bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tamoxifen use and potential effects on liver parenchyma: A long‐term prospective transient elastographic evaluation
Authors: Braal C. Louwrens , de Knegt Robert J. , Jager Agnes , Koolen Stijn L. W. , Mathijssen Ron H. J. , Eechoute Karel
Published: June 2022

Tamoxifen is a commonly prescribed drug in both early and metastatic breast cancer. Prospective studies in Asian populations demonstrated that tamoxifen‐related liver steatosis occurred in more than 30% of the patients within 2 years after start of treatment. No well‐designed prospective studies on potential tamoxifen‐related liver steatosis have been conducted in Caucasian patients so far. Therefore, our prospective study aimed to assess the incidence of tamoxifen‐related liver steatosis for a period of 2 years in a population of Caucasian breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen. Patients with an indication for adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen were included in this study. Data were collected at 3 months (T1) and at 2 years (T2) after start of tamoxifen treatment (follow‐up period of 21 months). For the quantification of liver steatosis, patients underwent liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography with simultaneous controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) determination using the FibroScan. A total of 95 Caucasian breast cancer patients were included in this evaluation. Liver steatosis was observed in 46 of 95 (48%) and 48 of 95 (51%) of the patients at T1 and T2, respectively. No clinically relevant increase in liver steatosis was observed during the treatment period of 2 years with tamoxifen (median CAP = 243 ± 49 dB/m (T1) and 253 ± 55 dB/m (T2), respectively; p = 0.038). Conclusion: In this prospective longitudinal study in Caucasian breast cancer patients, no clinically relevant alterations in liver steatosis in terms of CAP values and liver/lipid parameters were observed after 2 years of tamoxifen treatment. This study therefore demonstrates an absence of tamoxifen‐related adverse events such as steatosis and (early) development of fibrosis or cirrhosis during a treatment period of at least 2 years.
A randomised controlled trial of digital breast tomosynthesis vs digital mammography as primary screening tests: Screening results over subsequent episodes of the Proteus Donna study
Authors: Armaroli Paola , Frigerio Alfonso , Correale Loredana , Ponti Antonio , Artuso Franca , Casella Denise , Falco Paolo , Favettini Elisabetta , Fonio Paolo , Giordano Livia , Marra Vincenzo , Milanesio Luisella , Morra Lia , Presti Pietro , Riggi Emilia , Vergini Viviana , Segnan Nereo
Published: June 2022

Proteus Donna is a randomised controlled trial aimed at prospectively evaluating screening with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), including interval cancer detection (ICD) and cancer detection (CD) in the analysis as a cumulative measure over subsequent screening episodes. Consenting women aged 46 to 68 attending the regional Breast Screening Service were randomly assigned to conventional digital mammography (DM, control arm) or DBT in addition to DM (DBT, study arm). At the subsequent round all participants underwent DM. Thirty‐six months follow‐up allowed for the identification of cancers detected in the subsequent screening and interscreening interval. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were computed. Cumulative CD and Nelson‐Aalen incidence were analysed over the follow‐up period. Between 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2017, 43 022 women were randomised to DM and 30 844 to DBT. At baseline, CD was significantly higher (RR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.21‐1.71) in the study arm. ICD did not differ significantly between the two arms (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.62‐1.35). At subsequent screening with DM, the CD was lower (nearly significant) in the study arm (RR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.65‐1.06). Over the follow‐up period, the cumulative CD (comprehensive of ICD) was slightly higher in the study arm (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.31). The Nelson‐Aalen cumulative incidence over time remained significantly higher in the study arm for approximately 24 months. Benign lesions detection was higher in the study arm at baseline and lower at subsequent tests. Outcomes are consistent with a lead time gain of DBT compared to DM, with an increase in false positives and moderate overdiagnosis.
The role of social context in risky decision‐making: Presence of friend and low resistance to peer influence increase risky decision‐making
Authors: Spohn Danyelle L. , Devore‐Suazo Isabel F. , Bernarding Madison L. , Güss C. Dominik
Published: June 2022

Following sociocultural and personality theory, the current study addresses the need to investigate the influence of the social context and related personality variables on risky decision‐making. Risky decision‐making was assessed in six daily‐life scenarios in a sample of 357 adult participants, ages 18–75. Scenarios differed regarding competition (competitive vs. non‐competitive) and presence of others (alone, with friends, or with acquaintances). Additionally, the personality variables ego‐strength, agreeableness, and resistance‐to‐peer influence as well as demographic variables were assessed. Results showed that participants made more risky decisions in the non‐competitive scenarios and in the scenarios when they were accompanied by a friend compared to when they were alone. Regression analyses revealed that men made more risky decisions than women. High resistance‐to‐peer influence and agreeableness whereas related to fewer risky decisions. Overall, results showed the strong influence of social and personality factors on risky decision‐making which could have implications for prevention programmes. Further, these results show that a pure cognitive approach to the study of risky decision‐making is too narrow. Considering cognition, social context, and personality traits together seems to be a promising approach for the study of risky daily‐life decisions.
Direction of associations between personality traits and educational identity processes: Between‐ and within‐person associations
Authors: Hatano Kai , Hihara Shogo , Sugimura Kazumi , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: June 2022

Introduction

In adolescence, personality traits and educational identity processes are interwoven. Previous studies have shown that personality traits predict healthy identity commitment and exploration in education. However, the direction of associations between personality traits and an identity process that searches for another identity option (i.e., reconsideration of commitment) is unclear. Furthermore, there is a lack of prospective studies regarding the direction of the association between personality traits and the educational identity process using within‐person methods. Therefore, this study examined the direction of these associations.

