bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Management of Hydrocephalus in Midline Posterior Fossa Cystic Collections: Surgical Outcome From a Retrospective Single-Center Case Series of 54 Consecutive Pediatric Patients
Authors: Guida Lelio , Benichi Sandro , Bourgeois Marie , Paternoster Giovanna , James Syril , De Saint Denis Timothée , Dangouloff Ros Volodia , Beccaria Kevin , Blauwblomme Thomas
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

Hydrocephalus frequently occurs with midline posterior fossa cystic collections. The classification of this heterogeneous group of developmental anomalies, including Dandy–Walker malformation, persisting Blake's pouch, retrocerebellar arachnoid cysts, and mega cisterna magna, is subject of debate. The absence of diagnostic criteria is confusing regarding the ideal management of PFCC-related hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE:

To decipher the surgical strategy for the treatment of children with PFCC-related hydrocephalus through a retrospective analysis of the surgical outcome driven by their clinical and radiological presentation.

METHODS:

This study enrolled patients operated of symptomatic PFCC-related hydrocephalus. Clinical and MRI features were examined, as well as the surgical outcome. Unbiased subgroup classification of the patients was performed with multiple component analysis as a function of imaging characteristics and hierarchical clustering on principal component. Outcome was assessed with binomial logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis.

RESULTS:

Fifty-four patients were included between 2007 and 2021. Multiple component analysis suggested that cerebellar and vermian hypoplasia, vermian rotation, basal–tentorial angle, and fastigial angle were strongly correlated. Hierarchical clustering and the distribution of the patients in the bidimensional plot showed the clear segregation of 3 major clusters, which correlated with the radiological diagnosis (P < .01). Binomial logistic regression and survival analysis showed that endoscopic third ventriculostomy was an effective treatment for patients with persisting Blake's pouch, while failing to control hydrocephalus in most of patients with Dandy–Walker malformation.

CONCLUSION:

Preoperative MRI in patients with PFCC-related hydrocephalus is essential to better define the diagnosis. The choice of treatment strategy notably relies on correct radiological diagnosis.
Novel Postoperative Serum Biomarkers in Atypical Meningiomas: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Chang Won Ick , Byun Hwa Kyung , Lee Joo Ho , Park Chul-Kee , Kim In Ah , Kim Chae-Yong , Chang Jong Hee , Kang Seok-Gu , Lee Sang Hyung , Kuranari Yuki , Tamura Ryota , Toda Masahiro , Wee Chan Woo , Yoon Hong In
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

There has been no known serum biomarker to predict the prognosis of atypical meningioma.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the prognostic impact of serum biomarkers in patients newly diagnosed with resected intracranial atypical meningiomas.

METHODS:

This study enrolled 523 patients with atypical meningioma who underwent surgical resection between 1998 and 2018 from 5 Asian institutions. Serum laboratory data within 1 week after surgery were obtained for analysis. Optimal cutoffs were calculated for each serum marker using the maxstat package of R.

RESULTS:

Of 523 patients, 19.5% underwent subtotal resection and 29.8% were treated with adjuvant radiation therapy (ART). Among the 523 patients, 454 were included in the multivariate analysis for the progression/recurrence (P/R) rate excluding patients with incomplete histopathologic or laboratory data. On multivariate analysis, tumor size >5 cm, subtotal resection, and postoperative aspartate aminotransferase/alanine transaminase (De Ritis) ratio >2 were associated with higher P/R rates, whereas ART and postoperative platelet count >137 × 103/μL were associated with lower P/R rates. In the subgroup of patients treated with ART, tumor size >5 cm and postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >21 were associated with higher P/R rates. By contrast, postoperative De Ritis ratio >2 remained an adverse prognosticator in patients not treated with ART.

CONCLUSION:

Postoperative De Ritis ratio, platelet count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were revealed as a novel serum prognosticator in newly diagnosed atypical meningiomas. Additional studies are warranted to validate its clinical significance and biological background.
Diverse branching forms regulated by a core auxin transport mechanism in plants
Authors: Spencer Victoria M. R. , Bentall Lucy , Harrison C. Jill
Published: March 2023

