bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental biology of the larvaceanOikopleura dioica: Genome resources, functional screening, and imaging
Authors: Onuma Takeshi A. , Nishida Hiroki
Published: December 2021

The larvaceanOikopleura dioicais a cosmopolitan planktonic chordate and is closely related to vertebrates. It is characterized by a tadpole‐shaped morphology with notochord flanked by muscle in the tail and brain on the dorsal side, a short life cycle of five days, a compact genome of approximately 56 Mb, a simple and transparent body with a small number of cells (~4000 in functional juveniles), invariant embryonic cell lineages, and fast development that ensures complete morphogenesis and organ formation 10 h after fertilization. With these features, this marine chordate is a promising and advantageous animal model in which genetic manipulation is feasible. In this review, we introduce relevant resources and modern techniques that have been developed: (1) Genome and transcriptomes.Oikopleura dioicahas the smallest genome among non‐parasitic metazoans. Its genome databases have been generated using three geographically distantO. dioicapopulations, and several intra‐species sequence differences are becoming evident; (2) Functional genetic knockdown techniques. Comprehensive screening of genes is feasible using ovarian microinjection and double‐strand DNA‐induced gene knockdown; and (3) Live imaging of embryos and larvae. Application of these techniques has uncovered novel aspects of development, including meiotic cell arrest, left–right patterning, epidermal cell patterning, and mouth formation involving the connection of ectoderm and endoderm sheets.Oikopleura diocahas become very useful for developmental and evolutionary studies in chordates.
The effects of feed supplements and Nosema bombycis infection on economical traits in various silkworm breeding lines
Authors: Khezrian Ali , Bagheri Masoumeh , Sourati Zanjani Reza , Kheirkhah Rahimabad Yousef , Nematollahian Shahla , Zahmatkesh Azadeh
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to identify the production capacity of six commercial silkworm Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) lines (numbers 31, 32, 103, 104, 153, and 154), which were contaminated with Nosema bombycis Nageli spores (103 or 105 per ml), the fungus responsible for pebrine (pepper disease) in silkworms. Effects of the two fungal Microsporidia concentrations were tested on silkworm feeding on either treated (with 1.0% Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotics or 0.5% Echinacea purpurea plant extract) or non‐treated (control) mulberry leaves (Moraceae). Traits included larval weight, cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, pupal rate, silk shell percentage, total cocoon number, cocoon yield per 10 000 larvae, larval mortality, and incidence of infection in moth. Results showed that lines, feed supplements, and level of Microsporidia spore infection had significant effects on most estimated parameters. Both concentrations of Microsporidia spores led to a decrease in the silkworm performance and an increase in mortality. Supplementation of mulberry leaves with probiotics or plant extract resulted in improvement of economic traits in B. mori. Commercial line 153 performed the best in most of the studied traits and was highlighted as the optimum line for breeding in Iranian silkworm industry. Also, line 104 was the most resistant line to N. bombycis. This information will be helpful for selection of the best line for breeders according to the rearing conditions and desirable economic traits.
Bioinformatic identification of differentially expressed genes regulated by DNA‐methylation in glioblastoma
Authors: Guan Sizhong , Jian Linge , He Ye , Su Yanna , Zhou Liping
Published: December 2021

DNA methylation‐driven differentially expressed genes (DEGs) play potentially important roles in glioblastoma (GBM). In the present study, we applied bioinformatic analyses to identify key methylation‐regulated DEGs (MeDEGs) in glioblastoma and elucidate their functions. Gene expression and methylation profile data from glioblastoma samples along with clinical information were obtained from GEO and TCGA databases. A total of 65 genes were identified as MeDEGs from the aforementioned data. Subsequently, gene ontology and kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses of these MeDEGs exhibited that MeDEGs were mostly enriched in several tumour‐related terms such as ‘activation of cysteine‐type endopeptidase activity involved in apoptotic process’ and ‘phospholipid scrambling’. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated significant correlation of CASP1, CFH and TTLL7 hyper‐methylation with patient prognosis. Finally, CASP1 protein could indirectly interact with CFH protein, but interaction of TTLL7 protein with CASP1 or CFH protein was not evident. Based on gene set enrichment analysis, hyper‐methylation of CASP1, CFH and TTLL7 were found enriched in tumour‐related KEGG terms, such as ‘RNA degradation’, ‘apyruvate metabolism’ and ‘nitrogen metabolism’. Methylation levels of CASP1, CFH and TTLL7 were addressed to negatively correlate with their mRNA levels in GBM cell lines. In sum, the present identification of MeDEGs associated with overall survival put forth potential molecular targets for translation towards improved diagnosis and treatment of GBM, and specifically, methylation levels of CASP1, CFH and TTLL7 genes could serve as key prognostic biomarkers in GBM.
Seed banks alter metacommunity diversity: The interactive effects of competition, dispersal and dormancy
Authors: Wisnoski Nathan I. , Shoemaker Lauren G.
Published: December 2021

