bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside and anethole ameliorate lipid abnormalities, oxidative injury, hypercholesterolemia, heart, and liver conditions
Authors: Noreen Sana , Rehman Habib‐ur , Tufail Tabussam , Badar Ul Ain Huma , Awuchi Chinaza Godswill
Published: February 2023

Fennel seeds and flaxseed have been traditionally used against many medical ailments due to their medicinal characteristics. The aim of the study was to investigate the health properties of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and anethole from flaxseed and fennel seeds in rats fed with high‐fat diet. Histopathological changes in the heart and liver were also examined. Sixty rats were divided into two main groups. Group I (10 rats) was used as a negative control group and fed on the basal diet only. Group II (50 rats) was fed a hypercholesterolemic diet but not given any drugs during the trial for 2 weeks. This group was further divided into five subgroups (10 rats each). One of them was fed on the basal diet and used as a positive control group. However, the other four subgroups were fed on basal diets and anethole (20 mg/kg/day, orally), SDG (20 mg/kg/day, orally), a mixture of anethole + SDG (10 + 10 mg/kg/day, orally), and atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day, orally) for 6 weeks. Compared to control, treatment with a combination of anethole + SDG showed a significant (p ≤ .05) improvement in serum levels of triglyceride (TG) (137.88 ± 1.61 mg/dL), total cholesterol‐(TC) (180.12 ± 8.99 mg/dL), LDL‐C (46.40 ± 6.67 mg/dL), VLDL‐C (11.81 ± 1.07 mg/dL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (75.97 ± 6.92 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (34.83 ± 2.17 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (130.65 ± 1.05 U/L), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (30.12 ± 1.89 mmol/g), and improved activities of catalase (70.99 ± 3.29 U/g) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (35.13 ± 2.53 U/dL) enzymes while SDG and anethole group had relatively less impact. Atorvastatin also improved serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL‐C, and VLDL‐C significantly and rose serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels considerably meanwhile it had a minor but negative impact on AST, ALT, and ALP, and negligible impact on activities of MDA, CAT, and SOD enzymes compared to the positive control group. The study revealed that combining anethole and SDG may improve dyslipidemia, improve lipid profile, decrease risks of chronic heart diseases, increase HDL‐C, and enhance antioxidant enzymes' activities.
Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil ameliorates Bisphenol‐A‐induced adipokines dysfunctions and dyslipidemia
Authors: Aja Patrick M. , Chiadikaobi Chukwu D. , Agu Peter C. , Ale Boniface A. , Ani Onyedika G. , Ekpono Ezebuilo U. , Ogwoni Hilary A. , Awoke Joshua N. , Ogbu Patience N. , Aja Lucy , Nwite Felix E. , Ukachi Oliver U. , Orji Obasi U. , Nweke Peter C. , Egwu Chinedu O. , Ekpono Ejike U. , Ewa Gift O. , Igwenyi Ikechuku O. , Tusubira Deusdedit , Offor Christian E. , Maduagwuna Ekenechukwu K. , Alum Esther U. , Uti Daniel E. , Njoku Amobichukwu , Atoki Victor A. , Awuchi Chinaza G.
Published: February 2023

This study demonstrated the therapeutic potentials of Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil (CMSO) capable of alleviating BPA‐induced dyslipidemia and adipokine dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CMSO on adipokine dysfunctions and dyslipidemia in bisphenol‐A (BPA)‐induced male Wistar rats. Six‐week‐old 36 albino rats of 100–200 g weight were assigned randomly to six groups, which received varied doses of BPA and/or CMSO. The administration of BPA and CMSO was done at the same time for 42 days by oral intubation. The adipokine levels and lipid profile were measured in adipose tissue and plasma using standard methods. BPA induced significant (p < .05) increases in triglycerides, cholesterol, leptin, LDL‐C, and atherogenic and coronary risk indices in adipose tissue and plasma, as well as a decrease in adiponectin and HDL‐C levels in Group II animals. BPA administration significantly (p < .05) elevated Leptin levels and reduced adiponectin levels. BPA plus CMSO reduced triglycerides, cholesterol, leptin, LDL‐C, and atherogenic and coronary risk indices while increasing adiponectin levels and HDL‐C in adipose tissue and plasma (p < .05). The results showed that BPA exposure increased adipose tissue as well as serum levels of the atherogenic index, triglycerides, cholesterol, coronary risk index, LDL‐C, leptin, and body weight with decreased adiponectin levels and HDL‐C. Treatment with CMSO reduced the toxicities caused by BPA in rats by modulating the body weight, adiponectin/leptin levels, and lipid profiles in serum and adipose tissue. This study has shown that CMSO ameliorates BPA‐induced dyslipidemia and adipokine dysfunctions. We suggest for further clinical trial to establish the clinical applications.
Indigenous Sudanese sorghum‐based food: Secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities of traditional Sudanese nonalcoholic beverage Hulu‐mur from two sorghum landraces
Authors: Abdelhalim Tilal Sayed , Abdalla Aisha A. A. , Sir Elkhatim Khitma A. , Othman Mazahir H. , Alkhair Tagwa M. A. Mohammed , Almaiman Salah A. , Osman Magdi A. , Hassan Amro B.
Published: February 2023