Diverse branching forms have evolved multiple times across the tree of life to facilitate resource acquisition and exchange with the environment. In the vascular plant group, the ancestral pattern of branching involves dichotomy of a parent shoot apex to form two new daughter apices. The molecular basis of axillary branching in Arabidopsis is well understood, but few regulators of dichotomous branching are known. Through analyses of dichotomous branching in the lycophyte, Selaginella kraussiana, we identify PIN-mediated auxin transport as an ancestral branch regulator of vascular plants. We show that short-range auxin transport out of the apices promotes dichotomy and that branch dominance is globally coordinated by long-range auxin transport. Uniquely in Selaginella, angle meristems initiate at each dichotomy, and these can develop into rhizophores or branching angle shoots. We show that long-range auxin transport and a transitory drop in PIN expression are involved in angle shoot development. We conclude that PIN-mediated auxin transport is an ancestral mechanism for vascular plant branching that was independently recruited into Selaginella angle shoot development and seed plant axillary branching during evolution.
Novel Strategy for the Management of Cervical Multicystic Diseases
Authors: Yoshino Ai , Kobayashi Eiji , Tsuboyama Takahiro , Fukui Hideyuki , Tomiyama Noriyuki , Sato Kazuaki , Morii Eiichi , Nakatani Eiji , Komura Naoko , Sawada Ikuko , Tanaka Yusuke , Hori Kensuke , Yoshimura Akihiko , Takahashi Ryoko , Iwamiya Tadashi , Hisa Tsuyoshi , Nishimura Sadako , Kitai Toshihiro , Yokota Hiromi , Shindo Mariko , Miyata Hiromi , Hashimoto Namiko , Sakiyama Kanako , Abe Hazuki , Ueda Yutaka , Kimura Tadashi
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To investigate the clinical practices of diagnosing multicystic cervical lesions as a means to develop a more appropriate diagnostic algorithm for gastric-type adenocarcinoma (GAS) and its precursors.

Methods

Clinical information for 159 surgically treated patients for multicystic disease of the uterine cervix was collected from 15 hospitals. We performed a central review of the MRI and pathological findings. The MRI findings were categorized into four types including two newly proposed imaging features based on the morphology and distribution of cysts, and the diagnosis accuracy was assessed. Among the four MRI types, types 1 and 2 were categorized as benign lesions that included LEGH; type 3 were precancerous lesions (with an assumption of atypical LEGH); and type 4 were malignant lesions.

Results

The central pathological review identified 56 cases of LEGH, seven with GAS, four with another form of carcinoma, and 92 with benign disease. In clinical practice, over-diagnosis of malignancy (suspicion of MDA) occurred for 12/19 cases (63.2%) and under-diagnosis of malignancy occurred for 4/11 (36%). Among the 118 patients who had a preoperative MRI and underwent a hysterectomy, type 3 or 4 MRI findings in conjunction with abnormal cytology were positively indicative of premalignancy or malignancy, with a sensitivity and specificity of 61.1% and 96.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Although the correct preoperative diagnosis of cervical cancer with a multicystic lesion is challenging, the combination of cytology and MRI findings creates a more appropriate diagnostic algorithm that significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy for differentiating benign disease from premalignancy and malignancy.
The experiences of siblings of children with chronic illness of health-related communication directed at them: a systematic review protocol and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Coveney Kate , O'Donnell Deirdre , Stokes Diarmuid , Kroll Thilo
Published: March 2023

The psychological, social and financial impact that chronic illness can have on a family and in particular the siblings of children with chronic illness (SCWCI) is well documented. Siblings are at risk of a variety of psychosocial and physical problems such as suffering from anxiety, experiencing headaches, appetite loss. However, the experiences with health-related communication of SCWCI is not well known. This may leave them with suboptimal information. The aim of this systematic review described in this protocol is to understand SCWCI experience of targeted health-related communication; detailing the communication strategies utilised, how helpful the information was and what they wish would be different. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis for Protocols (PRISMA-P) checklist will be used to frame this protocol.

Registration: PROSPERO (393998, 03 February 2023).
Born in Bradford Age of Wonder cohort: A protocol for qualitative longitudinal research
Authors: Dogra Sufyan Abid , Lightfoot Kate , Kerr Rosslyn , Hall Jennifer , Joseph Olivia , Siddig Nasiba , Nutting Hannah , Shire Katy A. , Roberts Helen , Small Neil , McEachan Rosemary R.C. , Wright John
Published: March 2023

Born in Bradford (BiB) has followed the lives of 13,776 children born in the district between 2007 and 2011. Children in the birth cohort are now entering adolescence, and the next phase of the research - Age of Wonder (AoW) - will be a whole city cohort capturing the experiences of 30,000 adolescents progressing into young adulthood. This protocol focuses on one component of the AoW programme: qualitative longitudinal research (QLR). The study will gather in depth and detailed accounts from a sub-sample of 100 young people across four major research priorities: personal life; social and community life; growing up with difference, and growing up in Bradford. As well as using traditional qualitative methods such as interviews, focus group discussions, and ethnography, we are adopting innovative creative methods including expressions through art, activism, online and digital content, portraits, and critical events. The process of engaging in and co-producing QLR potentially provides a route to empowering young people to shape the narrative of their own lives as well as informing intervention development.
Phenotypic resistance to pyrethroid associated to metabolic mechanism in Vgsc-L995F-resistant Anopheles gambiae malaria mosquitoes
Authors: Kouadio France-Paraudie A. , Sika Angèle N. , Fodjo Behi K. , Sadia Christabelle G. , Oyou Sébastien K. , Ouattara Allassane F. , Mouhamadou Chouaïbou S.
Published: March 2023

Background: The indiscriminate use of insecticides in agriculture and public health lead to a selection of resistance mechanisms in malaria vectors compromising vector control tools and strategies. This study investigated the metabolic response in the Vgsc-L995F Anopheles gambiae Tiassalé resistance strain after long-term exposure of larvae and adults to deltamethrin insecticide.