Dispersal and dormancy are two common strategies allowing for species persistence and the maintenance of biodiversity in variable environments. However, theory and empirical tests of spatial diversity patterns tend to examine either mechanism in isolation. Here, we developed a stochastic, spatially explicit metacommunity model incorporating seed banks with varying germination and survival rates. We found that dormancy and dispersal had interactive, nonlinear effects on the maintenance and distribution of metacommunity diversity. Seed banks promoted local diversity when seed survival was high and maintained regional diversity through interactions with dispersal. The benefits of seed banks for regional diversity were largest when dispersal was high or intermediate, depending on whether local competition was equal or stabilising. Our study shows that classic predictions for how dispersal affects metacommunity diversity can be strongly influenced by dormancy. Together, these results emphasise the need to consider both temporal and spatial processes when predicting multi‐scale patterns of diversity.
Clinic and genetic predictors in response to erenumab
Authors: Zecca Chiara , Cargnin Sarah , Schankin Christoph , Giannantoni Nadia Mariagrazia , Viana Michele , Maraffi Isabella , Riccitelli Gianna Carla , Sihabdeen Shairin , Terrazzino Salvatore , Gobbi Claudio
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose

Erenumab (ERE) is the first anticalcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor monoclonal antibody approved for migraine prevention. A proportion of patients do not adequately respond to ERE.

Methods

Prospective multicenter study involving 110 migraine patients starting ERE 70 mg monthly. Baseline socio‐demographics and migraine characteristics, including mean monthly migraine days (MMDs), migraine‐related burden (MIDAS [Migraine Disability Assessment scale] and Headache Impact Test‐6), and use of abortive medications, during 3 months before and after ERE start were collected. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine polymorphic variants of calcitonin receptor‐like receptor and receptor activity‐modifying protein‐1 genes. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors for 50% responder patients (50‐RESP) and 75% responder patients (75‐RESP).

Results

At month 3, MMDs decreased from 17.2 to 9.2 (p < 0.0001), 59/110 (53.6%) patients were 50‐RESP, and 30/110 (27.3%) were 75‐RESP. Age at migraine onset (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (95% CI)]: 1.062 [1.008–1.120], p = 0.024), number of failed preventive medications (0.753 [0.600–0.946], p = 0.015), and MIDAS score (1.011 [1.002–1.020], p = 0.017) were associated with 75‐RESP. Among the genetic variants investigated, RAMP1 rs7590387 was found associated with a lower probability of being 75‐RESP (per G allele OR [95% CI]: 0.53 [0.29–0.99], p = 0.048]), but this association did not survive adjustment for confounding clinical variables (per G allele, 0.55 [0.28–1.10], p = 0.09]).

Conclusions

In this real‐word study, treatment with ERE significantly reduced MMDs. The number of failed preventive medications, migraine burden, and age at migraine onset predicted response to ERE. Larger studies are required to confirm a possible role of RAMP1 rs7590387 as genetic predictor of ERE efficacy.
Multi‐population puma connectivity could restore genomic diversity to at‐risk coastal populations in California
Authors: Gustafson Kyle D. , Gagne Roderick B. , Buchalski Michael R. , Vickers T. Winston , Riley Seth P. D. , Sikich Jeff A. , Rudd Jaime L. , Dellinger Justin A. , LaCava Melanie E. F. , Ernest Holly B.
Published: December 2021

Urbanization is decreasing wildlife habitat and connectivity worldwide, including for apex predators, such as the puma (Puma concolor). Puma populations along California's central and southern coastal habitats have experienced rapid fragmentation from development, leading to calls for demographic and genetic management. To address urgent conservation genomic concerns, we used double‐digest restriction‐site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing to analyze 16,285 genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 401 pumas sampled broadly across the state. Our analyses indicated support for 4–10 geographically nested, broad‐ to fine‐scale genetic clusters. At the broadest scale, the four genetic clusters had high genetic diversity and exhibited low linkage disequilibrium, indicating that pumas have retained genomic diversity statewide. However, multiple lines of evidence indicated substructure, including 10 finer‐scale genetic clusters, some of which exhibited fixed alleles and linkage disequilibrium. Fragmented populations along the Southern Coast and Central Coast had particularly low genetic diversity and strong linkage disequilibrium, indicating genetic drift and close inbreeding. Our results demonstrate that genetically at risk populations are typically nested within a broader‐scale group of interconnected populations that collectively retain high genetic diversity and heterogenous fixations. Thus, extant variation at the broader scale has potential to restore diversity to local populations if management actions can enhance vital gene flow and recombine locally sequestered genetic diversity. These state‐ and genome‐wide results are critically important for science‐based conservation and management practices. Our nested population genomic analysis highlights the information that can be gained from population genomic studies aiming to provide guidance for the conservation of fragmented populations.
Association between activity restriction due to fear of falling and mortality: Results from the Korean longitudinal study of aging
Authors: Yang Jeong Min , Kim Jae Hyun
Published: December 2021

Aim

To analyze the correlation between activity restriction due to fear of falling and mortality among Koreans aged ≥45 years.

