to understand their evaluation of, and preference for, each of perspective identified in Study 1. Thematic analyses showed that each perspective had its pros and cons regarding considerations of how to best use ingroup advantages without dominating the movement. Our findings contribute to our understanding of potential tensions in solidarity‐based social movements.
A cluster‐randomized trial comparing home‐based primary health care and usual clinic care for epilepsy in a resource‐limited country
Authors: Singh Gagandeep , Sharma Suman , Bansal Namita , Sharma Meenakshi , Chowdhury Anurag , Sharma Sarit , Bansal Rajinder K. , Goraya Jatinder S. , Setia Raj K. , Paul Birinder S. , Sander Josemir W.
Published: October 2022

Objective

To ascertain whether home‐based care with community and primary healthcare workers' support improves adherence to antiseizure medications, seizure control, and quality of life over routine clinic‐based care in community samples of people with epilepsy in a resource‐poor country.

Methods

Participants included consenting individuals with active epilepsy identified in a population survey in impoverished communities. The intervention included antiseizure medication provision, adherence reinforcement and epilepsy self‐ and stigma management guidance provided by a primary health care–equivalent worker. We compared the intervention group to a routine clinic‐based care group in a cluster‐randomized trial lasting 24 months. The primary outcome was antiseizure medication adherence, appraised from monthly pill counts. Seizure outcomes were assessed by monthly seizure aggregates and time to first seizure and impact by the Personal Impact of Epilepsy scale.

Results

Enrolment began on September 25, 2017 and was complete by July 24, 2018. Twenty‐four clusters, each comprising ten people with epilepsy, were randomized to either home‐ or clinic‐care. Home‐care recipients were more likely to have used up their monthly‐dispensed epilepsy medicine stock (regression coefficient: 0.585; 95% confidence intervals, 0.289‐0.881; P = 0.001) and had fewer seizures (regression coefficient: −2.060; 95%CI, −3.335 to −0.785; P = 0.002). More people from clinic‐care (n = 44; 37%) than home‐care (n = 23; 19%) exited the trial (P = 0.003). The time to first seizure, adverse effects and the personal impact of epilepsy were similar in the two arms.

Significance

Home care for epilepsy compared to clinic care in resource‐limited communities improves medication adherence and seizure outcomes and reduces the secondary epilepsy treatment gap.
Semisupervised white matter hyperintensities segmentation on MRI
Authors: Huang Fan , Xia Peng , Vardhanabhuti Varut , Hui Sai‐Kam , Lau Kui‐Kai , Ka‐Fung Mak Henry , Cao Peng
Published: October 2022

This study proposed a semisupervised loss function named level‐set loss (LSLoss) for cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) segmentation on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images. The training procedure did not require manually labeled WMH masks. Our image preprocessing steps included biased field correction, skull stripping, and white matter segmentation. With the proposed LSLoss, we trained a V‐Net using the MRI images from both local and public databases. Local databases were the small vessel disease cohort (HKU‐SVD, n = 360) and the multiple sclerosis cohort (HKU‐MS, n = 20) from our institutional imaging center. Public databases were the Medical Image Computing Computer‐assisted Intervention (MICCAI) WMH challenge database (MICCAI‐WMH, n = 60) and the normal control cohort of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database (ADNI‐CN, n = 15). We achieved an overall dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.81 on the HKU‐SVD testing set (n = 20), DSC = 0.77 on the HKU‐MS testing set (n = 5), and DSC = 0.78 on MICCAI‐WMH testing set (n = 30). The segmentation results obtained by our semisupervised V‐Net were comparable with the supervised methods and outperformed the unsupervised methods in the literature.
Breast density and risk of breast cancer
Authors: Lynge Elsebeth , Vejborg Ilse , Lillholm Martin , Nielsen Mads , Napolitano George , von Euler‐Chelpin My
Published: October 2022