Methods

Participants of this four‐wave longitudinal study comprised 618 Japanese 13‐year‐old adolescents (53.3% girls). This study involved a 1‐year‐interval assessment.

Results

Cross‐lagged panel models (CLPM) indicated that four personality traits (neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) predicted three educational identity processes, while reconsideration of commitment predicted two personality traits (i.e., neuroticism and conscientiousness). Random intercept cross‐lagged panel models (RI‐CLPM) indicated that agreeableness predicted healthy commitment, while commitment predicted agreeableness at within‐person level.

Conclusion

The findings from CLPM suggest that reconsideration of commitment is a significant factor to predict healthy (i.e., conscientiousness) and unhealthy (i.e., neuroticism) personality traits in individual differences. Furthermore, the findings from RI‐CLPM suggest that agreeableness may be a key trait in promoting healthy educational identity commitment. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Muscle Strength and Physical Performance Are Associated With Risk of Postfracture Mortality But Not Subsequent Fracture in Men
Authors: Alajlouni Dima A. , Bliuc Dana , Tran Thach S. , Blank Robert D. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Ensrud Kristine E. , Lane Nancy E. , Orwoll Eric S. , Cauley Jane A. , Center Jacqueline R.
Published: June 2022

Muscle strength and physical performance are associated with incident fractures and mortality. However, their role in the risk of subsequent fracture and postfracture mortality is not clear. We assessed the association between muscle strength (grip strength) and performance (gait speed and chair stands time) and the risk of subsequent fracture and mortality in 830 men with low-trauma index fracture, who participated in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) USA Study and had their index measurements assessed within 5 years prior to the index fracture. The annual decline in muscle strength and performance following index fracture, estimated using linear mixed-effects regression, was also examined in relation to mortality. The associations were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, femoral neck bone mineral density (FN BMD), prior fractures, falls, body mass index (BMI), index fracture site, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Over a median follow-up of 3.7 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.3–8.1) years from index fracture to subsequent fracture, 201 (24%) men had a subsequent fracture and over 5.1 (IQR, 1.8–9.6) years to death, and 536 (65%) men died. Index measurements were not associated with subsequent fracture (hazard ratios [HRs] ranging from 0.97 to 1.07). However, they were associated with postfracture mortality. HR (95% confidence interval [CI]) per 1 standard deviation (1-SD) decrement in grip strength: HR 1.12 (95% CI, 1.01–1.25) and gait speed: HR 1.14 (95% CI, 1.02–1.27), and 1-SD increment in chair stands time: HR 1.08 (95% CI, 0.97–1.21). Greater annual declines in these measurements were associated with higher mortality risk, independent of the index values and other covariates. HR (95% CI) per 1-SD annual decrement in change in grip strength: HR 1.15 (95% CI, 1.01–1.33) and in gait speed: HR 1.38 (95% CI, 1.13–1.68), and 1-SD annual increment in chair stands time: HR 1.28 (95% CI, 1.07–1.54). Men who were unable to complete one or multiple tests had greater risk of postfracture mortality (24%–109%) compared to those performed all tests. It remains to be seen whether improvement in these modifiable factors can reduce postfracture mortality. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Associations Between Late Pregnancy Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Offspring Bone Mass: A Meta-Analysis of the Southampton Women's Survey (SWS) and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)
Authors: Woolford Stephen J , D'Angelo Stefania , Mancano Giulia , Curtis Elizabeth M , Ashai Shanze , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R , Crozier Sarah R , Phillips Catherine M , Suderman Matthew , Relton Caroline L , Cooper Cyrus , Harvey Nicholas C ,   the ALPHABET Consortium Investigators
Published: June 2022