Methods

After excluding missing values, the data of 411 participants from the first to sixth waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed using the χ2‐test, log‐rank tests and Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

In model 1, which did not include activity restriction due to fear of falling as an independent variable, the death rate increased by 1.024‐fold (hazard ratio 1.024, 95% confidence interval 1.000–1.050, P = 0.0498) as the number of falls increased by one. In model 2, which included activity restriction due to fear of falling as an independent variable, participants with experience of activity restriction showed 1.993‐fold higher mortality (hazard ratio 1.993, 95% confidence interval 1.112–3.572, P = 0.0205) than those without such experience. In addition, as the number of falls in the group with chronic diseases increased by one, the mortality rate increased by 1.028‐fold (hazard ratio 1.028, 95% confidence interval 1.001–1.057, P = 0.043).

Conclusions

There was a close relationship between activity restriction due to fear of falling and mortality. Therefore, this study can serve as the foundation for policies and institutional measures to reduce the mortality rate of groups with activity restrictions due to fear of falling. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 168–174.
High‐speed railway and urban productivity disparities
Authors: Liu Xiaoqian , Li Han , Sun Yongzhi , Wang Chang’an
Published: December 2021

Large scale transport infrastructure constructions connect both large metropolitan cities as well as small peripheral cities. Transportation cost reductions facilitate the reallocation of labor factors between these asymmetric regions. Whether the results of labor reallocation narrow down the inter‐regional considerable discrepancies or reinforce the disparities in productivity is uncertain. This paper explores the opening of China’s High‐Speed Railway (HSR) program as a quasi‐natural experiment to estimate the causal effect of the HSR connection on urban disparities in labor productivity. To address the selection bias caused by non‐random placements of HSR routes, we eliminate all metropolitan city nodes and construct a minimum spanning tree as the instrumental variable. Compared with peripheral cities not connected by the HSR, the labor productivity in connected peripheral cities decreases by 12.6% after the opening of the HSR. Using China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS), we further find that the decline of labor productivity is driven by the relocation of high‐skilled labor from the HSR connected peripheral cities to the central cities. This article concludes that the HSR widens the productivity disparities between the large central metropolitan and small peripheral cities connected.
Feminism through the market? A study of gender‐equality consultants in France
Authors: Blanchard Soline
Published: December 2021

This article explores the professional subjectivities of gender‐equality (GE) consultants in France based on 63 interviews. A central concern is how these experts shape positions when working on a topic at the crossroads of personal, political, and economic stakes – in organizational and business contexts that are reluctant to embrace any feminist‐like perspective. Questioning the rationales for entering this market activity, the ways to embody professional work and service impact self‐assessment, the analysis highlights the tensions and dilemmas experienced by GE consultants in terms of aligning convictions and business imperatives, and the pragmatic and variable arrangements they make on a daily basis to put GE principles into practice. This research documents GE work by reanalyzing colliding dyads such as work/activism, professionalism/feminism, co‐optation/resistance, and by reviewing the use of market logics in subverting the existing gender/economic order. It draws a nuanced picture of the constraints and opportunities that GE consulting offers to destabilize power from within organizations.
Isolated left side superior vena cava in a dialysis patient: Right direction, wrong turn!
Authors: Bagai Sahil , Khullar Dinesh , Gandhi Kunal , Panigrahi Deepak , Bashir Shahnawaz , Saxena Vivek
Published: December 2021

Tunneled catheter insertion is a routine procedure undertaken by nephrologists world over. However, the presence of a venous anomaly can always test one's skills and can give them anxious moments. Persistent left superior vena cava (SVC) is the most common venous anomaly. We share our experience of successfully placing a hemodialysis central venous catheter in a very rare congenital anomaly wherein patient had persistent left SVC with agenesis of the right SVC.
ESTIMATION OF (STATIC OR DYNAMIC) GAMES UNDER EQUILIBRIUM MULTIPLICITY
Authors: Otsu Taisuke , Pesendorfer Martin , Sasaki Yuya , Takahashi Yuya
Published: December 2021

We propose a multiplicity‐robust estimation method for static or dynamic games. The method allows for distinct behaviors and strategies across markets by treating market‐specific behaviors as correlated latent variables, with their conditional probability measure treated as an infinite‐dimensional nuisance parameter. Instead of solving the intermediate infinite‐dimensional optimization problem, we consider the equivalent finite‐dimensional dual problem. This property allows for a practically feasible characterization of the identified region for the structural parameters. We apply the estimation method to newspaper market previously studied in Gentzkow et al. (American Economic Review 104 (2014), 3073–114) to characterize the identified region of marginal costs.
Cinnamic Aldehyde, the main monomer component of Cinnamon, exhibits anti‐inflammatory property in OA synovial fibroblasts via TLR4/MyD88 pathway
Authors: Chen Pu , Zhou Jun , Ruan Anmin , Zeng Lingfeng , Liu Jun , Wang Qingfu
Published: December 2021