Early studies reported a 4‐ to 6‐fold risk of breast cancer between women with extremely dense and fatty breasts. As most early studies were case‐control studies, we took advantage of a population‐based screening program to study density and breast cancer incidence in a cohort design. In the Capital Region, Denmark, women aged 50 to 69 are invited to screening biennially. Women screened November 2012 to December 2017 were included, and classified by BI‐RADS density code, version 4, at first screen after recruitment. Women were followed up for incident breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), to 2020 in nationwide pathology data. Rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were compared across density groups using Poisson‐regression. We included 189 609 women; 1 067 282 person‐years; and 4110 incident breast cancers/DCIS. Thirty‐three percent of women had BI‐RADS density code 1; 38% code 2; 24% code 3; 4.7% code 4; and missing 0.3%. Using women with BI‐RADS density code 1 as baseline; women with code 2 had RR 1.69 (95% CI 1.56‐1.84); women with code 3, RR 2.06 (95% CI 1.89‐2.25); and women with code 4, RR 2.37 (95% CI 1.05‐2.74). Results differed between observations accumulated during screening and above screening age. Our results indicated less difference in breast cancer risk across level of breast density than normally stated. Translated into absolute risk of breast cancer after age 50, we found a 6.2% risk for the one‐third of women with lowest density, and 14.7% for the 5% of women with highest density.
Two cases of CRPC with BRCA mutation treated by olaparib after favorable response to cisplatin
Authors: Miyazawa Yoshiyuki , Shimizu Takanori , Sekine Yoshitaka , Arai Seiji , Ohtsu Akira , Fujizuka Yuji , Nomura Masashi , Koike Hidekazu , Matsui Hiroshi , Suzuki Kazuhiro
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Several prostate cancers carry homologous recombination repair mutations that respond to olaparib. Because of the mechanism, the efficacy of platinum‐based therapy can be used to predict the efficacy of poly(adenosine diphosphate‐ribose) polymerase inhibitors such as olaparib.

Case presentation

We experienced two neuroendocrine prostate cancer patients who achieved a response duration of more than 1 year with platinum‐based therapy. Case 1 had a BRCA2 mutation in the germline and case 2 had a BRCA2 mutation in a somatic chromosome only. Both patients responded well to olaparib.

Conclusion

Cisplatin and olaparib may overlap in response due to their medicinal action. It may be useful to consider genetic testing in some CRPC patients who have responded to cisplatin.
A comparative study of bone bioactivity and osteogenic potential of different bioceramics in methacrylated collagen hydrogels
Authors: Patrawalla Nashaita Y. , Kajave Nilabh S. , Kishore Vipuil
Published: October 2022

Biomimetic scaffolds composed of bioactive ceramic‐based materials incorporated within a polymeric framework have shown immense promise for use in bone tissue engineering (BTE) applications. However, studies on direct comparison of the efficacy of different bioceramics on bone bioactivity and osteogenic differentiation are lacking. Herein, we performed an in vitro direct comparison of three different bioceramics—Bioglass 45S5 (BG), Laponite XLG (LAP), and β‐Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP)—on the physical properties and bone bioactivity of methacrylated collagen (CMA) hydrogels (10% w/w bioceramic:CMA). In addition, human MSCs (hMSCs) were encapsulated in bioceramic‐laden CMA hydrogels and the effect of different bioceramics on osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs was investigated in two different culture medium—osteoconductive (without dexamethasone [DEX]) and osteoinductive (with DEX). Results showed that the stability of CMA hydrogels was maintained upon bioceramic addition. Compression testing revealed that BG incorporation significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the modulus of photochemically crosslinked CMA hydrogels. Incubation of TCP‐CMA and LAP‐CMA hydrogels in simulated body fluid showed deposition of hydroxycarbonate apatite layer on the surface indicating that these hydrogels may be more bone bioactive than BG‐CMA and CMA only hydrogels. Cell cytoskeleton staining results showed greater cell spreading in TCP‐CMA hydrogels. Furthermore, TCP incorporation significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP; p < 0.05) in hMSCs. Together, these results indicate that TCP has superior osteogenic potential compared with BG and LAP and hence should be considered as a bioceramic of preferred choice for use in the biomimetic design of cell‐laden hydrogels for BTE applications.
Examination of antimicrobial effect of fluoxetine in experimental sepsis model: An in vivo study
Authors: Cakir Ahsen , Bozali Kubra , Celikten Mert , Guler Eray Metin , Sahan Ebru , Durdu Bulent , Sumbul Bilge , Kocyigit Abdurrahim
Published: October 2022