Systemic inflammation is associated with reduced bone mineral density and may be influenced by pro-inflammatory diets. We undertook an observational analysis of associations between late pregnancy energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) scores and offspring bone outcomes in childhood. E-DII scores (higher scores indicating pro-inflammatory diets) were derived from food frequency questionnaires in late pregnancy in two prospective mother-offspring cohorts: the Southampton Women's Survey (SWS) and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). The mean (SD) offspring age at dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning was 9.2 (0.2) years. Linear regression was used to assess associations between E-DII and bone outcomes, adjusting for offspring sex and age at DXA and maternal age at childbirth, educational level, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), parity, physical activity level, and smoking in pregnancy. Associations were synthesized using fixed-effect meta-analysis. Beta coefficients represent the association per unit E-DII increment. In fully adjusted models (total n = 5910) late pregnancy E-DII was negatively associated with offspring whole body minus head bone area (BA: β = −3.68 [95% confidence interval −6.09, −1.27] cm2/unit), bone mineral content (BMC: β = −4.16 [95% CI −6.70, −1.62] g/unit), and areal bone mineral density (aBMD: β = −0.0012 [95% CI −0.0020, −0.0004] g.cm−2/unit), but there was only a weak association with BMC adjusted for BA (β = −0.48 [95% CI −1.11, 0.15] g/unit) at 9 years. Adjustment for child height partly or, for weight, fully attenuated the associations. Higher late pregnancy E-DII scores (representing a more pro-inflammatory diet) are negatively associated with offspring bone measures, supporting the importance of maternal and childhood diet on longitudinal offspring bone health. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Clinical Spectrum of Hereditary Hypophosphatemic Rickets With Hypercalciuria (HHRH)
Authors: Stürznickel Julian , Heider Fiona , Delsmann Alena , Gödel Markus , Grünhagen Johannes , Huber Tobias B , Kornak Uwe , Amling Michael , Oheim Ralf
Published: June 2022

Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria (HHRH) represents an FGF23-independent disease caused by biallelic variants in the solute carrier family 34-member 3 (SLC34A3) gene. HHRH is characterized by chronic hypophosphatemia and an increased risk for nephrocalcinosis and rickets/osteomalacia, muscular weakness, and secondary limb deformity. Biochemical changes, but no relevant skeletal changes, have been reported for heterozygous SLC34A3 carriers. Therefore, we assessed the characteristics of individuals with biallelic and monoallelic SLC34A3 variants. In 8 index patients and 5 family members, genetic analysis was performed using a custom gene panel. The skeletal assessment comprised biochemical parameters, areal bone mineral density (aBMD), and bone microarchitecture. Pathogenic SLC34A3 variants were revealed in 7 of 13 individuals (2 homozygous, 5 heterozygous), whereas 3 of 13 carried monoallelic variants of unknown significance. Whereas both homozygous individuals had nephrocalcinosis, only one displayed a skeletal phenotype consistent with HHRH. Reduced to low-normal phosphate levels, decreased tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TRP), and high-normal to elevated values of 1,25-OH2-D3 accompanied by normal cFGF23 levels were revealed independently of mutational status. Interestingly, individuals with nephrocalcinosis showed significantly increased calcium excretion and 1,25-OH2-D3 levels but normal phosphate reabsorption. Furthermore, aBMD Z-score <−2.0 was revealed in 4 of 8 heterozygous carriers, and HR-pQCT analysis showed a moderate decrease in structural parameters. Our findings highlight the clinical relevance also of monoallelic SLC34A3 variants, including their potential skeletal impairment. Calcium excretion and 1,25-OH2-D3 levels, but not TRP, were associated with nephrocalcinosis. Future studies should investigate the effects of distinct SLC34A3 variants and optimize treatment and monitoring regimens to prevent nephrocalcinosis and skeletal deterioration. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Abstract

Half and 5 of 8 heterozygous SLC34A3 carriers had osteoporosis and a history of fractures, respectively. Individuals with detected nephrocalcinosis had significantly increased 1,25-OH2-D3 levels and urinary calcium excretion but normal phosphate reabsorption rates. Therefore, optimized treatment and monitoring regimens are required to prevent nephrocalcinosis and skeletal deterioration.
Impact of smoking‐induced dysregulated human miRNAs in chronic disease development and their potential use in prognostic and therapeutic purposes
Authors: Paul Sujay , Ruiz‐Manriquez Luis M. , Ambriz‐Gonzalez Hector , Medina‐Gomez Daniel , Valenzuela‐Coronado Estefania , Moreno‐Gomez Paloma , Pathak Surajit , Chakraborty Samik , Srivastava Aashish
Published: June 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionary conserved small noncoding RNA molecules with a significant ability to regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level either through translation repression or messenger RNA degradation. miRNAs are differentially expressed in various pathophysiological conditions, affecting the course of the disease by modulating several critical target genes. As the persistence of irreversible molecular changes caused by cigarette smoking is central to the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, several studies have shown its direct correlation with the dysregulation of different miRNAs, affecting numerous essential biological processes. This review provides an insight into the current status of smoking‐induced miRNAs dysregulation in chronic diseases such as COPD, atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, and different cancers and explores the diagnostic/prognostic potential of miRNA‐based biomarkers and their efficacy as therapeutic targets.
Quercetin ameliorates thioacetamide‐induced hepatic fibrosis and oxidative stress by antagonizing the Hedgehog signaling pathway
Authors: Aslam Andleeb , Sheikh Nadeem , Shahzad Muhammad , Saeed Ghazala , Fatima Naz , Akhtar Tasleem
Published: June 2022