Hulu‐mur is a Sudanese traditional nonalcoholic beverage that is made from sorghum flour. This work determined the secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities of traditional Sudanese nonalcoholic beverage Hulu‐mur from two local sorghum landraces Abjaro and Hegarii. The changes on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), carotene content, tannins, and antioxidant activity (DPPH, reducing power, and FRAP) were estimated during the preparation of the Hulu‐mur flasks. For both landraces, a significant (p < .05) effect on the phytochemical compound and the antioxidant activity was observed during malting and fermentation of sorghum flour. However, the most increase in the TPC and carotene content was observed, whereas tannin and TFC were decreased in the Hulu‐mur flasks compared with the malted and fermented samples. The antioxidant activity DPPH, TRP, and FRAP was significantly (p < .05) higher in Hulu‐mur flasks than those of raw and processed flour. The partial least squares regression test stated a positive validation score of the Hulu‐mur flasks prepared from the both landraces. In conclusion, Hulu‐mur drink from Abjaro and Hegarii landraces contain high antioxidants compound, which could improve the health‐promoting metabolites in Sorghum‐based food.
Temperature, storage, and natural gas futures prices
Authors: Chen Yanting , Hartley Peter R. , Lan Yihui
Published: February 2023

Previous literature suggests that daily changes in US natural gas (NG) futures prices and their variance can be explained by changes in oil futures prices and volatilities, storage announcements, and temperature shocks. These studies measure temperature shocks using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration definitions of heating degree day (HDD) and cooling degree day (CDD). We show how hourly temperatures can be used to better measure how long as well as how much temperatures depart above and/or below the “comfort level” within a day, the effects of temperature variability within a day, and the effects of thermal inertia. Hourly temperatures also allow us to construct measures of extreme temperatures that better match the timing of release of other market information. Another innovation is that we use more economically relevant weights to convert regional temperature shocks to national averages, and measure expected values of variables via econometric models instead of historical averages. Our results show that the proposed measures of HDD and CDD and temperature changes are important for explaining weekly changes in NG in storage and daily changes in NG futures prices and their variance.
Dysfunction of NG2 glial cells affects neuronal plasticity and behavior
Authors: Timmermann Aline , Tascio Dario , Jabs Ronald , Boehlen Anne , Domingos Catia , Skubal Magdalena , Huang Wenhui , Kirchhoff Frank , Henneberger Christian , Bilkei‐Gorzo Andras , Seifert Gerald , Steinhäuser Christian
Published: February 2023

NG2 glia represents a distinct type of macroglial cells in the CNS and is unique among glia because they receive synaptic input from neurons. They are abundantly present in white and gray matter. While the majority of white matter NG2 glia differentiates into oligodendrocytes, the physiological impact of gray matter NG2 glia and their synaptic input are still ill defined. Here, we asked whether dysfunctional NG2 glia affect neuronal signaling and behavior. We generated mice with inducible deletion of the K+ channel Kir4.1 in NG2 glia and performed comparative electrophysiological, immunohistochemical, molecular and behavioral analyses. Kir4.1 was deleted at postnatal day 23–26 (recombination efficiency about 75%) and mice were investigated 3–8 weeks later. Notably, these mice with dysfunctional NG2 glia demonstrated improved spatial memory as revealed by testing new object location recognition while working and social memory remained unaffected. Focussing on the hippocampus, we found that loss of Kir4.1 potentiated synaptic depolarizations of NG2 glia and stimulated the expression of myelin basic protein while proliferation and differentiation of hippocampal NG2 glia remained largely unaffected. Mice with targeted deletion of the K+ channel in NG2 glia showed impaired long‐term potentiation at CA3‐CA1 synapses, which could be fully rescued by extracellular application of a TrkB receptor agonist. Our data demonstrate that proper NG2 glia function is important for normal brain function and behavior.
Efficacy of perineal massage during the second stage of labor for the prevention of perineal injury: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Marcos‐Rodríguez Andrea , Leirós‐Rodríguez Raquel , Hernandez‐Lucas Pablo
Published: February 2023

Background

Numerous interventions to reduce perineal trauma during childbirth have been studied in recent years, including perineal massage.

Objective

To determine the efficacy of perineal massage during the second stage of labor to prevent perineal damage.

Search Strategy

Systematic search in PubMed, Pedro, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, BioMed, SpringerLink, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, and MEDLINE with the terms Massage, Second labor stage, Obstetric delivery, and Parturition.

Selection Criteria

The articles must have been published in the last 10 years; the perineal massage was administered to the study sample; and the experimental design consisted of randomized controlled trial.

Data Collection and Analysis

Tables were used to describe both the studies' characteristics and the extracted data. The PEDro and Jadad scales were used to assess the quality of studies.

Main Results

Of the 1172 total results identified, nine were selected. Seven studies were included in the meta‐analysis and indicated a statistically significant decreased number of episiotomies in perineal massage.

Conclusions

Massage during the second stage of labor appears to be effective in preventing episiotomies and reducing the duration of the second stage of labor. However, it does not appear to be effective in reducing the incidence and severity of perineal tears.
Hospital case volume and maternal adverse events following abnormal deliveries: Analysis using a Japanese national in‐patient database
Authors: Muramatsu Keiji , Shigemi Daisuke , Honno Katsumi , Matsuoka Masumi , Fujino Yoshihisa , Yasunaga Hideo , Unno Nobuya , Mitsuda Nobuaki , Kimura Tadashi , Matsuda Shinya
Published: February 2023

Objective

To clarify the relationship between the number of deliveries and maternal outcomes in Japan, considering the declining birth rate and the evidence that hospitals with few deliveries have medical safety issues.