Cinnamon is a wildly used traditional Chinese herbal medicine for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment, but the underlying mechanism remains ambiguous. The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanism of cinnamic aldehyde (CA), a bioactive substance extracted from Cinnamon, on synovial inflammation in OA. A total of 144 CA‐OA co‐targeted genes were identified by detect databases (PubChem, HIT, TCMSP, TTD, DrugBank and GeneCards). The results of GO enrichment analysis indicated that these co‐targeted genes have participated in many biological processes including ‘inflammatory response’, ‘cellular response to lipopolysaccharide’, ‘response to drug’, ‘immune response’, ‘lipopolysaccharide‐mediated signalling pathway’, etc. KEGG pathway analysis showed these co‐targeted genes were mainly enriched in ‘Toll‐like receptor signalling pathway’, ‘TNF signalling pathway’, ‘NF‐kappa B signalling pathway’, etc. Molecular docking demonstrated that CA could successfully bind to TLR2 and TLR4. The results of in vitro experiments showed no potential toxicity of 10, 20 and 50 μM/L CA on human OA FLS, and CA can significantly inhibit the inflammation in LPS‐induced human FLS. Further experimental mechanism evidence confirmed CA can inhibited the inflammation in LPS‐induced human OA FLS via blocking the TLR4/MyD88 signalling pathway. Our results demonstrated that CA exhibited strong anti‐inflammation effect in OA FLS through blocking the activation of TLR4/MyD88 signalling pathway, suggesting its potential as a hopeful candidate for the development of novel agents for the treatment of OA.
Who's in the Spotlight? The Personalization of Politics in the European Parliament
Authors: Hamřík Lukáš , Kaniok Petr
Published: December 2021

The personalization of politics represents a growing research field in European studies. Yet, despite this, an institutional sphere of politics remained rather overlooked. This article aims to fill this gap, focusing on the only European Union (EU) institution with legitimacy derived directly from EU citizens: the European Parliament (EP). This study brings new insights about political behaviour within the EP and provides an original approach for studying (not only) EP politics. Based on quantitative content analysis we conclude that politics in the EP has become to some extent more personalized. However, despite the enhancement of (some) individuals' positions within the EP, collective actors have not lost their dominant positions. The personalization can be observed primarily in the field of parliamentary procedure. In agenda‐setting and internal decision‐making, personalization occurred as well. Any possibility of individual actors to affect the EP's internal organization remains very limited.
Understanding the European Union's Perception of the Threat of Cyberterrorism: A Discursive Analysis
Authors: Baker‐Beall Christopher , Mott Gareth
Published: December 2021

This article analyses the European Union's (EU) construction of the threat of cyberterrorism. Through the application of interpretive discourse analysis, the article identifies several key strands that underpin the construction of the cyberterrorist threat within the political and security institutions of the EU. Locating the analysis within the literature pertaining both to the EU as a security actor and to cyber‐security, the article identifies the emergence of the perceived threat of cyberterrorism within the EU discourse on emerging security threats. The article scrutinizes the meaning(s) ascribed to this threat, arguing that although cyberterrorism has not been conclusively defined by the EU, the threat has been invoked as a means of legitimizing existing and future security practices. In particular, the threat of cyberterrorism has been ascribed significance with respect to the need to implement harmonized, high standards for the securing of critical infrastructure across the EU and its member states.
A customized subepithelial connective tissue graft for interdental papilla reconstruction and soft tissue augmentation
Authors: Yi Zumu , Miao Xinhai , Wang Lei , Zhang Guorui , Wu Yingying
Published: December 2021

Objective

Due to the minimal blood supply and other reasons, stable reconstruction of interdental papilla is difficult. This article presented three cases, which describe a customized subepithelial connective tissue graft aiming to overcome the clinical challenge, with the combination of tunneling technique.

Clinical Considerations

An original customized subepithelial connective tissue graft combined with tunnel technique aimed to reconstruct interdental papilla (IP). The subepithelial connective tissue graft was partially spilt to create a bowtie‐like shape, with four lateral wings and a main body. The four wings were tightly wrapped around the adjacent abutments, and the body part was used to reconstruct the IP.

Conclusions

With the customized subepithelial connective tissue graft, a favorable outcome has been preliminarily confirmed in these cases. Facing patients with a lack of gingival papilla and soft tissue fullness, the customized subepithelial connective tissue graft may be a good choice.

Clinical Significance

This study provides a new method to reconstruct IP. The customized subepithelial connective tissue graft may be a good choice when a lack of gingival papilla and soft tissue fullness occurs, which will be of great benefit to meet the aesthetic needs of patients.
Comparison of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) kernel volatile compounds of “Siirt”, “Uzun” and “Kirmizi” grown in Turkey: Effect of traditional and industrial in‐shell roasting
Authors: Güler Zehra , Dursun Ahmet , Türkmen Dilek
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to compare pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) kernel volatile compounds (VCs) of “Siirt”, “Uzun” and “Kirmizi” cultivars grown in Turkey, and also to determine the effects of traditional and industrial in‐shell roasting. The VCs were analyzed by using solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Regardless of cultivar, a total of 36, 55, and 65 VCs were identified in raw, industrial and traditional roasted pistachios, respectively. Limonene was the major terpene and the most important volatile compound in “Siirt” and α‐pinene in raw “Kirmizi” and “Uzun” but α‐terpinolene in their roasted counterparts. The heterocyclic and phenolic compounds reached a maximum in all three cultivars in traditional roasting compared to industrial roasting. Discriminant analysis based on volatile compounds classified the pistachios according to the roasting methods rather than cultivars. “Kirmizi” may be the most promising cultivar for traditional roasting regarding its highest pyrazine content.