Since most infectious diseases can develop into sepsis, it is still a major medical problem. Some in‐vivo studies showed promising properties of fluoxetine in the treatment of infections. This study aims the antimicrobial effect of fluoxetine on the inflammatory process used in the treatment of sepsis‐modeled rats. Besides, to investigate the efficacy of fluoxetine on modifying the antibiotic effect of imipenem in the inflammatory response. An experimental sepsis model was divided into negative control, positive control, fluoxetine 5 mg/kg, imipenem 60 mg/kg, and combined (fluoxetine; imipenem). Procalcitonin (PCT), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), lactate, myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), the inflammation markers interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐alfa (TNF‐α), and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Oxidative stress markers, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), total thiol (TT), and native thiol (NT) were measured using photometric methods. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated according to TAS and TOS levels. The statistical analysis was performed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0. After treatment with fluoxetine, imipenem, and combined groups, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, MPO activity, MCP‐1, hs‐CRP, PCT, lactate, and the oxidative stress markers OSI, and disulfide levels were decreased (p < 0.05). The TT, NT, and TAS levels significantly statistically increased (p < 0.05). This research demonstrates that fluoxetine has effects as anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant, and the combined treatment with antibioticum imipenem indicates positive synergistic effects in the experimental sepsis model.
Factors that influence genetic counselors' participation in research
Authors: Sikkink Kaitlin , Delk Paula , Wetherill Leah , Breman Amy , Wesson Melissa
Published: October 2022

Genetic counselors have skills and expertise in genetics and patient care that make them an asset to research and research teams. However, the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) found in 2020 that more than half of practicing genetic counselors do not participate in research activities. Information describing factors that influence their research participation is lacking in the literature. This study ascertained genetic counselors' workplace and graduate training experiences to provide insight into factors that increase or decrease participation in research activities. A survey was distributed through the NSGC Student Research Survey Program. Practicing genetic counselors that graduated in or before 2020 were eligible to participate. The survey included questions about demographics, implementation of student research projects, research‐specific resources in their graduate programs, perceived barriers and motivations, and current research activities. Interestingly, the majority of respondents participated in research activities between 2017 and 2021; the most common activities included: recognizing a gap(s) in knowledge (68%) and presenting an abstract or poster (64%). Factors that most significantly influenced genetic counselors' research participation included their interest in research (p = 0.0037), their motivation to do research (p = 0.0014), and their perceived intimidation by the research process (p < 0.001). These results provide insight into solutions for the workplace and graduate programs that could increase genetic counselors' research participation.
Pyranoquinolone derivatives: A potent multi‐targeted pharmacological scaffold
Authors: Uppal Jasreen , Mir Prince Ahad , Chawla Apporva , Kumar Nishant , Kaur Gurinder , Bedi Preet Mohinder Singh , Bhandari Divya Dhawal
Published: October 2022

The search for new heterocyclic compounds with potential bioactivities continues despite the fact that extensive work has already been done on pyranoquinolones. Researchers throughout the world have used the pyranoquinolone nucleus extensively to generate a wide variety of bioactive heterocycles that target a wide spectrum of biological targets. An in‐depth investigation into possible pyranoquinolone derivatives and their pharmacological importance is the focus of this overview of synthetic techniques. Researchers and medicinal chemists can benefit from this review by developing new pyranoquinolone nucleus leads that are very effective and have fewer adverse effects than existing ones.
DDOST‐CDG: Clinical and molecular characterization of a third patient with a milder and a predominantly movement disorder phenotype
Authors: Elsharkawi Ibrahim , Wongkittichote Parith , Daniel Earnest James Paul , Starosta Rodrigo Tzovenos , Ueda Keisuke , Ng Bobby G. , Freeze Hudson H. , He Miao , Shinawi Marwan
Published: October 2022