Methods

Hospitalizations for deliveries were analyzed using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database from April 2014 to March 2019, after which maternal comorbidities, maternal end‐organ injury, medical treatment during hospitalization, and hemorrhage volume during delivery were compared. Hospitals were divided into four groups based on the number of deliveries per month.

Results

A total of 792 379 women were included in the analysis, among whom 35 152 (4.4%) received blood transfusions, with a median blood loss of 1450 mL during delivery. Regarding complications, pulmonary embolism was significantly more frequent in hospitals with the lowest number of deliveries.

Conclusion

Using a Japanese administrative database, this study suggests an association between hospital case volume and the occurrence of preventable complications, such as pulmonary embolisms.
Effect of a follow‐up counseling program on mental health of oocyte donors: A randomized field trial
Authors: Adib Moghaddam Elham , Kazemi Ashraf , Kheirabadi Gholamreza
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a follow‐up counseling program on oocyte donors' mental health.

Methods

A randomized controlled field trial conducted on 72 Iranian women who volunteered for oocyte donation. The intervention was designed based on the qualitative section of the study and review of the literature, as face‐to‐face counseling, an Instagram page, an educational pamphlet, and a briefing session for service providers. Mental health was assessed using the DASS‐21 questionnaire in two stages before ovarian stimulation (T1) and ovum pick‐up (T2).

Results

The scores of depression, anxiety, and stress after ovum pick‐up in the intervention group were significantly lower than in the control group. Besides, after ovum pick‐up, the satisfaction of participation in an assisted reproductive technique (P < 0.001) in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group, respectively. In the intervention group, the mean scores of depression and stress were lower at T2 compared to T1 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study showed that the follow‐up counseling program could influence these oocyte donors' mental health during participation in assisted reproductive techniques. Designing these programs in the cultural context of each country is recommended.

Trial Registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20200617047811N1), Date of registration: 07/25/2020, Registry URL: https://www.irct.ir/trial/49196
Longitudinal associations between emotion regulation strategies and subjective well‐being in migrant and non‐migrant adolescents in urban China
Authors: Jiang Liuqing , Yuan Keman , Hart Craig H. , Liang Lichan , Yang Chongming , Wang Zhipin , Bian Yufang
Published: February 2023

This study examined the long‐term reciprocal impact of two key emotion regulation strategies, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, on the subjective well‐being of migrant and non‐migrant adolescents in urban China. A total of 2397 middle school students from urban China (864 migrant,Mage = 13.05 years,SD = 0.62, 41.7% girls; 1533 non‐migrant,Mage = 13.01 years,SD = 0.47, 50.1% girls) were followed from 2016 to 2017. Data on the two emotion regulation strategies (measured using the Chinese version of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire) and subjective well‐being (measured using the Subjective Well‐Being Inventory) were collected. Although no differences were found in the use of cognitive reappraisal, migrant adolescents reported greater use of expressive suppression than non‐migrant adolescents. Furthermore, a two‐group cross‐lagged panel analysis showed that cognitive reappraisal positively predicted subjective well‐being among both migrant and non‐migrant adolescents, whereas expressive suppression was positively related to subjective well‐being in only migrant adolescents. Migrant adolescents with higher levels of subjective well‐being jointly used cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, while non‐migrant adolescents were prone to only using cognitive reappraisal. These findings indicate that group‐level context influences both the utilisation and functionality of emotion regulation strategies among migrant and non‐migrant adolescents in urban China.
Impact of climate and irrigation practices on hydrological aspects of Bundala wetlands in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kariyawasan Patabendige Kalpana Madushani , Amarasinghe Mala Damayanthi , Ratnayake Ratnayake Mudiyanselage Chula Sena , Dahanayaka Dahanayakage Don Gihan Lakmal
Published: February 2023

Bundala wetlands are the first to be declared a Ramsar wetland reserve in Sri Lanka. Two wetlands of this complex have transformed from seasonally inundated saline areas into permanent freshwater ecosystems, resulting in spatial and temporal changes that presumably have favoured plant invasions. We hypothesized that climate/rainfall changes and irrigation practices would be the most potential drivers of this change, and the objective of this research is to empirically determine the influence of rainfall and irrigation practices in the catchment on inundation pattern and plant nutrient availability that could potentially change ecology of these wetlands. Monthly rainfall data for the Bundala area (1988–2017) from Sri Lanka's meteorological department were analysed by parametric and nonparametric statistical methods, and a statistically significant change in rainfall was not discernible, confirming climate change is unlikely to be a driver to increase the lagoon water level. Irrigation data analysis revealed that these wetlands receive nearly 1.28 × 107 m3 of irrigation drainage annually from an irrigation scheme in the immediate catchment, which has resulted in decreased salinity, while inundation and plant nutrient content increased, changing the wetlands' ecology and socioeconomic status of the dependent rural communities.
Smart Education & Healthcare: Deep learning‐based Cross‐Domain English data translation for Real‐Time Mobile healthcare
Authors: Zhang Xinli
Published: February 2023