Practical Applications

The main object of the present study was to determine and compare volatile compounds (VCs) in three different pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) cultivars (“Siirt”, “Uzun” and “Kirmizi”) that are raw (not roasted), industrial and traditional roasted in‐shell. They are the main cultivars grown in Turkey. VCs from kernels were analyzed by using solid phase micro‐extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. VC profile and its abundance were dependent on both roasting methods and cultivar. Pyrrole, pyrazine and furan compounds were emerged by the roasting process. Pyrroles were higher than pyrazines in industrial roasting, with exception of “Kirmizi” but pyrazines were the highest heterocyclic compounds in traditional one, even being the dominant VC group in “Siirt” and “Kirmizi”. Roasting process was a crucial factor for pyrazines, pyrroles, furans, phenolic compounds and also terpenes in “Siirt,” “Uzun” and “Kirmizi” pistachios. “Kirmizi” may be the most promising cultivar for traditional roasting regarding its highest pyrazine content.
The Importance of the Part‐Time and Participation Margins for Real Wage Adjustment
Authors: DALY MARY C. , HOBIJN BART
Published: December 2021

We introduce a decomposition of the growth in real median usual weekly earnings of full‐time wage and salary earners into parts due to earnings increases of those who remain employed, the intensive margin, and due to changes in those who are employed, the extensive margin. The intensive margin is procyclical and dominates during expansions. The extensive margin is countercyclical and important during downturns, especially during the Great and COVID Recessions. The extensive margin is mainly driven by entries from and exits to part‐time employment and nonparticipation, not unemployment.
Worker Heterogeneity, Selection, and Unemployment Dynamics in a Pandemic
Authors: RAVENNA FEDERICO , WALSH CARL E.
Published: December 2021

We employ a new Keynesian model with random search in the labor market and endogenous selection among heterogeneous workers to investigate the impact of a pandemic‐induced recession on the distribution of unemployment across workers. In such a recession, workers whose unemployment spells in normal times are inefficiently frequent and long are disproportionately affected. This remains true even when the pandemic initially causes mass layoffs that affect workers broadly or if many separations represent temporary layoffs. Monetary policy that responds to labor market variables affects unemployment for all workers but does relatively little for the distribution of unemployment across workers types.
From survival to self‐governance: A comparison of two peasant autonomy struggles in Colombia's coffee and frontier regions
Authors: Sankey Kyla
Published: December 2021

This contribution explores processes of political class formation in peasant autonomy movements. The paper is based on a comparison of two peasant autonomy movements emerging from diverse agrarian structures and looks at how each movement emerged and developed. It argues that variations in class bases, cultural traditions and political histories shape the different ways autonomy is conceived and practised between peasant movements. The political expressions of autonomy struggles can be very diverse, ranging from poverty‐driven survival strategies to politicized socio‐territorial movements. The paper also highlights three main tensions in the question of autonomy for peasant movements: (1) struggles for autonomy do not involve a straightforward withdrawal from commodity markets, but also seek greater control over the terms of integration into markets; (2) states are still central focal points for the demands and tactics of autonomy struggles, and states still play an important role in allocating resources and co‐opting peasant movements; and (3) the strategy of autonomy alone is insufficient for building counter‐hegemonic movements. Leadership strategies are critical in shaping the political direction of autonomy movements.
Correlation of serum interleukin 17 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels with clinical response to intralesional Candida antigen and their potential use as predictors of clinical outcome in patients with multiple common warts
Authors: Nassar Amany , Nofal Ahmad , Bakr Noha M. , Essam Reham , Alakad Rania
Published: December 2021

Background

Candida antigen injection is one of the most widely used intralesional immunotherapy in the treatment of warts. It acts through the induction of systemic immune response. The pattern of cytokines production may play an integral role in its mechanism of action.

Aim

To investigate the possible relation between serum levels of IL17 and MIF, and the clinical response to intralesional Candida antigen in multiple common warts.

Methods

A total of 90 patients with multiple common warts were divided into 2 groups. Sixty patients received intralesional Candida antigen injection into the largest wart, controlled against thirty patients who had intralesional saline, as placebo. The injection was done at a 2‐week interval for 5 doses. Blood samples were obtained from both groups, and serum levels of IL17A and MIF were estimated at baseline and 2 weeks after the last session using ELISA kits.

Results

Complete clearance of warts was statistically higher in the Candida antigen group (40% of the patients) compared to the saline group (p < 0.05). The serum levels of IL17 had significantly declined from baseline, while the level of MIF had risen after intralesional Candida antigen injection, but not in the saline group. At a cutoff level of 316 pg/ml, IL17 had a sensitivity of 83.3% to predict therapeutic response.