Methods: We exposed, over 20 generations, Vgsc-L995F An. gambiae Tiassalé strain larvae to deltamethrin (LS) and adults to PermaNet 2.0 (AS) and combining exposure at larvae and adult stages (LAS) and compared to unexposed (NS) group. All four groups were subjected to the standard World Health Organization (WHO) susceptibility tube tests using deltamethrin (0.05%), bendiocarb (0.1%) and malathion (5%). Vgsc-L995F/S knockdown-resistance (kdr) mutation frequency was screened using multiplex assays based on Taqman real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Additionally, expression levels of detoxification enzymes associated to pyrethroid resistance, including CYP4G16, CYP6M2, CYP6P1, CYP6P3, CYP6P4, CYP6Z1 and CYP9K1, and glutathione S-transferase GSTe2 were measured.

Results: Our results indicated that deltamethrin resistance was a response to insecticide selection pressure in LS, AS and LAS groups, while susceptibility was observed in NS group. The vectors showed varied mortality rates with bendiocarb and full susceptibility to malathion throughout the selection with LS, AS and LAS groups. Vgsc-L995F mutation stayed at high allelic frequency level in all groups with a frequency between 87% and 100%. Among the overexpressed genes, CYP6P4 gene was the most overexpressed in LS, AS and LAS groups.

Conclusion: Long-term exposure of larvae and adults of Vgsc-L995F resistant-An. gambiae Tiassalé strain to deltamethrin and PermaNet 2.0 net induced resistance to deltamethrin under a significant effect of cytochromes P450 detoxification enzymes. These outcomes highlight the necessity of investigating metabolic resistance mechanisms in the target population and not solely kdr resistance mechanisms prior the implementation of vector control strategies for a better impact.
The immunomodulatory phenomenon of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Raksa Karolina , Pawlina Mateusz , Ziętara Karolina , Oskroba Aleksander , Orzechowska Aleksandra , Pawełczak Natalia , Zielonka Bartłomiej , Kowalczyk Ilona , Pawłowski Piotr , Stawikowski Cezary
Published: March 2023

People living in areas with limited access to sunlight, do not produce enough vitamin D and are more likely to suffer from Multiple Sclerosis.Near the equator, where there is high exposure to the sun, the disease is almost non-existent.
Aim of the study: The study aimto statistical data on the literature and presents the current state of Vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor in multiple sclerosis.
Material and method: The method of study is descriptive epidemiological analysis. Information that has been used is derived from statistical data provided by the WHO. In searching for them on the WHO, PubMed website, Google Scholar, and SCOPUS.
Results and conclusions: Vitamin D is a regulator of calcium and phosphorus levels and affects the development and proper functioning of the nervous system. Patients with Multiple sclerosis often have low serum vitamin D levels, which tend to decrease as the disease progresses. There are theories that a deficiency of this vitamin promotes autoimmune, inflammatory demyelination.
The Other Invisible Hand: How Markets—as Institutions—Propagate Conformity and Valuation Errors
Authors: Levine Sheen S. , Zajac Edward J.
Published: March 2023

The institutionalized status of markets is undoubtedly due to their presumed ability to aggregate individual bids into a single unbiased estimate of value. While not denying this emergent property of market processes, we propose and test an alternative perspective that explains how market processes can also generate the propagation of individual valuation errors that aggregate into price bubbles. Theoretically, we advance a microinstitutional perspective that draws from social and evolutionary psychology linking market processes to a more general process of institutionalization, whereby individuals seeking the adaptive benefits of conformity may—due to bounded and socially biased rationality—instead generate maladaptive individual and collective outcomes. Empirically, we craft an efficient experimental market and find three sets of evidence consistent with our microinstitutionalization perspective. We first show—at the individual level—that market participants exhibit a social bias toward conformity with the market’s collective valuation, even when the emergent market valuation is demonstrably incorrect. We then show—at the market level—that the range of valuations over time also decreases in a conforming direction, again independent of valuation accuracy. Last, we provide the first experimental test of the long-assumed effect of social ambiguity on institutionalization, finding that market participants’ over-attention to the collective valuation is indeed sensitive to variation in social ambiguity. We conclude by highlighting the relevance of our theoretical perspective, method, and findings for future research on institutions and institutionalization processes, as well as future studies on social influence and conformity-based errors.

Funding: S. S. Levine acknowledges research grants from Singapore Management University; the University of Texas at Dallas; and the European Research Council (agreement 695256).