Internet technology and smart medical equipment have been rapidly developed and widely popularized. Telemedicine can improve the efficiency of patients' medical treatment and can facilitate patients to receive doctor's diagnosis and treatment, which saves medical resources and facilitate the monitoring of patients suffering from geriatric diseases and chronic diseases. In this work, we adopt the deep learning model to form a medical‐oriented English translation mechanism, based on which we can improve diagnostic efficiency and promote the development of smart telemedicine systems. We combine the recurrent neural network and attention mechanism to design an English translation model, which can solve the language barrier in the cross‐domain medical diagnosis process and improve the diagnosis efficiency. Specifically, first, we design a RNN translation model based on the encoder‐decoder structure. Second, we incorporate an attention mechanism into the designed translation model to improve the translation performance of the model. The experimental results show that the proposed mechanism is efficient.
An amino trimethylene phosphonic acid‐based chelated boric acid complex that works as a synergistic flame retardant for enhancing the flame retardancy of cotton fabrics
Authors: Zhu Wenju , Yang Mingyang , Wang Qing , Zhang Xiaohan , Li Dongxiang , Xu Zelong , Liu Shuixia , Dai Zhao
Published: February 2023

The chelating ligands of boric acid and amino trimethyl phosphonate prepared a novel flame retardant (BAP) for the cotton fabric. A stable chemical and coordination bond was formed on the surface of the cotton fibers by a simple three‐curing finishing process to make the fabric exhibits excellent durable flame retardancy. Cotton fabrics' tensile strength and whiteness got substantially retained after BAP treatment. 90 g/L BAP‐treated samples (3 curing times, 50 laundry cycles) showed good flame retardancy and durability, holding the largest limit oxygen index, 29.7%, and the shortest damage length, 61 mm. A condensed phase and gas phase synergistic flame retardant mechanism was concluded by thermogravimetric, cone calorimeter tests, and thermogravimetric infrared analysis.
Development of a risk score model for the prediction of patients needing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wang Xi , Lin Yuping , Wang Feng
Published: February 2023

Background

The incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) is increasing worldwide. The need for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is determined by coronary angiography (CAG). As coronary angiography is an invasive and risky test for patients, it will be of great help to develop a predicting model for the assessment of the probability of PCI in patients with CHD using the test indexes and clinical characteristics.

Methods

A total of 454 patients with CHD were admitted to the cardiovascular medicine department of a hospital from January 2016 to December 2021, including 286 patients who underwent CAG and were treated with PCI, and 168 patients who only underwent CAG to confirm the diagnosis of CHD were set as the control group. Clinical data and laboratory indexes were collected. According to the clinical symptoms and the examination signs, the patients in the PCI therapy group were further split into three subgroups: chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), unstable angina pectoris (UAP), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The significant indicators were extracted by comparing the differences among the groups. A nomogram was drawn based on the logistic regression model, and predicted probabilities were performed using R software (version 4.1.3).

Results

Twelve risk factors were selected by regression analysis; the nomogram was successfully constructed to predict the probability of needing PCI in patients with CHD. The calibration curve shows that the predicted probability is in good agreement with the actual probability (C‐index = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.79–0.89). According to the results of the fitted model, the ROC curve was plotted, and the area under the curve was 0.801. Among the three subgroups of the treatment group, 17 indexes were statistically different, and the results of the univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that cTnI and ALB were the two most important independent impact factors.

Conclusion

cTnI and ALB are independent factors for the classification of CHD. A nomogram with 12 risk factors can be used to predict the probability of requiring PCI in patients with suspected CHD, which provided a favorable and discriminative model for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Prevalence of HPV types in HIV‐positive and negative females with normal cervical cytology or dysplasia
Authors: Aziz Hafsa , Sattar Areej A. , Mahmood Humera , Fatima Shazia , Khurshid Mona , Faheem Mohammad
Published: February 2023

The burden of HPV varies by country and HIV status. The study aimed to evaluate HPV types prevalent in HIV‐positive females compared with HIV‐negative females in the local population of the federal capital territory in Pakistan.

Method

The selected female population consisted of 65 already diagnosed HIV‐positive females and 135 HIV‐negative females. Cervical scrap was collected and analyzed for HPV and cytology.

Results

The prevalence of HPV in HIV‐positive patients was 36.9%, higher than HIV‐negative patients (4.4%). 12.30% had cervical cytology interpreted as “LSIL” and 87.69% had cytology interpreted as “NIL.” The high‐risk type was detected in 15.39% while 21.54% showed low‐risk HPV types. Among the high‐risk types, HPV18 (6.15%), HPV16 (4.62%), HPV45 (3.07%), HPV33 (1.53%), HPV58 (3.07%), and HPV68 (1.53%) were found. In patients with LSIL, high‐risk HPV accounts for 62.5%. Risk factors, such as age, marital status, educational status, residence, parity, other STDs, and contraceptives, were analyzed to find the correlation with HPV infection Age ≤35 years (OR 1.21, 95% CI, 0.44–3.34), illiterate and incomplete secondary education (OR 1.08, 95% CI, 0.37–3.15), and those reported not to use contraceptives (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 0.67–5.42) have an association for increased risk of HPV infection.