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a group of heterogeneous inherited metabolic disorders affecting posttranslational protein modification. DDOST‐CDG, caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in DDOST which encodes dolichyl‐diphospho‐oligosaccharide‐protein glycosyltransferase, a subunit of N‐glycosylation oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex, is an ultra‐rare condition that has been described in two patients only. The main clinical features in the two reported patients include profound developmental delay, failure to thrive, and hypotonia. In addition, both patients had abnormal transferrin glycosylation. Here, we report an 18‐year‐old male who presented with moderate developmental delay, progressive opsoclonus, myoclonus, ataxia, tremor, and dystonia. Biochemical studies by carbohydrate deficient transferrin analysis showed a type I CDG pattern. Exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous variants in DDOST: a maternally inherited variant, c.1142dupT (p.Leu381Phefs*11), and a paternally inherited variant, c.661 T > C (p.Ser221Pro). Plasma N‐glycan profiling showed mildly increased small high mannose glycans including Man0‐5GlcNAc2, a pattern consistent with what was previously reported in DDOST‐CDG or defects in other subunits of OST complex. Western blot analysis on patient's fibroblasts revealed decreased expression of DDOST and reduced intracellular N‐glycosylation, as evident by the biomarkers ICAM‐1 and LAMP2. Our study highlights the clinical variability, expands the clinical and biochemical phenotypes, and describes new genotype, which all are essential for diagnosing and managing patients with DDOST‐CDG.
COVID‐19 and individual performance in global virtual teams: The role of self‐regulation and individual cultural value orientations
Authors: Schlaegel Christopher , Gunkel Marjaana , Taras Vas
Published: October 2022

Since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, global virtual teams (GVTs) have become increasingly important. Drawing on conservation of resources theory and self‐regulation theory, we examined the mechanism and process underlying individuals' performance in GVTs in this specific situation. We posit that the local severity of the pandemic has a negative effect on individuals' performance in GVTs and that self‐regulation functions as a coping mechanism in times of pandemic‐related ambient stress, reducing its negative effect on performance. We suggest that three cultural value orientations, that is, uncertainty avoidance, collectivism, and long‐term orientation, explain different levels of self‐regulation, which in turn moderates the relationship between the local severity of the pandemic and individual performance in GVTs. Based on a sample of 2727 individuals from 31 countries participating in an international business consulting project during the early stage of the unfolding pandemic, we show that (a) the local severity of the pandemic had a negative effect on individuals' performance, (b) the negative effect of the pandemic on performance is weaker for individuals with high self‐regulation, and (c) uncertainty avoidance and long‐term orientation are positively associated with self‐regulation, which mediates the moderating relationship between the cultural value orientations and the relationship between the COVID‐19 pandemic and individual performance in GVTs.
Resolution, quantification, and reliable determination of enantiomeric excess of proteinogenic and non‐proteinogenic amino acids by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography
Authors: Pepino Raphaël , Leyva Vanessa , Garcia Adrien D. , Bocková Jana , Meinert Cornelia
Published: October 2022

This work proposes a comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography method for the resolution and quantification of 27 amino acids, including 17 enantiomeric pairs, as stable N‐trifluoroacetyl‐O‐methyl ester derivatives. The derivatization approach in combination with enantioselective two‐dimensional gas chromatography has proven to be highly responsive with a method detection limit of 1–7 pg even for sterically hindered amino acids such as α,α‐dialkylated, and N‐alkylated amino acids. Accurate determination of the enantiomeric excess was achieved with errors in the range of ±0.5%–2.5% (1σ) at concentrations ≥10‒6 M. A thorough study of the mass spectra of the amino acid derivatives allowed the fragmentation pathways to be distinguished, enabling chromatographic peaks to be unambiguously assigned. The proposed method is particularly suited for applications that require the precise determination of enantiomeric excesses such as those concerning the role of d‐amino acid enantiomers in humans, animals, and the environment, as well as for analyses of extraterrestrial samples aimed at understanding the selection of amino acids in stereochemical l‐configuration.
Shallow lakes under alternative states differ in the dominant greenhouse gas emission pathways
Authors: Baliña Sofia , Sánchez María Laura , Izaguirre Irina , del Giorgio Paul A.
Published: October 2022