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/stsc.2022.0173 .
DOSSIÊ: AS POLÍTICAS EDUCACIONAIS DE AÇÃO AFIRMATIVA PARA NEGROS NO ENSINO BÁSICO E SUPERIOR E SEUS DESDOBRAMENTOS
Authors: Rezende Gonçalves Maria Alice , Siss Ahyas
Published: March 2023

Organizadores: Maria Alice Rezende Gonçalves e Ahyas Siss
Understanding patient experience of distal tibia or ankle fracture: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Pearson Nathan A. , Tutton Elizabeth , Gwilym Stephen E. , Joeris Alexander , Grant Richard , Keene David J. , Haywood Kirstie L.
Published: March 2023

Aims

To systematically review qualitative studies of patients with distal tibia or ankle fracture, and explore their experience of injury and recovery.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review of qualitative studies. Five databases were searched from inception to 1 February 2022. All titles and abstracts were screened, and a subset were independently assessed. Methodological quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. The GRADE-CERQual checklist was used to assign confidence ratings. Thematic synthesis was used to analyze data with the identification of codes which were drawn together to form subthemes and then themes.

Results

From 2,682 records, 15 studies were reviewed in full and four included in the review. A total of 72 patients were included across the four studies (47 female; mean age 50 years (17 to 80)). Methodological quality was high for all studies, and the GRADE-CERQual checklist provided confidence that the findings were an adequate representation of patient experience of distal tibia or ankle fracture. A central concept of ‘being the same but different’ conveyed the substantial disruption to patients’ self-identity caused by their injury. Patient experience of ‘being the same but different’ was expressed through three interrelated themes, with seven subthemes: i) being proactive where persistence, doing things differently and keeping busy prevailed; ii) living with change including symptoms, and living differently due to challenges at work and leisure; and iii) striving for normality, adapting while lacking in confidence, and feeling fearful and concerned about the future.

Conclusion

Ankle injuries were disruptive, draining, and impacted on patients’ wellbeing. Substantial short- and longer-term challenges were experienced during recovery. Rehabilitation and psychosocial treatment strategies may help to ameliorate these challenges. Patients may benefit from clinicians being cognisant of patient experience when assessing, treating, and discussing expectations and outcomes with patients.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(3):188–197.
Magnitude of External Phosphorus Loading Likely Reduces Effectiveness of Aluminum Sulfate Treatments for Management of Sediment Phosphorus Flux
Authors: Lasater Abbie L. , Haggard Brian E. , Lee Jung Ae
Published: March 2023

Highlights

Phosphorus fluxes were quantified before and after alum treatments five times between 2014 and 2019.

Phosphorus fluxes were not significantly different from baseline after five treatments spread over six years.

Long-term effectiveness of alum treatments was reduced due to large external phosphorus loads.

Abstract. This study quantified sediment P fluxes under aerobic and anaerobic conditions at Quarry Island Cove at Lake Wister, Oklahoma, before and after alum treatments, which occurred five times between 2014 and 2019. Sediment-water cores were collected from the cove and incubated for 10 days at room temperature under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and P fluxes were estimated as the slope of the increase in P mass over time divided by the area of the core. Aerobic P fluxes were not significantly different before or after alum treatments. Under anaerobic conditions, P fluxes significantly decreased one week after alum treatments compared to a week before treatment. However, after five treatments across six years, sediment P fluxes under anaerobic conditions were not significantly different than prior to any alum treatments in 2010 and 2014 (3 to 4 mg m-2 day-1). The lack of overall improvement in anaerobic P fluxes over time is likely due to the magnitude of P and sediment loads entering Lake Wister from the watershed, where 92% of the total P load to Lake Wister from 2010 to 2020 was from external sources. Therefore, while alum treatments provide short-term reductions in P fluxes, external P sources must be addressed. Keywords: Aluminum sulfate, Lake management, Nutrient loads, Phosphorus.
Identification of Tree Species and Extent of Material Deterioration of Wood Components in the Yangjia Courtyard Ancient Building
Authors: Yang Yan , Li Bin , Liu Yuqing , Zhang Wenqiang , Wang Chuanbo
Published: March 2023

The identification of the tree species and the extent of material deterioration in the wooden components of the walkway of the first courtyard of the ancient Yangjia Courtyard were analyzed in this study using bright-field microscopy, polarized light, fluorescence, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy methods. The results are as follows: (1) samples No. 1 and No. 2, and No. 4, No. 3, and No. 5 taken from the roots of the wooden pillars were identified as lace-bark pine wood (Pinus bungeana), poplar woods (Populus spp.), large-fruited elm wood (Ulmus macrocarpa), and spruce wood (Picea sp.), respectively on the basis of observation of anatomical structural characteristics and analysis of selection principle of “local selection” in ancient buildings. (2) The observation of polarization and fluorescence and the analysis of FTIR spectra showed that the brightness of crystalline cellulose birefringence reduced severely, and analysis of FTIR spectra showed that the absorption peaks representing cellulose and hemicellulose in the lace-bark pine and spruce wooden components disappeared or decreased. However, the polarization and fluorescence and the FTIR spectra of the poplar and elm wooden components showed that the brightness of the crystalline cellulose birefringence and the absorption peaks remained constant, as the controls did. (3) According to the results of the effects of the polarization and fluorescence effects and the FTIR spectra, we concluded that the lace-bark pine and spruce wooden components were severely attacked by brown rot fungi; in contrast, the wooden components of poplar and elm were not attacked by wood decay fungus, but were attacked by insects. These results provide scientific guidance for subsequent preventive conservation such as preservative treatment and insect prevention.
Long-term effect of forest harvesting on boreal species assemblages under climate change
Authors: Bouderbala Ilhem , Labadie Guillemette , Béland Jean-Michel , Tremblay Junior A. , Boulanger Yan , Hébert Christian , Desrosiers Patrick , Allard Antoine , Fortin Daniel
Published: March 2023