Conclusion

HPV18, HPV16, HPV58, HPV45, HPV68, and HPV33 were identified among high‐risk HPV types. High‐risk HPV was detected in 62.5% of low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. The data is useful for health policymakers to develop a strategy for HPV screening and prophylactic vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.
Youth for Youth: Raising the voices of children of incarcerated parents and implications for policy and practice
Authors: Benninger Elizabeth , Schmidt‐Sane Megan , Massey Sara , Athreya Brinda
Published: February 2023

The aims of our study were (1) to explore the impact of having an incarcerated parent on youth (ages 10–18) wellbeing; and (2) to identify recommendations from the youth based on their needs which address the challenges of having an incarcerated parent and promote individual and community flourishing. We utilized a Youth Participatory Action Research approach, including semistructured interviews, focus group discussions, storytelling, and photovoice with 20 participants, ages 10–18. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and organized into five thematic categories: (1) youths' perceptions of their communities; (2) incarcerations' impact on families and communities; (3) incarcerations' influence on mental health and flourishing; (4) incarceration as a solution for community safety; and (5) addressing the impact of incarceration on children, families, and communities. Findings provide important implications for practice and policy with children of incarcerated parents and for promoting flourishing individuals and communities.
Korean dental hygiene students’ perceptions and attitudes toward artificial intelligence: An online survey
Authors: Jeong Hui , Han Sang‐Sun , Kim Ki‐Eun , Park Il‐Soon , Choi Youngyuhn , Jeon Kug Jin
Published: February 2023

Objectives

This study investigated Korean dental hygiene students’ perceptions and attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) and aimed to identify needs for education to strengthen professional competencies.

Methods

A 24‐question online survey was conducted to the dental hygiene students from four Korean schools in 2021. The questionnaire included seven questions on basic characteristics and 17 AI‐related questions on the student's attitudes toward AI, the confidence in AI, predictions about AI, and its future prospects. Responses were analyzed according to the frequencies and correlations between the participants’ subjective level of knowledge about AI and questions using chi‐square test.

Results

Invitations were sent out to 1310 students and 800 (61.1%) participated. Note that 44.2% of participants were interested in AI, and 93.1% accessed AI‐related information through the internet. Participants expressed lower confidence in AI's diagnosis (14.8%) and judgment (8.1%) than in those of humans, and 21.9% believed AI would replace their job. The proportions of participants with positive perceptions of the usefulness and the potential for improvement of AI in dentistry were 65.5% and 55.4%, respectively. Participants from schools who had existing AI knowledge expressed higher demands for AI‐related content as compared to those who did not (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Although dental hygiene students expressed low level of confidence in AI, they were interested in AI and had positive views of its application and potential for improvement. However, the fact they had little AI‐related information from dental hygiene curriculum strongly suggests the need for AI‐related lectures in schools to prepare for the future.
Voxel‐based morphometric magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of small head fetus: A comparative study with normal developmental fetus
Authors: Chen Changan , Zhang He , Pan Yijun , Wang Yingfang , Tian Xiaomei , Gu Qianyu , Zhang Guofu
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To explore the application value of voxel‐based morphometric (VBM) in prenatal diagnosis of microcephaly.

Methods

A retrospective study of magnetic resonance imaging of fetuses with microcephaly was performed using a single‐shot fast spin echo sequence; semiautomatic segmentation of grey matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); calculation of their volumes; and VBM analysis of their GM. Two independent samples t‐test was used to statistically analyse the fetal GM volume in the microcephaly and normal control groups. Total intracranial volume (TIV), GM volume, WM volume, and CSF volume were linearly regressed against gestational age and compared between the two groups.

Results

In the fetus with microcephaly, GM volume of frontal lobe, temporal lobe, cuneus, anterior central gyrus, and posterior central gyrus decreased significantly (P < 0.001, corrected by family‐wise error at mass level). The GM volume of microcephaly was significantly lower than that of the control group (except for 28 weeks of gestation) (P < 0.05). TIV, GM volume, WM volume, and CSF volume were all positively correlated with gestational age, and the curves in the microcephaly group were all lower than those in the control group.

Conclusion

Compared with the normal control group, the GM volume of microcephaly fetuses decreased, and there were significant differences in many brain regions through VBM analysis.
Fate of 14C‐MSMA in a soil column study simulating herbicide use environments
Authors: Miner Penny , Cohen Stuart
Published: February 2023

Monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA), a selective contact herbicide, is a sodium salt of monomethyl arsenic acid (MMA or MAA). This paper focuses on the environmental fate of MMA. Decades of research have shown that a significant portion of applied MSMA drips to soil and is sorbed quickly. The fraction available for leaching or biological uptake decreases at a biphasic rate, first rapidly and then at a slower rate. A soil column study was designed to obtain quantitative information about MMA sorption and transformation and the effects of different environmental variables on these processes, in conditions simulating the environment of MSMA use on cotton and turf. Using 14C‐MSMA, this study quantified MSMA‐derived arsenic species and differentiated between added arsenic and soil background levels. Similar behavior of MSMA was observed across all test systems with respect to sorption, transformation, and mobility, despite differences in soil type and rainfall treatment. All soil columns exhibited a rapid sorption of added MMA followed by continual sorption of residues into the soil matrix. Within the first 2 days, only 20%–25% of radioactivity was extracted by water. On day 90, less than 3.1% of added MMA was in a water extractable phase. MMA sorption was most rapid in the soil with the higher clay content. Dominant extractable arsenic species were MMA, dimethylarsinic acid, and arsenate, indicating that methylation and demethylation occurred. In all MSMA‐treated columns, arsenite concentrations were negligible and indiscernible from those in untreated columns.
Assessment of attenuation of varicella‐zoster virus vaccines based on genomic comparison
Authors: Moon Jae Yun , Seo Jina , Lee Jaewoo , Park Daechan
Published: February 2023