The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has emerged as a potential target for effectual hepatic repair based on convincing clinical and preclinical evidence that proves its significance in regulating hepatic damage. The purpose of this study is to probe the effect of quercetin on liver fibrosis through the modulation of the Hh pathway. Healthy male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 10). The control group was treated with saline, rats in the remaining three groups received twice a week intoxication with intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide (200 mg/kg) for the induction of hepatic fibrosis for 6 weeks. After 28 days of quercetin and silymarin treatment, histological changes, serum biochemical index, antioxidant enzyme activity, key mediators of Hh pathway and inflammation were analyzed. Serological analysis showed statistically improved cholesterol, H.D.L‐Cholesterol, and L.D.L‐Cholesterol in the treatment groups. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels were found to be increased after the treatment with quercetin and silymarin. mRNA expression of important mediators of the Hh signaling, and inflammation including Shh, Ihh, Ptch‐1, Smo, Hhip, Gli‐3, TNF‐α, NFκ‐β, and Socs‐3 were significantly downregulated after the use of quercetin and silymarin. Quercetin also minimized the thioacetamide‐induced histopathological changes, as confirmed by a lower degree of hepatic lobule degeneration, the intralobular occurrence of inflammatory cells, and a lower degree of hepatocytic necrosis. Sudan Black B staining showed remarked lipids improvements in the treatment groups. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that quercetin could ameliorate hepatic fibrosis by antagonizing the hedgehog pathway and also suggest the hedgehog pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Establishing an 8‐gene immune prognostic model based on TP53 status for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Guodong , Wang Youyu , Wan Yanhui
Published: June 2022

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) results in a majority of cancer burden worldwide. TP53 is the most commonly mutated in LUAD. This study aimed to reveal the relation between TP53 and tumor microenvironment (TME) for improving LUAD treatment.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to immunity were analyzed between TP53‐WT and TP53‐MUT groups. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was applied to screen prognostic DEGs. Two independent datasets were included to evaluate the robustness of the prognostic model.

Results

An 8‐gene prognostic model containing ANLN, CCNB1, DLGAP5, FAM83A, GJB2, NAPSA, SFTPB, and SLC2A1 was established based on DEGs. LUAD samples were classified into high‐ and low‐risk groups with differential overall survival in the two datasets. M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and activated memory CD4 T cells were more enriched in high‐risk group. Immune checkpoints of PDCD1, LAG3, and CD274 were also high‐expressed in high‐risk group.

Conclusion

The study improved the understanding of the role of TP53 in the TME modulation. The 8‐gene model had robust performance to predict LUAD prognosis in clinical practice. In addition, the eight prognostic genes may also serve as potential targets for designing therapeutic drugs for LUAD patients.
The role of moral norms as a determinant of intentions to engage in bystander intervention to prevent sexual assault
Authors: Branscum Paul , Rush‐Griffin Sarah , Hackman Christine L. , Castle Arden , Katague Marina
Published: June 2022

Bystander interventions (BIs) primarily focus on increasing a sense of community and responsibility among students. This study examined moral norms as a determinant of intentions towards BI, within the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). College students at two universities (n = 291) completed an online survey measuring TPB constructs (e.g., intentions, perceived norms) and moral norms. Results indicated that moral norms were significantly associated with intentions toward BI, and appeared to be a valuable addition to the overall perceived norms construct. In addition, the law, parents, peers, and religion were identified as significant determinants of moral norms. Promoting collective responsibility to engage in BI and including a moral imperative to act in message development could increase the impact of BI.
Extending applications of AFM to fluidic AFM in single living cell studies
Authors: Qiu Yuan , Chien Chen‐Chi , Maroulis Basile , Bei Jiani , Gaitas Angelo , Gong Bin
Published: June 2022

In this article, a review of a series of applications of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluidic Atomic Force Microscopy (fluidic AFM, hereafter fluidFM) in single‐cell studies is presented. AFM applications involving single‐cell and extracellular vesicle (EV) studies, colloidal force spectroscopy, and single‐cell adhesion measurements are discussed. FluidFM is an offshoot of AFM that combines a microfluidic cantilever with AFM and has enabled the research community to conduct biological, pathological, and pharmacological studies on cells at the single‐cell level in a liquid environment. In this review, capacities of fluidFM are discussed to illustrate (1) the speed with which sequential measurements of adhesion using coated colloid beads can be done, (2) the ability to assess lateral binding forces of endothelial or epithelial cells in a confluent cell monolayer in an appropriate physiological environment, and (3) the ease of measurement of vertical binding forces of intercellular adhesion between heterogeneous cells. Furthermore, key applications of fluidFM are reviewed regarding to EV absorption, manipulation of a single living cell by intracellular injection, sampling of cellular fluid from a single living cell, patch clamping, and mass measurements of a single living cell.
Circadian rhythm and disease: Relationship, new insights, and future perspectives
Authors: Neves Ana R. , Albuquerque Tânia , Quintela Telma , Costa Diana
Published: June 2022