Logging is the main human disturbance impacting biodiversity in forest ecosystems. However, the impact of forest harvesting on biodiversity is modulated by abiotic conditions through complex relationships that remain poorly documented. Therefore, the interplay between forest management and climate change can no longer be ignored. Our aim was to study the expected long-term variations in the assemblage of bird and beetle communities following modifications in forest management under different climate change scenarios. We developed species distribution models to predict the occurrence of 88 species of birds and beetles in eastern Canadian boreal forests over the next century. We simulated three climate scenarios (baseline, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) under which we varied the level of harvesting. We also analyzed the regional assemblage dissimilarity by decomposing it into balanced variations in species occupancy and occupancy gradient. We predict that forest harvesting will alter the diversity by increasing assemblage dissimilarity under all the studied climate scenarios, mainly due to species turnover. Species turnover intensity was greater for ground-dwelling beetles, probably because they have lower dispersal capacity than flying beetles or birds. A good dispersal capacity allows species to travel more easily between ecosystems across the landscape when they search for suitable habitats after a disturbance. Regionally, an overall increase in the probability of occupancy is projected for bird species, whereas a decrease is predicted for beetles, a variation that could reflect differences in ecological traits between taxa. Our results further predict a decrease in the number of species that increase their occupancy after harvest under the most severe climatic scenario for both taxa. We anticipate that under severe climate change, increasing forest disturbance will be detrimental to beetles associated with old forests but also with young forests after disturbances.
Evolution of median fin patterning and modularity in living and fossil osteichthyans
Authors: Charest France , Mondéjar Fernández Jorge , Grünbaum Thomas , Cloutier Richard
Published: March 2023

Morphological and developmental similarities, and interactions among developing structures are interpreted as evidences of modularity. Such similarities exist between the dorsal and anal fins of living actinopterygians, on the anteroposterior axis: (1) both fins differentiate in the same direction [dorsal and anal fin patterning module (DAFPM)], and (2) radials and lepidotrichia differentiate in the same direction [endoskeleton and exoskeleton module (EEM)]. To infer the evolution of these common developmental patternings among osteichthyans, we address (1) the complete description and quantification of the DAFPM and EEM in a living actinopterygian (the rainbow troutOncorhynchus mykiss) and (2) the presence of these modules in fossil osteichthyans (coelacanths, lungfishes, porolepiforms and ‘osteolepiforms’). InOncorhynchus, sequences of skeletal elements are determined based on (1) apparition (radials and lepidotrichia), (2) chondrification (radials), (3) ossification (radials and lepidotrichia), and (4) segmentation plus bifurcation (lepidotrichia). Correlations are then explored between sequences. In fossil osteichthyans, sequences are determined based on (1) ossification (radials and lepidotrichia), (2) segmentation, and (3) bifurcation of lepidotrichia. Segmentation and bifurcation patterns were found crucial for comparisons between extant and extinct osteichthyan taxa. Our data suggest that the EEM is plesiomorphic at least for actinopterygians, and the DAFPM is plesiomorphic for osteichthyans, with homoplastic dissociation. Finally, recurrent patterns suggest the presence of a Lepidotrichia Patterning Module (LPM).
Efficacy of a mixture of Ginkgo biloba, sesame, and turmeric on cognitive function in healthy adults: Study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Nakase Taizen , Tatewaki Yasuko , Matsudaira Izumi , Kobayashi Kouki , Iki Hikari , Asaoka Haruka , Ekayantri Radiztia , Muranaka Michiho , Murata Hiroyuki , Mutoh Tatsushi , Taki Yasuyuki
Published: March 2023

Background and purpose

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) reportedly ameliorates cognitive function in patients with chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency. However, its efficacy in healthy adults is ambiguous. It was reported that concentrations of terpene lactones, active components of GBE that are present in very low concentrations in the brain, were significantly increased following administration of a mixture of GBE, sesame seed, and turmeric (GBE/MST) in mice. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of GBE/MST on the cognitive function of healthy adults by comparing it with that of GBE alone.

Methods

Altogether, 159 participants providing informed consent will be recruited from a population of healthy adults aged 20–64 years. Normal cognitive function at baseline will be confirmed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment battery. Participants will be randomly assigned in a double-blind manner to the GBE/MST, GBE, and placebo groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. The Wechsler Memory Scale, Trail Making Test, and Stroop Color and Word Test will be used to assess the memory and executive functions at baseline and at the endpoint (24 weeks). For biological assessment, resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) will be performed simultaneously with the neuropsychological tests.