Live attenuated varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) vaccines are used to prevent chickenpox and shingles. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that occur during the attenuation of parental strains are critical indicators of vaccine safety. To assess the attenuation of commercial VZV vaccines, genetic variants were comprehensively examined through high‐throughput sequencing of viral DNA isolated from four VZV vaccines (Barycela, VarilRix, VariVax, and SKY Varicella). Whole‐genome comparison of the four vaccines with the wild‐type strain (Dumas) revealed that the sequences are highly conserved on a genome‐wide scale. Among the 196 common variants across the four vaccines, 195 were already present in the genome of the parental strain (pOka), indicating that the variants occurred during the generation of the parental strain from the Dumas strain. Compared to the pOka genome, the vaccines exhibited distinct variant frequencies on a genome‐wide and within an attenuation‐related open reading frame. In particular, attenuation‐associated 42 SNPs showed that Barycela, VarilRix, VariVax, and SKY Varicella are in ascending order regarding similarity with pOka‐like genotypes, which in turn, might provide genomic evidence for the levels of attenuation. Finally, the phylogenetic network analysis demonstrated that genetic distances from the parental strain correlated with the attenuation levels of the vaccines.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5‐mediated inhibition of inward‐rectifying K+ channel 4.1 contributes to orofacial ectopic mechanical allodynia following inferior alveolar nerve transection in male mice
Authors: Li Yi‐Ke , Zhang Yan‐Yan , Lin Jiu , Liu Ya‐Jing , Li Yue‐Ling , Feng Yu‐Heng , Zhao Jia‐Shuo , Zhou Cheng , Liu Fei , Shen Jie‐Fei
Published: February 2023

Inward‐rectifying K+ channel 4.1 (Kir4.1), which regulates the electrophysiological properties of neurons and glia by affecting K+ homeostasis, plays a critical role in neuropathic pain. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) regulates the expression of Kir4.1 in retinal Müller cells. However, the role of Kir4.1 and its expressional regulatory mechanisms underlying orofacial ectopic allodynia remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the biological roles of Kir4.1 and mGluR5 in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) in orofacial ectopic mechanical allodynia and the role of mGluR5 in Kir4.1 regulation. An animal model of nerve injury was established via inferior alveolar nerve transection (IANX) in male C57BL/6J mice. Behavioral tests indicated that mechanical allodynia in the ipsilateral whisker pad lasted at least 14 days after IANX surgery and was alleviated by the overexpression of Kir4.1 in the TG, as well as intraganglionic injection of an mGluR5 antagonist (MPEP hydrochloride) or a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (chelerythrine chloride); Conditional knockdown of the Kir4.1 gene downregulated mechanical thresholds in the whisker pad. Double immunostaining revealed that Kir4.1 and mGluR5 were co‐expressed in satellite glial cells in the TG. IANX downregulated Kir4.1 and upregulated mGluR5 and phosphorylated PKC (p‐PKC) in the TG; Inhibition of mGluR5 reversed the changes in Kir4.1 and p‐PKC that were induced by IANX; Inhibition of PKC activation reversed the downregulation of Kir4.1 expression caused by IANX (p < .05). In conclusion, activation of mGluR5 in the TG after IANX contributed to orofacial ectopic mechanical allodynia by suppressing Kir4.1 via the PKC signaling pathway.
Transcriptomic analysis of the fungus Graphilbum sp. in response to the pine wood nematode
Authors: Zhou Duanxu , Liu Qinge , Su Xiu , Zhou Xudong
Published: February 2023

Graphilbum species are important blue stain fungi associated with pine trees and are widely distributed throughout Asia, Australia, and North Africa. Pine wood nematode (PWN) primarily feed on ophiostomatoid fungi such as Graphilbum sp. in wood, the population of PWNs was increased, and incomplete organelle structures were observed in Graphilbum sp. hyphal cells following exposure to PWNs. In this study, we showed that Rho and Ras were involved in the MAPK pathway, SNARE binding and small GTPase‐mediated signal transduction, and their expression was upregulated in the treatment group. However, the expression of the Rab7 involved in MAPK and small GTPase‐mediated signal pathway was downregulated in the treatment group. Thus, further research is needed to study the MAPK pathway and related Ras and Rho genes in Graphilbum sp. associated with the PWN population. Overall, transcriptomic analysis clarified the basic mechanisms of mycelial growth in Graphilbum sp. fungus used as a food source by PWNs.
Primary tumor resection improves survival of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine carcinoma patients with nonresected liver metastases
Authors: Chen Qichen , Li Kan , Rhodin Kristen E. , Masoud Sabran J. , Lidsky Michael E. , Cai Jianqiang , Wei Qingyi , Luo Sheng , Zhao Hong
Published: February 2023

Background

The role of primary tumor resection (PTR) in the survival of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine carcinoma (GI‐NEC) patients with liver metastases only remains poorly defined. Therefore, we investigated the impact of PTR on the survival of GI‐NEC patients with nonresected liver metastases.

Methods

GI‐NEC patients with a liver‐confined metastatic disease diagnosed between 2016 and 2018 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Multiple imputations by chained equations were used to account for missing data, and the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method was used to eliminate selection bias. Overall survival (OS) was compared by adjusted Kaplan–Meier curves and log‐rank test with IPTW.