The circadian system is responsible for internal functions and regulation of the organism according to environmental cues (zeitgebers). Circadian rhythm dysregulation or chronodisruption has been associated with several diseases, from mental to autoimmune diseases, and with life quality change. Following this, some therapies have been developed to correct circadian misalignments, such as light therapy and chronobiotics. In this manuscript, we describe the circadian‐related diseases so far investigated, and studies reporting relevant data on this topic, evidencing this relationship, are included. Despite the actual limitations in published work, there is clear evidence of the correlation between circadian rhythm dysregulation and disease origin/development, and, in this way, clock‐related therapies emerge as great progress in the clinical field. Future improvements in such interventions can lead to the development of successful chronotherapy strategies, deeply contributing to enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Adsorption of methylene blue by bismuth impregnated biochar of different biomass materials: pore structure and surface chemistry characteristics
Authors: Li Peiyi , Su Yuting , Hu Zhanbo , Zheng Yukai , Zhou Qian , Ouyang Xiao
Published: June 2022

In this study, three different types of biochar (biomass materials were beech wood, corncob, and bamboo) were loaded with bismuth to form bismuth impregnated biochars (named respectively as Bi@WBC, Bi@CBC, and Bi@BBC) to investigate their properties (pore structure and surface chemistry characteristics) on methylene blue (MB) removal capacities. Three bismuth impregnated biochars made from different biomass materials were ranked for their adsorption capacity of MB as follows: Bi@WBC > Bi@CBC > Bi@BBC, in which Bi@WBC showed the largest Langmuir adsorption capacity of 178.59 mg g−1. While the specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume of Bi@WBC were the largest (accounting for 477.74 m2 g−1 and 0.15 cm3 g−1, respectively), according to the FTIR and XPS results, Bi@WBC (72.3%) exhibited a higher proportion of BiO bonds than the Bi@CBC (52.3%) and Bi@BBC (48.4%) did. Conclusively, the rich porous structure and surface functional groups of Bi@WBC affected the adsorption capacity of MB, and the chemical adsorption provided the main contribution. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Clinical features and imaging manifestations of acute necrotizing encephalopathy in children
Authors: Wu Lianhong , Peng Hailun , Jiang Yan , He Ling , Jiang Li , Hu Yue
Published: June 2022

Purpose

We summarized the clinical features of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) in children.

Methods

Clinical data of 14 children with ANE at one center from January 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. ANE severity score (ANE‐ss) was used to assess ANE severity, and the Glasgow Outcome Scale‐Extended was used to assess functional outcomes.

Results

Peak incidence was between 1 and 3 years of age (71%), and a large percentage of males were affected (79%). The main manifestations included fever (100%), seizure (86%), and impaired consciousness (100%). Seven patients (58%) developed status epilepticus. The etiology was identified in 10 patients (71%) and mainly included H1N1 (36%) and Epstein–Barr virus (29%).Complications included multiple organ failure (MOF), predominantly liver (36%), heart (21%) and kidney (7%) failure, gastrointestinal hemorrhage (21%), hypernatremia (7%), hematuria (7%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (7%), and shock (7%). Pleocytosis was observed in two patients, and increased cerebrospinal fluid protein was found in 11 patients. A missense mutation in RANBP2 (c.1754C>T: p.Thr585Met) was observed in one patient. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed increased T2 and T1 signal density in multifocal and symmetric brain lesions (bilateral thalami, 100%) in all patients during the acute phase. There were no deaths. Nine children retained neurological sequelae affecting movement, cognition, speech, vision, and/or seizure. Four children recovered almost completely. There was a significant correlation between risk classification and outcome by ANE‐ss.

Conclusion

ANE is a group of clinical and imaging syndromes. Most patients have severe neurological sequelae, and ANE may have lower mortality. And ANE‐ss can assess prognosis.
Evaluation of human bocavirus as well as other well‐known viral etiologic agents by PCR in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with clinical impression of viral meningoencephalitis referred to the Children's Medical Center in Tehran, Iran, from 2019 to 2020
Authors: Safavi Moeinadin , Taghipour Salameh , Vasei Mohammad , Eshaghi Hamid , Haghi Ashtiani Mohammad Taghi
Published: June 2022

Viral meningoencephalitis is one of the most important diseases that most commonly affect children. In many cases of viral meningoencephalitis, the underlying cause of the disease is not identified, raising the possibility of a variety of pathogens that are not routinely tested. Bocaviruses belong to a newly identified class of viruses that have been reported in some studies to be associated with viral encephalitis. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of bocaviruses and other viruses in the patients suspected of having viral encephalitis and their associations with various demographic and clinical variables. Two hundred patients with suspected viral meningoencephalitis referred to Children's Medical Center were studied from 2019 to 2020. Age, sex, length of hospitalization, and course of the disease were gathered. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were taken from the patients and subjected to biochemical examinations and PCR to identify the underlying cause. Bocaviruses were detected in none of the DNA samples extracted from the CSF specimens. The most identified organisms were mumps and enteroviruses. In 92% of cases, the underlying cause was not identified. PCR‐based identification of the underlying causes of viral meningoencephalitis in CSF specimens was not successful in most cases. Bocavirus was not found in any of the collected CSF samples. Further studies are required for drawing more accurate conclusions.
Small laboratory animal models of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Cardona‐Ramirez Sebastian , Cook James L. , Stoker Aaron M. , Ma Richard
Published: June 2022