Over the past decades, shallow lakes of the Pampean Plain, Argentina, have been shifting from clear vegetated to turbid phytoplanktonic states due to anthropic pressures. It is not clear, though, if this change in state also involves a change in the overall CO2 and CH4 balance of these lakes. Therefore, the main objective of this work was to assess potential differences in the C gas (CH4 and CO2) balance of shallow lakes under contrasting states—clear vegetated and turbid phytoplanktonic. We sampled two clear and two turbid shallow lakes in the Pampean region along an annual cycle and we measured all of the major C gas emission pathways: diffusive and ebullitive fluxes and also emissions from emergent vegetated habitats. CO2 and CH4 diffusive, ebullitive and vegetated habitat fluxes were comparable between states, but they differed in their relative contribution to the C gas balance because of differences in the coverage of the habitats associated to these pathways. Mean annual, area‐weighted CO2 and CH4 fluxes of clear lakes were 41.9 ± 19.0 and 15.4 ± 18.5 mmol m−2 d−1, respectively, and 7.7 ± 7.3 and 17.9 ± 19.8 mmol m−2 d−1 for CO2 and CH4 fluxes, respectively, for turbid lakes. Despite major differences in the relative contribution of the emission pathways between states, there was a remarkable convergence between states in total greenhouse gas emissions when expressed in terms of mean annual CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas flux.
Evaluation of Sampling Methods for Maturation Stage Determination in the European Eel Anguilla anguilla
Authors: Sundin Josefin , Persson John , Wickström Håkan , Sjöberg Niklas , Renman Ola , Skoglund Stefan
Published: October 2022

Monitoring data is important in ecological research, but differences between and within areas or species in data collection methods could introduce bias in the analyses. Standardizing data collection is particularly important when monitoring migratory species that have a distribution that crosses several national borders. The European Eel Anguilla anguilla is an extreme example of such a species since it constitutes one stock across the entire distribution area. One important variable collected for the European Eel is maturation stage. This data is needed to monitor silver eel escapement to assess population trends. To determine maturation, data on length, weight, diameter of the eyes, and pectoral fin length are used to calculate Pankhurst eye index and Durif's silver index. In this study, we investigated effects of precision and interobserver variability on data collection relevant for maturation stage determination according to Pankhurst and Durif's indices. We found that eye diameter differed in size between the left and right eyes; however, the mean difference (0.19 mm) is probably an artifact of the large sample size (n = 16,977) and can be regarded as being within the measurement precision. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in pectoral fin length. These results suggest that either side of the eel could be used without losing precision. Visually determined maturation stage classifications differed from those calculated with Pankhurst and Durif's indices but could still provide useful information; hence, it is recommended to collect this variable. Measurements performed using computer software generated greater precision than using calipers, which increased interobserver variability. Since the difference was relatively small and since computer analysis of images may not always be an option, measuring method can be decided based on the level of precision needed in each case. These suggested implementations can reduce observation bias and streamline the data collection used for stock assessments of the European Eel.
Intermittent Apomorphine Use for off Period Rescue in Parkinson's Disease: A Pragmatic Review of over Three Decades of Clinical Experience
Authors: Castillo‐Torres Sergio A. , Lees Andrew J. , Merello Marcelo
Published: October 2022

Background

Although proven very efficacious as treatment for Parkinson's disease by Schwab as far back as the 1950s, and later confirmed by Cotzias and colleagues in the early 1970s, use of intermittent subcutaneous injections of the dopamine agonist apomorphine remains limited worldwide.

Objectives

To review evidence regarding use of intermittent, on‐demand apomorphine as a treatment for off‐period disability in Parkinson's disease.

Methods

A PRISMA‐compliant structured literature search was carried out with a focus on clinical effect (motor improvement, daily off time decrease; latency, duration), antiemetic prophylaxis, and adverse events.

Results

Fifty‐eight studies were evaluated. Apomorphine administration route was subcutaneous in 29 (50%), sublingual in 14 (24.1%), intranasal in 6 (10.3%), inhaled in 5 (8.6%), rectal in 3 (5.2%) and transdermal in 1 (1.7%). Irrespective of the route, motor disability improved 19% to 74% and daily off time decreased 3% to 68%, with subcutaneous having the fastest onset of action ranging from 6 to 24 minutes and lasting 28 to 96 minutes. Antiemetic prophylaxis was used in almost all studies. Systemic side effects like nausea and yawning were mild and well tolerated, but sedation led to discontinuation of subcutaneous apomorphine in 5.5%. Local side effects to subcutaneous administration did not result in discontinuation. Stomatitis with the early sublingual formulations led to discontinuation in nearly half of patients and was reduced to 16.7% with novel film strips.

Conclusions

Intermittent subcutaneous injections remain the most reliable and safest route of apomorphine administration, with an efficacy for off period treatment supported by nearly four decades of clinical experience.