Results

A total of 767 GI‐NEC patients with nonresected liver metastases were identified. Among all patients, 177 (23.1%) received PTR and had a significantly favorable OS before (median: 43.6 months [interquartile range, IQR, 10.3–64.4] vs. 8.8 months [IQR, 2.1–23.1], p < 0.001 in log‐rank test) and after (median: 25.7 months [IQR, 10.0–64.4] vs. 9.3 months [IQR, 2.2–26.4], p < 0.001 in IPTW‐adjusted log‐rank test) the IPTW adjustment. Additionally, this survival advantage persisted in an adjusted Cox model (IPTW adjusted hazard ratio = 0.431, 95% confidence interval: 0.332–0.560; p < 0.001). The improved survival persisted in subgroups stratified by primary tumor site, tumor grade, and N stage, even in the complete cohort (excluding patients with missing data).

Conclusions

PTR led to improved survival for GI‐NEC patients with nonresected liver metastases regardless of primary tumor site, tumor grade, and N stage. However, the decision for PTR should be made on an individualized basis following multidisciplinary evaluation.
Trismus surgery and microsurgical reconstruction after oral cancer treatment
Authors: De Pablo Alba , Chen Jyh‐Kwei , Tsao Chung‐Kan
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Trismus after oral cancer is frequent, with scarce evidence of surgical release treatment in these patients.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to determine the results of trismus release and free flap reconstruction after oral cancer treatment, establish immediate and long‐term results, and detect factors that influence outcome.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was performed. Preoperative, intraoperative, and follow‐up interincisal distances were measured. The intraoperative, long‐term gain, and postoperative loss were calculated. Analysis of the long‐term results with the preoperative and intraoperative variables was performed.

Results

Surgical release immediately increased the interincisal distance by 29.25 mm. Sixty‐six percent of this gain was lost due to trismus recurrence, giving a long‐term interincisal gain of 9.90 mm. Worse results were observed in patients with previous high‐stage tumors, maxillectomies, skin resections, and previous radiotherapy. The were no significant differences in the results depending on the type of release or reconstruction performed, with the exception of the reconstruction with the sural flap, which presented worse results. Patients with trismus of ≤10 mm could have more range for improvement after this surgery.

Conclusions

The results of this surgery are moderate in the long term due to high trismus recurrence in spite of aggressive treatment.
Influence of Post‐Treatment Temperature on the Stability and Swelling Behavior of Casein Microparticles
Authors: Asaduzzaman Md , Gebhardt Ronald
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the influence of exposure time and post‐treatment temperature on the stability and swelling of casein microparticles prepared by depletion flocculation and film drying. Stability experiments with sodium dodecyl sulfate at 20 °C show that particles become more stable with higher post‐treatment temperature and longer exposure times. The two‐step decrease in decay rates in each case indicates a stable intermediate state structurally different from untreated and more strongly treated microparticles. The swelling curves of microparticles also show differences in three temperature ranges at 120 min exposure times each, which is analyzed with dynamic swelling models. At temperatures T ≤ 50 °C, the casein microparticles swell and decompose in a typical two‐step process. For post‐treatments in the temperature range between T = 60 and 70 °C, the swelling curves change their shape toward limited swelling to an equilibrium swelling value. The swelling curves of microparticles treated with temperatures at 80 and 90 °C show a typical overshooting, which can be analyzed with an adapted parallel swelling model and attributed to an elastic network of newly formed bonds.
LRRK2 Inhibition by BIIB122 in Healthy Participants and Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Jennings Danna , Huntwork‐Rodriguez Sarah , Vissers Maurits F.J.M. , Daryani Vinay M. , Diaz Dolores , Goo Marisa S. , Chen John J. , Maciuca Romeo , Fraser Kyle , Mabrouk Omar S. , van de Wetering de Rooij Jeroen , Heuberger Jules A.A.C. , Groeneveld Geert Jan , Borin Marie T. , Cruz‐Herranz Andrés , Graham Danielle , Scearce‐Levie Kimberly , De Vicente Javier , Henry Anastasia G. , Chin Peter , Ho Carole , Troyer Matthew D.
Published: February 2023

Background

Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) inhibition is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the potent, selective, CNS‐penetrant LRRK2 inhibitor BIIB122 (DNL151) in healthy participants and patients with PD.

Methods

Two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies were completed. The phase 1 study (DNLI‐C‐0001) evaluated single and multiple doses of BIIB122 for up to 28 days in healthy participants. The phase 1b study (DNLI‐C‐0003) evaluated BIIB122 for 28 days in patients with mild to moderate PD. The primary objectives were to investigate the safety, tolerability, and plasma pharmacokinetics of BIIB122. Pharmacodynamic outcomes included peripheral and central target inhibition and lysosomal pathway engagement biomarkers.

Results

A total of 186/184 healthy participants (146/145 BIIB122, 40/39 placebo) and 36/36 patients (26/26 BIIB122, 10/10 placebo) were randomized/treated in the phase 1 and phase 1b studies, respectively. In both studies, BIIB122 was generally well tolerated; no serious adverse events were reported, and the majority of treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild. BIIB122 cerebrospinal fluid/unbound plasma concentration ratio was ~1 (range, 0.7–1.8). Dose‐dependent median reductions from baseline were observed in whole‐blood phosphorylated serine 935 LRRK2 (≤98%), peripheral blood mononuclear cell phosphorylated threonine 73 pRab10 (≤93%), cerebrospinal fluid total LRRK2 (≤50%), and urine bis (monoacylglycerol) phosphate (≤74%).