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common knee ligament injuries. While generally successful, ACL reconstruction that uses a tendon graft to stabilize the knee is still associated with a notable percentage of failures and long‐term morbidities. Preclinical research that uses small laboratory species (i.e., mice, rats, and rabbits) to model ACL reconstruction are important to evaluate factors that can impact graft incorporation or posttraumatic osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction. Small animal ACL reconstruction models are also used for proof‐of‐concept studies for the development of emerging biological strategies aimed at improving ACL reconstruction healing. The objective of this review is to provide an overview on the use of common small animal laboratory species to model ACL reconstruction. The review includes a discussion on comparative knee anatomy, technical considerations including types of tendon grafts employed amongst the small laboratory species (i.e., mice, rats, and rabbits), and common laboratory evaluative methods used to study healing and outcomes after ACL reconstruction in small laboratory animals. The review will also highlight common research questions addressed with small animal models of ACL reconstruction.
Investigating seasonal mobility in Irish giant deer Megaloceros giganteus (Blumenbach, 1799) through strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) analysis
Authors: Douw David S. , Giltaij Tom J. , Kootker Lisette M. , Reumer Jelle W.F. , Monaghan Nigel T. , Schulp Anne S.
Published: June 2022

Giant deer Megaloceros giganteus (Blumenbach, 1799) fossils are commonly found in Lateglacial deposits throughout Ireland. While their migrational behaviour has been suggested, it has never been researched. We hypothesise that giant deer underwent seasonal migrations, specifically during Late Pleistocene cold periods as a behavioural adaptation. Giant deer required a high nutrient uptake and were maladapted to the cold‐dry steppe of the Pleistocene glacials. Migration allowed for optimal nutrient uptake during summer, while avoiding the harsh winter conditions of the glacials by moving to sheltered, low‐lying areas. In this study strontium isotope analysis (87Sr/86Sr) of sequentially sampled dental enamel is conducted for the first time on giant deer that were previously sampled in the same manner for δ13C and δ18O, allowing correlations between the isotope data sets. One specimen from Ballybetagh, Dublin generated results indicating seasonal mobility behaviour. This individual was perhaps pushed to migrate at the Younger Dryas stadial onset as the vegetation giant deer depended on disappeared in Ireland. Adaptive mobility behaviour in response to climate was perhaps imperative to their survival through previous glacial periods, but other Eurasian populations would need to be analysed to make such a general conclusion.
Regulation of wheat bran feruloyl oligosaccharides in the intestinal antioxidative capacity of rats associated with the p38/JNK‐Nrf2 signaling pathway and gut microbiota
Authors: Wang Wenwen , Wang Yuan , Duan Yuanxiao , Meng Ziqi , An Xiaoping , Qi Jingwei
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Feruloyl oligosaccharides (FOs), the ferulic acid ester of oligosaccharides, may possess the physiological functions of both ferulic acid and oligosaccharides, including antioxidative activity and gut microbiota modulation capacity. The present study aimed to investigate whether FOs could regulate the intestinal antioxidative capacity of rats by modulating the MAPKs/Nrf2 signaling pathway and gut microbiota. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Rats received a standard diet and were gavaged once daily with 0.85% normal saline, 100 mg kg−1 body weight vitamin C or FOs solution at doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg kg−1 body weight for 21 days.

RESULTS

FOs strengthened the antioxidative capacity of the jejunum, as indicated by increased in contents of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as glutathione. Moreover, FOs administration upregulated the mRNA expression level of antioxidant‐related genes (glutamate‐cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, glutamate‐cysteine ligase modifier subunit and heme oxygenase‐1) in the jejunum. Increases in phosphorylation levels of Nrf2, p38 and JNK were also observed. Administration with 40 mg kg−1 FOs altered the structure and composition of the cecal microbiota, which was indicated by the increased the relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota, and the decreased the relative abundances of Firmicutes, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Blautia. Furthermore, Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the altered cecal microbiota closely correlated with jejunal antioxidative capacity of rats.