Conclusion

IL17A and MIF may have possible roles in the mechanism of action of Candida antigen in the treatment of common warts. At a certain level, serum IL17A may be a potential predictor of response to treatment.
Small increases in group size improve small shoals' response to water flow in zebrafish
Authors: Suriyampola P. S. , Iruri‐Tucker A. A. , Padilla‐Veléz L. , Enriquez A. , Shelton D. S. , Martins E. P.
Published: December 2021

Social context may influence the perception of sensory cues and the ability to display refined behavioral responses. Previous work suggests that effective responses to environmental cues can be contingent on having a sufficient number of individuals in a group. Thus, the changes in group size may have profound impacts, particularly on the behavior of small social groups. Using zebrafish (Danio rerio), here we examined how changes in group size influence the ability to respond to changes in water flow. We found that fish in relatively larger groups displayed stronger rheotaxis even when comparing pairs of fish with groups of four fish, indicating that a small increase in group size can enhance the responsiveness to environmental change. Individual fish in relatively larger groups also spent less time in the energetically costly leading position than individuals in pairs, indicating that even a small increase in group size may provide energetic benefits. We also found that the shoal cohesion was dependent on the size of the group but within a given group size, shoal cohesion did not vary with the flow rate. Our study highlights that even a small change in group size could significantly affect the way social fish respond to the changes in water flow, which could be an important attribute that shapes the resilience of social animals in changing environments.
Expected median of a shifted Brownian motion: Theory and calculations
Authors: Piterbarg Vladimir V.
Published: December 2021

Financial derivatives linked to the median, the 50%‐th percentile of an occupation measure of a stochastic process, have not been extensively studied in realistic models of financial markets, as such derivatives simply did not exist until recently. The Libor reform changed that, as valuing a vast number of financial contracts in the final years before the Libor cessation announcement required calculating the expected value of the median of the time series of Libor versus the risk‐free rate spreads, part of which were yet unknown and, thus, stochastic. Numerically‐efficient algorithms for calculating the fair value of the median that incorporate both the historical observations and the future dynamics of the spreads in a realistic model have already been studied by Piterbarg. In this paper, we go significantly further and develop methods for calculating the expected value of the median in a model of a Brownian motion with a time‐dependent shift where, critically, we do not assume that the historical part of the time series is long enough to make the realized median an a.s. bounded random variable. A whole new approach is required in this case, and we combine a newly‐established linearization property of the expected median in the large volatility limit, a universal white noise approximation, and novel Machine Learning techniques to derive a general, numerically efficient algorithm for approximating the expected median across a wide range of model parameters. Theoretical advances and practical solutions to topical problems are presented. Various extensions are discussed.
Exploring Potential Educational and Social Contributors to Relational Reasoning Development
Authors: Chae Soo Eun , Alexander Patricia A.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relational reasoning performance of three groups from South Korea who either differed significantly in age or in the timing of their education. One group consisted of 200 sixth‐grade adolescents. The other groups were composed of older adults who either attended school during the mandated timeframe (typical, n = 34) or who are only now enrolled in a secondary‐school program (atypical, n = 45). Our quantitative investigation of the participants' performances on the Test of Relational Reasoning‐Junior showed that the atypically schooled older adults performed significantly below the young adolescents and typically schooled peers on the composite scores and on all four scales (i.e., analogical, anomaly, antinomy, and antithesis). Further, the semi‐structured interviews elaborated on social conditions pertinent to the quantitative analyses. Overall messages shown in the data about relational reasoning development and the potential contributions of educational and social factors are discussed.
Remote provision of breastfeeding support and education: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gavine Anna , Marshall Joyce , Buchanan Phyll , Cameron Joan , Leger Agnes , Ross Sam , Murad Amal , McFadden Alison
Published: December 2021

The Covid‐19 pandemic has led to a substantial increase in remotely provided maternity care services, including breastfeeding support. It is, therefore, important to understand whether breastfeeding support provided remotely is an effective method of support. To determine if breastfeeding support provided remotely is an effective method of support. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted. Twenty‐nine studies were included in the review and 26 contributed data to the meta‐analysis. Remotely provided breastfeeding support significantly reduced the risk of women stopping exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months by 25% (risk ratio [RR]: 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63, 0.90). There was no significant difference in the number of women stopping any breastfeeding at 4–8 weeks (RR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.64), 3 months (RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.71, 1.11), or 6 months (RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.81, 1.03) or the number of women stopping exclusive breastfeeding at 4–8 weeks (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.70, 1.07) or 6 months (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.0). There was substantial heterogeneity of interventions in terms of mode of delivery, intensity, and providers. This demonstrates that remote interventions can be effective for improving exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months but the certainty of the evidence is low. Improvements in exclusive breastfeeding at 4–8 weeks and 6 months were only found when studies at high risk of bias were excluded. They are also less likely to be effective for improving any breastfeeding. Remote provision of breastfeeding support and education could be provided when it is not possible to provide face‐to‐face care.
Scleral exposure changes after Le Fort I maxillary advancement with vertical component in individuals with skeletal Class III malocclusion—A stereophotogrammetric image study
Authors: Yılmaz Hanife Nuray , Acar Yasemin Bahar , Onem Ozbilen Elvan
Published: December 2021

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate inferior scleral exposure changes in Class III patients that underwent orthognathic surgery with Le Fort I osteotomy with and without vertical displacement.