Conclusions

At generally safe and well‐tolerated doses, BIIB122 achieved substantial peripheral LRRK2 kinase inhibition and modulation of lysosomal pathways downstream of LRRK2, with evidence of CNS distribution and target inhibition. These studies support continued investigation of LRRK2 inhibition with BIIB122 for the treatment of PD. © 2023 Denali Therapeutics Inc and The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Uniform exponential decay of the energy for a fully discrete wave equation with point‐wise dissipation
Authors: Amara Soumaya
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the uniform exponential decay of the energy for a fully discretization of the 1‐D wave equation has been studied with a punctual interior damping at

. It is known that the usual scheme obtained with a space discretization is not uniformly exponential decaying. In this direction, we have introduced an implicit finite difference scheme that differs from the usual centered one by additional terms of order
and
(where
and
represent the discretization parameters). In this approach, the fully discrete system was decomposed into two subsystems, namely conservative and nonconservative. According to the literature, it has been noted that under a numerical hypothesis on
, a uniform observability inequality holds for a conservative system. The uniform exponential decay of the energy for the damped system was proved via the application of the observability inequality.
Educational level and the risk of mental disorders, substance use disorders and self‐harm in different age‐groups: A cohort study covering 1,6 million subjects in the Stockholm region
Authors: Li Baojing , Allebeck Peter , Burstöm Bo , Danielsson Anna‐Karin , Degenhardt Louisa , Eikemo Terje A. , Ferrari Alize , Knudsen Ann Kristin , Lundin Andreas , Manhica Hélio , Newton John , Whiteford Harvey , Flodin Pär , Sjöqvist Hugo , Agardh Emilie E.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To investigate the associations between low education and risk of mental disorders, substance use disorders and self‐harm in different age‐groups.

Methods

All subjects in Stockholm born between 1931 and 1990 were linked to their own or their parent's highest education in 2000 and followed‐up for these disorders in health care registers 2001–2016. Subjects were stratified into four age‐groups: 10–18, 19–27, 28–50, and 51–70 years. Hazard Ratios with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were estimated with Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Low education increased the risk of substance use disorders and self‐harm in all age‐groups. Males aged 10–18 with low education had increased risks of ADHD and conduct disorders, and females a decreased risk of anorexia, bulimia and autism. Those aged 19–27 years had increased risks of anxiety and depression, and those aged 28–50 had increased risks of all mental disorders except anorexia and bulimia in males with Hazard Ratios ranging from 1.2 (95% CIs 1.0–1.3) for bipolar disorder to 5.4 (95% CIs 5.1–5.7) for drug use disorder. Females aged 51–70 years had increased risks of schizophrenia and autism.

Conclusion

Low education is associated with risk of most mental disorders, substance use disorders and self‐harm in all age‐groups, but especially among those aged 28–50 years.
Quantification of cross‐relaxation in downfield 1H MRS at 7 T in human calf muscle
Authors: Swago Sophia , Elliott Mark A. , Nanga Ravi Prakash Reddy , Wilson Neil E. , Cember Abigail , Reddy Ravinder , Witschey Walter R.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterize the 1H downfield MR spectrum from 8.0 to 10.0 ppm of human skeletal muscle at 7 T and determine the T1 and cross‐relaxation rates of observed resonances.

Methods

We performed downfield MRS in the calf muscle of 7 healthy volunteers. Single‐voxel downfield MRS was collected using alternately selective or broadband inversion‐recovery sequences and spectrally selective 90° E‐BURP RF pulse excitation centered at 9.0 ppm with bandwidth = 600 Hz (2.0 ppm). MRS was collected using TIs of 50–2500 ms. We modeled recovery of the longitudinal magnetization of three observable resonances using two models: (1) a three‐parameter model accounting for the apparent T1 recovery and (2) a Solomon model explicitly including cross‐relaxation effects.

Results

Three resonances were observed in human calf muscle at 7 T at 8.0, 8.2, and 8.5 ppm. We found broadband (broad) and selective (sel) inversion recovery T1 = mean ± SD (ms): T1‐broad,8.0ppm = 2108.2 ± 664.5, T1‐sel,8.0ppm = 753.6 ± 141.0 (p = 0.003); T1‐broad,8.2ppm = 2033.5 ± 338.4, T1‐sel,8.2ppm = 135.3 ± 35.3 (p < 0.0001); and T1‐broad,8.5ppm = 1395.4 ± 75.4, T1‐sel,8.5ppm = 107.1 ± 40.0 (p < 0.0001). Using the Solomon model, we found T1 = mean ± SD (ms): T1‐8.0ppm = 1595.6 ± 491.1, T1‐8.2ppm = 1737.2 ± 963.7, and T1‐8.5ppm = 849.8 ± 282.0 (p = 0.04). Post hoc tests corrected for multiple comparisons showed no significant difference in T1 between peaks. The cross‐relaxation rate σAB = mean ± SD (Hz) of each peak was σAB,8.0ppm = 0.76 ± 0.20, σAB,8.2ppm = 5.31 ± 2.27, and σAB,8.5ppm = 7.90 ± 2.74 (p < 0.0001); post hoc t‐tests revealed the cross‐relaxation rate of the 8.0 ppm peak was significantly slower than the peaks at 8.2 ppm (p = 0.0018) and 8.5 ppm (p = 0.0005).

Conclusion

We found significant differences in effective T1 and cross‐relaxation rates of 1H resonances between 8.0 and 8.5 ppm in the healthy human calf muscle at 7 T.