CONCLUSION

FOs could be used as an antioxidant for gut heath improvement through modulating the p38/JNK‐Nrf2 signaling pathway and gut microbiota. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Characterization and identification of the metabolites of dihydromethysticin by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Cheng Cong , Zhao Shanshan , Gu Yong‐Li , Pang Jie , Zhao Yanyun
Published: June 2022

Dihydromethysticin, a natural component from Piper methysticum Forst, has been reported to display pharmacological effects in mental disorders and some malignant tumors. However, the metabolism of this component remained unknown. The goal of this work was conducted to discover the metabolic profiles of dihydromethysticin. The in vitro incubation was performed by incubating dihydromethysticin with rat, monkey, and human liver microsomes and hepatocytes. An analytical assay of ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography combined with Orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry was utilized to detect and identify the metabolites. With high resolution mass spectrometric determination, the accurate mass, elemental composition, and product ions of the metabolites were determined, which enabled structural characterization to become easy. Under the present conditions, four phase‐I metabolites, as well as six phase‐II metabolites, were detected and their tentative structures were characterized by mass spectra. M4 was found as the most abundant metabolite both in liver microsomes and hepatocytes. Cytochrome P450 1A2, 2C9, and 3A4 contributed to the formation of this metabolite by using human recombinant P450 enzymes. M4 can be oxidized into reactive ortho‐quinone intermediate followed by conjugating with glutathione. M4 was also subject to glucuronidation (M1 and M2) and methylation (M5). Demethylenation, oxidation, hydroxylation, glucuronidation, glutathionylation, and methylation were the primary metabolic pathways of dihydromethysticin. This study provides in vitro metabolism data of dihydromethysticin, which is indispensable for understanding the disposition of this compound.
Poly(oligoethylene glycol methacrylate) Star‐Shaped Copolymers with Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate Cores
Authors: Sentoukas Theodore , Forys Aleksander , Marcinkowski Andrzej , Otulakowski Lukasz , Pispas Stergios , Trzebicka Barbara
Published: June 2022

Star‐shaped copolymers with crosslinked hyperbranched cores, varying in both number and length of the arms, are prepared by the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization technique. Star synthesis is conducted via a simple, “core‐first” method. Hydroxypropyl methacrylate monomer is used for the formation of the hyperbranched/crosslinked core, with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate used as a bifunctional monomer in the role of the cross‐linker. Two different cross‐linker/chain transfer agent ratios are chosen to manipulate the number of the arms in the final star nanostructure. Oligoethylene glycol methacrylate (OEGMA500) is used as a biocompatible and hydrophilic component for the creation and extension of the arms. Arm length is controlled by the amount of OEGMA monomer used in the second polymerization step. Molecular characterization of the four synthesized stars is achieved via size exclusion chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance, which provides information regarding the molar mass, dispersity, and composition of each star‐shaped copolymer. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies of copolymers in N,N‐dimethyl formamide solutions provide sizes of individual copolymer molecules in the size range of 8–20 nm. Aqueous dispersions of copolymers are investigated by DLS, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy, which show the formation of spherical aggregates with diameters of 60–350 nm, dependent on the arm number and length of star copolymers. The obtained sizes and size distributions, along with the hydroxyl‐group‐bearing cores, indicate that the star copolymer can be used as potential nanocarriers for drugs or bioimaging agents.
Preparation of Ultrathin and Degradable Polymeric Films by Electropolymerization of 3‐Amino‐l‐tyrosine
Authors: Marchesi D'Alvise Tommaso , Sunder Sruthi , Hasler Roger , Moser Julia , Knoll Wolfgang , Synatschke Christopher V. , Harvey Sean , Weil Tanja
Published: June 2022

Bioderived polymers are one of many current research areas that promise a sustainable future. Due to their unique properties, the bioderived polymer polydopamine has been in the spotlight over the last decades. Its ability to adhere to virtually any surface and its stability over a wide pH range as well as in several organic solvents make it a suitable candidate for various applications like coatings and biosensors. However, strong light absorption over a broad range of wavelengths and high quenching efficiency limit its uses. Therefore, new bioderived polymers with similar features to polydopamine but without fluorescence quenching properties are highly desirable. Herein, the electropolymerization of a bioderived analog of dopamine, 3‐amino‐l‐tyrosine, is demonstrated. The resulting polymer, poly(amino‐l‐tyrosine), exhibits several characteristics complementary to or even exceeding those of polydopamine and its analog, polynorepinephrine, rendering poly(amino‐l‐tyrosine) attractive for the development of sensors and photoactive devices. Cyclic voltammetry, spectro‐electrochemistry, and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance measurements are applied to study the electrodeposition of this material, and the resulting films are compared to polydopamine and polynorepinephrine. Impedance spectroscopy reveals increased ion permeability of poly(amino‐l‐tyrosine) compared to polydopamine and polynorepinephrine. Moreover, the reduced fluorescence quenching of poly(amino‐l‐tyrosine) supports its use as coating for biosensors and organic semiconductors.
Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly of Multifunctional NR/MXene/CNTs Composite Films with Exceptional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Performances and Excellent Mechanical Properties
Authors: Wu Hao , Zhu Chuanbiao , Li Xiaolong , Hu Xinpeng , Xie Heng , Lu Xiang , Qu Jin‐Ping
Published: June 2022