Materials and Methods

Preoperative and 6 months postoperative cephalograms and stereophotogrammetric images of 45 subjects (mean age: 21.66 ± 2.97 years) who underwent orthognathic surgery for Class III correction were retrieved. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: maxillary advancement‐only (AO), maxillary advancement + impaction (AI) and maxillary advancement + downfracture (AD). Exclusion criteria were mandibular‐only surgery, occlusal canting, facial asymmetry, orbital surgery and craniofacial syndrome. One investigator measured inferior scleral exposure on both sides using following landmarks: upper eyelid margin (A), inferior limbus (B) and lower eyelid margin (C). Distance between A and C was recorded as overall eye height (E), and distance between B and C was recorded as inferior sclera exposure (S). S:E ratio in percentage was calculated to standardize sclera exposure relative to overall eye height. Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Kruskal‐Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis (P < .05).

Results

Mean value of maxillary movements was as follows: 4.21 ± 1.82 mm advancement in AO, 5.08 ± 2.18 mm advancement and 2.33 ± 0.99 mm impaction in AI, 3.95 ± 1.45 mm advancement and 3.1 ± 0.71 mm downfracture in AD. Change in reduction of scleral exposure was significant in all groups (P < .05). AI group bilaterally and AO group right side had highest differences (−4.96 ± 4.86, −6.09 ± 4.21, −4.99 ± 3.23, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups in S:E ratio changes (P > .05).

Conclusion

Intergroup comparisons showed no statistically significant difference, revealing similar reduction in all three groups despite the differences in the vertical movement variable.
Anchor and Krackow‐“8” Suture for the Fixation of Distal Pole Fractures of the Patella: Comparison to Kirschner Wire
Authors: Xie Jia , Fu Yu , Li Jun , Yu Hao , Zhang Yong , Jing Juehua
Published: December 2021

Objective

The study aim was to evaluate the clinical outcomes, functional outcomes, and postoperative complications of anchor and Krackow‐“8” suture fixation (AS) and K‐wire fixation in patients with distal pole patellar fractures.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients with distal pole patella fractures between January 2011 and December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The anchor and Krackow‐“8” suture fixation (AS group) was applied in 10 patients and 18 patients underwent K‐wire fixation (K‐wire group). The average age of patients was 46.000 ± 19.476 years in the AS group and 47.556 ± 15.704 years in the K‐wire group, with comparable demographic characteristics. All patients underwent regular follow‐up the operative data and postoperative functional and clinical outcomes were recorded. Complications were recorded by clinical and radiographic assessment. Bostman patellar fracture functional score was used to evaluate knee function after patellar fracture.

Results

A total of 28 eligible patients were included in this study. The mean follow‐up was similar for the AS and the K‐wire groups (P > 0.05). The incision length of AS group was significantly smaller than that of K‐wire group (P < 0.05). The incision length of AS group was significantly smaller than that of K‐wire group (P < 0.05). The final follow‐up on the range of motion of the knee: the average extension lag was similar in two groups (P > 0.05); flexion and flexion–extension angle was slightly better in the AS group than in the K‐wire group. The Bostman patella fracture functional score of AS group were better than K‐wire group at 3 and 6 months after operation. Four kinds of postoperative complications in two groups, one patient (10%) in the AS group and two patients (11.1%) in the K‐wire group had infections. Two (11.1%) cases of nonunion in group K and three patients (16.7%) required re‐operation: one due to infection and two due to early implant failure. In the AS group, all distal pole fractures of the patella showed bony union, without loosening, falling, pulling out and nonunion of the fractures 6 months after operation.

Conclusions

Anchor and Krackow‐“8” suture fixation is an easily executed surgical procedure that can significantly reduce incision length and achieve better surgical outcomes than traditional procedures with regard to postoperative complications, knee function and without requiring a second operation. This technique is an effective operation method for the treatment of inferior patellar pole fractures.
An Approach to Intraoperatively Identify the Coronal Plane Deformities of the Distal Tibia When Treating Tibial Fractures with Intramedullary Nail Fixation: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Lu Yao , Yang Jie , Xu Yibo , Ma Teng , Li Ming , Ren Cheng , Huang Qiang , Zhang Congming , Wang Qian , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun
Published: December 2021

Objective

To develop a new approach to intraoperatively identify the presence of coronal plane deformities (both valgus and varus) when treating tibial fractures with closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted by enrolling 33 consecutive patients with tibial fractures who received closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation from January 2018 to January 2019 at our trauma center. Out of the 33 patients, 23 were males and 10 were females and the average age was 41 years (ranging 22 to 69 years of age). Standard anteroposterior and lateral preoperative radiographs were routinely performed. After intraoperatively inserting the tibial intramedullary nail through the standard entry point, the parallel relationship between the distal horizontal interlocking screw and the tibiotalar joint surface on the anteroposterior fluoroscopy was used to determine the occurrence of valgus or varus deformities of the distal tibial fragment. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were analyzed using the average interval from injury to surgery, the lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA) of the unaffected and affected sides, complications and the Olerud–Molander ankle score.