Discussion

This study aims to obtain data that can help compare the profile changes in memory and executive functions among participants consuming GBE/MST, GBE alone, and placebo for 24 weeks. Alterations in the default mode network will be evaluated by comparing the rs-fMRI findings between baseline and 24 weeks in the aforementioned groups. Our results may clarify the impact of GBE on cognitive function and the functional mechanism behind altered cognitive function induced by GBE components.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR; registration number: UMIN000043494). This information can be searched on the website of the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal of the World Health Organization under the Japan Primary Registries Network.
Maternal COVID-19 infection and associated factors: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Kabwe Jane Chanda , Mukosha Moses , Phiri Selia Ng’anjo , Phiri Christabel Chigwe , Muyovwe Malungo , Price Joan T , Jacobs Choolwe , Kaonga Patrick
Published: March 2023

Background

Since the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, several studies have been conducted to examine associated factors. However, few studies have focused on pregnant women infected with COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 infection among pregnant women at the Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital and Women and Newborn Hospital of the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and July 2021. Women were recruited as they presented for antenatal care. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire to capture variables of interest (socio-demographic, clinical and obstetric). COVID-19 diagnosis was made using a nasopharyngeal swab by PCR test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for confounding and calculate the odds ratios for each explanatory variable and respective 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The study enrolled 352 participants with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 30.1 years (5.6). One hundred thirty of 352 (36.9%; 95% CI: 31.9 to 42.2) participants had a confirmed positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. At univariable analysis, factors associated with COVID-19 were increased gestational age, education status and maternal HIV serostatus. Women with a secondary level of education were less likely to have COVID-19 infection than those with a primary level of education (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.09–0.63). On the other hand, a one-week increase in gestational age was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 infection (AOR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06).

Conclusion

The results showed that the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among pregnant women was 36.9% and was associated with increased gestational age and a lower level of education. To mitigate adverse maternal outcomes, there is a need to screen for COVID-19 strictly and broadly monitor prenatal women presenting for healthcare.
Relative importance of potential risk factors for dementia in patients with hypertension
Authors: Jung Mi-Hyang , Kim Kwang-Il , Lee Jun Hyeok , Sung Ki-Chul
Published: March 2023

Patients with hypertension are at higher risk for dementia than the general population. We sought to understand the relative importance of various risk factors in the development of dementia among patients with hypertension. This population-based cohort study used data from the Korean National Insurance Service database. Using the Cox proportional hazard model, R2values for each potential risk factor were calculated to test the relative importance of risk factors for the development of dementia. Eligible individuals were adults 40 to 79 years of age with hypertension and without a history of stroke and dementia between 2007 and 2009. A total of 650,476 individuals (mean age, 60 ± 11 years) with hypertension were included in the analyses. During a mean follow-up of 9.5 years (±2.8 years), 57,112 cases of dementia were observed. The three strongest predictors of dementia were age, comorbidity burden (assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index), and female sex (R2values, 0.0504, 0.0023, and 0.0022, respectively). The next strongest risk factors were physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity (R2values, 0.00070, 0.00024, 0.00021, and 0.00020, respectively). Across all age groups, physical inactivity was an important risk factor for dementia occurrence. In summary, controlling and preventing comorbidities are of utmost importance to prevent dementia in patients with hypertension. More efforts should be taken to encourage physical activity among patients with hypertension across all age groups. Furthermore, smoking cessation, avoiding and limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining an appropriate body weight are urged to prevent dementia.
Preclinical evaluation of Insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF1R) and Insulin Receptor (IR) as a therapeutic targets in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Roche Sandra , Gaule Patricia , Winrow Deirdre , Mukherjee Nupur , O’Neill Fiona , Conlon Neil T. , Meiller Justine , Collins Denis M. , Canonici Alexandra , Fawsi Mohammed Ibrahim , Estepa-Fernández Alejandra , Madden Stephen F. , Crown John , O’Donovan Norma , Eustace Alex J.
Published: March 2023

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a subtype of breast cancer, has fewer successful therapeutic therapies than other types of breast cancer. Insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF1R) and the Insulin receptor (IR) are associated with poor outcomes in TNBC. Targeting IGF1R has failed clinically. We aimed to test if inhibiting both IR/IGF1R was a rationale therapeutic approach to treat TNBC. We showed that despite IGF1R and IR being expressed in TNBC, their expression is not associated with a negative survival outcome. Furthermore, targeting both IR/IGF1R with inhibitors in multiple TNBC cell lines did not inhibit cell growth. Linsitinib, a small molecule inhibitor of both IGF1R and IR, did not block tumour formation and had no effect on tumour growth in vivo. Cumulatively these data suggest that while IGF1R and IR are expressed in TNBC, they are not good therapeutic targets. A potential reason for the limited anti-cancer impact when IR/IGF1R was targeted may be because multiple signalling pathways are altered in TNBC. Therefore, targeting individual signalling pathways may not be sufficient to inhibit cancer growth.
UsCoTc: Improved Collaborative Filtering (CFL) recommendation methodology using user confidence, time context with impact factors for performance enhancement
Authors: T. R. Mahesh , Vinoth Kumar V. , Lim Se-Jung
Published: March 2023