With the rapid advance of electronics, the light, flexible, and multifunctional composite films with high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness and excellent thermal management are highly desirable for next‐generation portable and wearable electronic devices. Herein, a series of flexible and ultrathin natural rubber/MXene/carbon nanotubes (NR/MXene/CNTs) composite films with sandwich structure are constructed layer by layer through a facile vacuum‐assisted filtration method for EMI shielding and Joule heating application. The fabricated NR/MXene/CNTs‐50 composite film, with NR/MXene as inner layer and NR/CNTs as out layers, not only has high EMI shielding efficiency, but also has excellent comprehensive mechanical properties at the thickness of only 200 µm. In addition, the superior environmental durability, high electrothermal conversion efficiency, hydrophobicity, and fine performance stability after periodic cyclic bending make the film possess more value in practical application.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Other Vascular Risk factors' Impact on Non‐Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Meira Bruna , Fernandes Marco , Salavisa Manuel , Saraiva Marlene , Conceição Laurete , Borbinha Cláudia , Ladeira Filipa , Marto João Pedro , Barbosa Raquel , Mendonça Marcelo , Bugalho Paulo
Published: June 2022

Background

Previous studies revealed an association between vascular comorbidities and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the severity of motor and cognitive symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is a lack of studies assessing the entire spectrum of non‐motor symptoms (NMS).

Objective

To investigate the relationship between vascular comorbidities and NMS in PD patients.

Methods

Patients were assessed at baseline and 4 years later with the Non‐Motor Symptom Assessment Scale, Parkinson's Psychosis Questionnaire, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Apathy scale. After tetrachoric correlation matrix, we conducted linear regression models (adjusted for age, gender, disease duration, and UPDRS‐III) to investigate the relationship between vascular comorbidities and NMS.

Results

In 73 PD patients, (mean disease duration 7.1 [5.3]), 57% had hypertension, 44% body mass index >25, 44% elevated cholesterol, 15% diabetes mellitus, 15% OSA, 14% cigarette‐smoking history, 8% prior stroke, and 8% coronary disease. Cognition, psychotic symptoms, apathy, urinary function, and miscellaneous domains significantly worsened at the 4‐year follow‐up. OSA was significantly associated with higher severity of hallucinations/illusions at baseline and with a more severe deterioration of attention/memory, psychotic symptoms, and apathetic mood at the 4‐year follow‐up. At baseline, but not at follow‐up, hypertension was negatively associated with miscellaneous domain scores and coronary disease with autonomic function scores (gastrointestinal tract and urinary function domains).

Conclusion

Among PD‐associated comorbidities, OSA was the main factor of decline. In addition to cognitive impairment, OSA might also potentially worsen psychotic symptoms and apathy. Treatment of OSA could be a strategy to improve these important NMS.
Synchronized and segregated vector solutions for nonlinear fractional Schrödinger systems
Authors: Zhou Fen , Shen Zifei
Published: June 2022

We are concerned with the qualitative analysis of synchronized and segregated vector solutions for a class of nonlinear Schrödinger systems driven by the fractional Laplace operator. We investigate both attractive and repulsive cases. In the attractive case, we construct an unbounded sequence of non‐radial positive vector solutions whose components are synchronized, while in the repulsive case, we prove the existence of an unbounded sequence of non‐radial positive vector solutions with segregated components. A key role in the arguments developed in this paper is played by the Lyapunov‐Schmidt reduction method.
A generalized distributed delay model for hepatitis B virus infection with two modes of transmission and adaptive immunity: A mathematical study
Authors: Manna Kalyan , Hattaf Khalid
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we formulate a generalized hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection model with two modes of infection transmission and adaptive immunity and investigate its dynamical properties. Both the virus‐to‐cell and cell‐to‐cell infection transmissions are modeled by general functions which satisfy some biologically motivated assumptions. Furthermore, the model incorporates three distributed time delays for the production of active infected hepatocytes, mature capsids, and virions. The well‐posedness of the proposed model is established by showing the non‐negativity and boundedness of solutions. Five equilibria of the model are identified in terms of five threshold parameters
, and
. Further, the global stability analysis of each equilibrium under certain conditions is carried out by employing suitable Lyapunov function and LaSalle's invariance principle. Finally, we present an example with numerical simulations to illustrate the applicability of our study. Nonetheless, the results obtained in this study are valid for a wide class of HBV infection models.
Wideband dual‐polarized antenna with high isolation for full‐duplex application
Authors: Wu Duo‐Long , Zhu Wen J. , Yang Kang Y. , Ye Liang H. , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: June 2022

A wideband dual‐polarized antenna with high isolation is proposed for full‐duplex applications. It consists of a radiating patch, two E‐shaped strips, a parasitic patch, a metal reflector, and a 180° power divider. Two hook‐shaped strips and a pair of E‐shaped strips are used to excite the radiating patch realize ±45° polarization. The impedance matching is significantly enhanced by the attendance of the parasitic patch and 180° power divider. Multiple decoupling techniques, including polarization diversity, radiation mechanism diversity, shunt effect of a shorting pin, and differential feeding, are simultaneously used to achieve high isolation. An antenna prototype is measured with an impedance bandwidth of 52.2% (1.7–2.9 GHz) for |S11|, |S22| < −10 dB, and high isolation of better than 55 dB. These characteristics make it a promising candidate for in‐band full‐duplex wireless communication systems.