Results

All 33 patients were postoperatively followed for 13 to 25 months (mean 18.7 months). The fractures achieved bone union at an average of 4.3 months (ranging from 3 to 6 months). The total complication rate was 60.6% (20 cases), including four cases that showed deep vein thrombosis, one case showing an infection and delayed union and 15 cases showing slight to moderate anterior knee pain. The postoperative LDTA of the unaffected side measured 87.3° to 89.6 ° (average 88.7° ± 0.8°), and the LDTA of the affected side was 87.5° to 90.4° (average 88.9° ± 1.1°). There was no significant difference between the unaffected and affected sides (t = −1.865, P = 0.068). The intraoperative measurement indicated six cases of valgus angulation and three cases of varus angulation deformities, and all deformities were corrected during surgery. According to the Olerud–Molander ankle score, clinical outcomes demonstrated 22 excellent cases, eight good cases, two fair cases, and one poor case 12 months after surgery.

Conclusion

The parallel relationship between the distal horizontal interlocking screw and tibiotalar joint surface on intraoperative anteroposterior films were able to determine the onset of valgus or varus angulations of the distal tibial fragment in the fracture zone after the tibial intramedullary nail was inserted through the standard entry point.
Antepartum severe maternal morbidity: A population‐based study of risk factors and delivery outcomes
Authors: Raineau Mégane , Deneux‐Tharaux Catherine , Seco Aurélien , Bonnet Marie‐Pierre ,   the EPIMOMS Study Group
Published: December 2021

Background

Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is a key indicator of maternal health. Generally explored without distinction by the timing of the event, it mainly reflects postpartum SMM. Although antepartum (pre‐labour) SMM presents specific challenges in its need to optimise the risk‐benefit balance for both mother and foetus, its features remain inadequately explored.

Objectives

We explored risk factors of antepartum SMM and described adverse delivery and neonatal outcomes associated with antepartum SMM.

Methods

We designed a population‐based nested case‐control study based on data from the EPIMOMS study (119 maternity hospitals of 6 French regions, 2012–2013, N = 182,309 deliveries in the source cohort). This study included all women with antepartum SMM (cases, n = 601) compared to a randomly selected sample of women who gave birth without SMM in the same hospitals (controls, n = 3651). Antepartum SMM risk factors were identified with multivariable logistic regression following imputations for missing data.

Results

Antepartum SMM complicated 0.33% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30, 0.36) of pregnancies. Antepartum SMM risk factors were maternal age ≥35 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.55, 95% CI 1.22, 1.97), increased body mass index (OR for 5 kg/m2 increase, 1.24, 95% CI 1.14, 1.36), maternal birth in sub‐Saharan Africa (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.29, 2.53), pre‐existing medical condition (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.99, 3.30), nulliparity (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.83, 2.80), previous pregnancy‐related hypertensive disorders (OR 4.94, 95% CI 3.36, 7.26), multiple pregnancy (OR 5.79, 95% CI 3.75, 7.26), irregular prenatal care (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.27, 2.72). For women with antepartum SMM, preterm delivery, neonatal mortality and transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit were 10 times more frequent than for controls. Emergency caesarean and general anaesthesia were more frequent in women with antepartum SMM.

Conclusions

Antepartum SMM is rare but associated with increased rates of adverse delivery and neonatal outcomes.
Severe congenital neutropenia due to G6PC3 deficiency: Case series of five patients and literature review
Authors: Velez‐Tirado Natalia , Yamazaki‐Nakashimada Marco Antonio , Lopez Valentín Enrique , Partida‐Gaytan Armando , Scheffler‐Mendoza Selma C. , Chaia Semerena Genny M. , Alvarez‐Cardona Aristóteles , Suárez Gutiérrez Marcos Alejandro , Medina Torres Edgar Alejandro , Baeza Capetillo Patricia , Hirschmugl Tatjana , Garncarz Wojciech , Espinosa‐Padilla Sara Elva , Aguirre Hernández Jesús , Klein Christoph , Boztug Kaan , Lugo Reyes Saul O.
Published: December 2021

Background and objectives

Glucose‐6‐phosphate catalytic subunit 3 (G6PC3) deficiency is characterized by severe congenital neutropenia with recurrent pyogenic infections, a prominent superficial venous pattern and cardiovascular and urogenital malformations caused by an alteration of glucose homeostasis, with increased endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell apoptosis.

Methods

We reviewed our patients with G6PC3 deficiency diagnosed along the last decade in Mexico; we also searched the PubMed/Medline database for the terms (‘G6PC3 deficiency’ OR ‘Dursun syndrome’ OR ‘Severe congenital neutropenia type 4’), and selected articles published in English from 2009 to 2020.

Results

We found 89 patients reported from at least 14 countries in 4 continents. We describe five new cases from Mexico. Of the 94 patients, 56% are male, 48% from Middle East countries and none of them had adverse reactions to live vaccines; all presented with at least 1 severe infection prior to age 2. Seventy‐five per cent had syndromic features, mainly atrial septal defect in 55% and prominent superficial veins in 62%.

Conclusions

With a total of 94 patients reported in the past decade, we delineate the most frequent laboratory and genetic features, their treatment and outcomes, and to expand the knowledge of syndromic and non‐syndromic phenotypes in these patients.