In today’s society, time is considered more valuable than money, and researchers often have limited time to find relevant papers for their research. Identifying and accessing essential information can be a challenge in this situation. To address this, the personalized suggestion system has been developed, which uses a user’s behavior data to suggest relevant items. The collaborative filtering strategy has been used to provide a user with the top research articles based on their queries and similarities with other users’ questions, thus saving time by avoiding time-consuming searches. However, when rating data is abundant but sparse, the usual method of determining user similarity is relatively straightforward. Furthermore, it fails to account for changes in users’ interests over time resulting in poor performance. This research proposes a new similarity measure approach that takes both user confidence and time context into account to increase user similarity computation. The experimental results show that the proposed technique works well with sparse data, and improves accuracy by 16.2% compared to existing models, especially during prediction. Furthermore, it enhances the quality of recommendations.
Enhancement of visual cues to self-motion during a visual/vestibular conflict
Authors: McManus Meaghan , Harris Laurence R.
Published: March 2023

Perceiving our orientation and motion requires sensory information provided by vision, our body and acceleration. Normally, these cues are redundant however in some situations they can conflict. Here, we created a visual-vestibular conflict by simulating a body-upright virtual world while participants were either standing (no conflict), supine or prone (conflict) and assessed the perception of “forward” distance travelled induced by visual motion. Some participants felt they were standing upright even when lying, indicating a visual reorientation illusion (VRI). We previously showed that when experiencing a VRI, visually induced self-motion is enhanced. Here, we determined if there was a relationship between VRI vulnerability and sensory weighting. Confirming our previous findings, the VRI-vulnerable group showed enhanced self-motion perception. We then assessed the relative weightings of visual and non-visual cues in VRI-vulnerable and VRI-resistant individuals using the Oriented Character Recognition Test. Surprisingly, VRI-vulnerable individuals weighted visual cues less and gravity cues more compared to VRI-resistant individuals. These findings are in line with robust integration where, when the difference between two cues is large, the discrepant cue (here gravity) is ignored. Ignoring the gravity cue then leads to relatively more emphasis being placed on visual information and thus a higher gain.
Comparison of growth in neutered Domestic Shorthair kittens with growth in sexually-intact cats
Authors: Salt Carina , Butterwick Richard F. , Henzel Kristin S. , German Alexander J.
Published: March 2023

The first aim of these studies was to compare growth patterns of healthy kittens neutered during growth with growth standards created for sexually-intact kittens. A second aim was to clarify the impact of neutering in kittens on body composition and body shape. Study 1 was a retrospective observational study comparing median growth trajectories of healthy, client-owned domestic shorthair (DSH) kittens in optimal body condition and neutered at different ages, with previously-created growth standards from a similar, sexually-intact, population. The neuter groups contained between 3.0k and 9.3k cats. For all neuter groups in both sexes, the median growth trajectory inclined upwards after the procedure, with this being more marked in female than in male kittens. This upwards inclination was less marked for kittens neutered later during growth in both sexes, with the effect being least in kittens neutered after 28–29 weeks. Study 2 was an analysis of new body composition and zoometric data from a previously-published randomised study, comparing growth-related measures between 11 pairs of sexually-intact and neutered (at 19 weeks age) female DSH cats in a research population. Before neutering, the growth pattern in neutered kittens and sexually-intact kittens was similar, but neutered kittens were heavier by 52 weeks (mean difference in fold change vs. 10 weeks 1.34, 95-CI: 1.07–1.72), had a greater fat mass (mean difference in fold change vs. 10 weeks 1.91, 95-CI 1.09–3.21) and greater lean mass (mean difference in fold change vs. 10 weeks 1.23, 95-CI: 1.03–1.48). Abdominal girth (mean difference in fold change vs. 10 weeks 1.20, 95-CI: 1.04–1.39) and rib cage length (mean difference in fold change vs. 10 weeks 1.18, 95-CI: 1.02–1.36) were also greater, but there were no differences in other zoometric measurements. Veterinarians should consider the potential impact that neutering has on gain of adipose tissue, especially early neutering in female kittens. Bodyweight should be monitored closely during growth and especially after neutering to prevent inappropriate weight gain.
On Liberal Education and the Autopoiesis of Universities
Authors: Jirsa Jakub
Published: March 2023

The last thirty years have seen a significant increase in the number of universities, instructors, and students alike, yet institutions of higher education currently face a number of problems and are plagued with uncertainty, pressure, and fear. Their status as ivory towers detached from the social and political environments of contemporary democracies creates an atmosphere of mutual distrust. This then leads to the imposition of regulatory measures incongruent with the workings of universities, which only deepens the prevailing issues. The essays in this publication explore these issues, focus on the self-constituting character of the university (the so-called autopoiesis) and present several detailed case studies.
Active fault tolerant deep brain stimulator for epilepsy using deep neural network
Authors: Senthilvelmurugan Nambi Narayanan , Subbian Sutha
Published: March 2023

Millions of people around the world are affected by different kinds of epileptic seizures. A deep brain stimulator is now claimed to be one of the most promising tools to control severe epileptic seizures. The present study proposes Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) model-based Active Fault Tolerant Deep Brain Stimulator (AFTDBS) for brain neurons to suppress epileptic seizures against ion channel conductance variations using a Deep Neural Network (DNN). The AFTDBS contains the following three modules: (i) Detection of epileptic seizures using black box classifiers such as Support Vector Machine (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), (ii) Prediction of ion channels conductance variations using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and (iii) Development of Reconfigurable Deep Brain Stimulator (RDBS) to control epileptic spikes using Proportional Integral (PI) Controller and Model Predictive Controller (MPC). Initially, the synthetic data were collected from the HH model by varying ion channel conductance. Then, the seizure was classified into four groups namely, normal and epileptic due to variations in sodium ion-channel conductance, potassium ion-channel conductance, and both sodium and potassium ion-channel conductance. In the present work, current controlled deep brain stimulators were designed for epileptic suppression. Finally, the closed-loop performances and stability of the proposed control schemes were analyzed. The simulation results demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed DNN-based AFTDBS.
Lipid exchange among electroneutral Sulfo-DIBMA nanodiscs is independent of ion concentration
Authors: Eggenreich Loretta , Vargas Carolyn , Kolar Cenek , Keller Sandro
Published: March 2023

Polymer-encapsulated nanodiscs enable membrane proteins to be investigated within a native-like lipid-bilayer environment. Unlike other bilayer-based membrane mimetics, these nanodiscs are equilibrium structures that permit lipid exchange on experimentally relevant timescales. Therefore, examining the kinetics and mechanisms of lipid exchange is of great interest. Since the high charge densities of existing anionic polymers can interfere with protein–protein and protein–lipid interactions as well as charge-sensitive analysis techniques, electroneutral nanodisc-forming polymers have been recently introduced. However, it has remained unclear how the electroneutrality of these polymers affects the lipid-exchange behavior of the nanodiscs. Here, we use time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer to study the kinetics and the mechanisms of lipid exchange among nanodiscs formed by the electroneutral polymer Sulfo-DIBMA. We also examine the role of coulombic repulsion and specific counterion association in lipid exchange. Our results show that Sulfo-DIBMA nanodiscs exchange lipids on a similar timescale as DIBMA nanodiscs. In contrast with nanodiscs made from polyanionic DIBMA, however, the presence of mono- and divalent cations does not influence lipid exchange among Sulfo-DIBMA nanodiscs, as expected from their electroneutrality. The robustness of Sulfo-DIBMA nanodiscs against varying ion concentrations opens new possibilities for investigating charge-sensitive processes involving membrane proteins.
Jinxed byIncantation? Contemporary Chinese Netizens’ Reactions to a Horror Film
Authors: Wang Aiqing
Published: March 2023

Incantationis a horror film released in the Republic of China (Taiwan) in March 2022, which is inspired by a real-life story and features a woman’s rescue of her six-year-old daughter after the latter is cursed by an abhorrent deity with occult powers. This film is adulated as one of the scariest Taiwanese films and attained prodigious commercial success. Nonetheless, in mainland China,Incantationis regarded as more of a contentious film than a fearsome one: audiences’ prevalent feedback is that they feel jinxed and offended, as indicated by their complaints on social media platforms as well as reviewing and question-and-answer websites. The primary reason lies in that the film’s heroine breaks the fourth wall and addresses audiences directly, which is further intensified by the film’s mockumentary shooting style and found-footage technique. In this research, I explore the rationale behind Chinese audiences’ negative and emotional comments onIncantationfrom a viewer’s perspective, by means of investigating their self-initiated comments and user-generated responses in China’s cyberspace, focusing on feedback posted on Weibo, Douban and Zhihu. Data cumulated from these sources manifest Chinese netizens’ mindset concerning contentious religious/supernatural discourse in cyberspace as well as their rationality towards superstitious constructs.
Discussion of options to increase the control drum worth in fast reactor
Authors: Mei Huaping , Chen Chao , Li Taosheng
Published: March 2023

The control drum is usually placed in the periphery of the active zone of the reactor core, and the control drum worth is generally small. This paper discusses different schemes to improve the control drum worth by the combination of neutron reflectors and absorbers, and the design optimization of the drums under the condition that external dimensions of the drums and positions of the drums relative to the core are fixed. The results show that BeO as the reflector, B4C and Gadolinium as the neutron absorber can obtain relatively higher drum worth. In addition, the control drum worth can also be appropriately improved by using a double-layer combination of moderator material and neutron absorber material, but it cannot be effectively improved by enlarging the central angle of the neutron absorber sector.