bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy followed by cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for appendiceal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Flood Michael P. , Roberts Georgia , Mitchell Catherine , Ramsay Robert , Michael Michael , Heriot Alexander G. , Kong Joseph C.
Published: March 2023

Aim

Peritoneal dissemination of infiltrative appendiceal tumors is a rare and poorly understood phenomenon. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a well‐recognized treatment option for selected patients. Neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy (NAC) has been shown to be associated with improved overall survival (OS) in colorectal peritoneal metastases but little is known of the impact of this from an appendiceal adenocarcinoma perspective.

Method

A prospective database of 294 patients with advanced appendiceal primary tumors undergoing CRS ± HIPEC between June 2009 and December 2020 was reviewed. Baseline characteristics and long‐term outcomes were compared between patients with adenocarcinoma who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy or upfront surgery.

Results

Eighty‐six (29%) patients were histologically diagnosed with an appendiceal cancer. These included intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma (11.6%), mucinous adenocarcinoma (43%), and goblet cell adenocarcinoma (GCA) or signet ring cell adenocarcinoma (SRCA) (45.4%). Twenty‐five (29%) of these underwent NAC, of which eight (32%) exhibited some degree of radiological response. There was no statistical difference in OS at 3 years between the NAC and upfront surgery groups (47.3% vs. 75.8%, p = 0.372). Appendiceal histology subtypes, particularly GCA and SRCA (p = 0.039) and peritoneal carcinomatosis index >10 (p = 0.009), were factors independently associated with worse OS.

Conclusion

Administration of NAC did not appear to prolong OS in the operative management of disseminated appendiceal adenocarcinomas. GCA and SRCA subtypes display a more aggressive biological phenotype.
Development and integration of LensHooke® R10 for automatic and standardized diagnosis for sperm DNA fragmentation
Authors: Hsu Cheng‐Teng , Lee Chun‐I. , Huang Chun‐Chia , Wang Tse‐En , Chang Hui‐Chen , Chang Li‐Sheng , Lee Maw‐Sheng
Published: March 2023

Background

The sperm chromatin dispersion assay is commonly used to assess sperm DNA integrity. This approach is time‐consuming, demonstrates poor chromatin preservation, and provides an ambiguous and unstandardized evaluation of fragmented chromatin.

Objectives

We aimed to (i) develop an optimized sperm chromatin dispersion assay with reduced operation time, (ii) validate R10 test accuracy by comparing it to a conventional sperm chromatin dispersion assay, and (iii) standardize the sperm DNA fragmentation analysis procedure by integrating artificial intelligence optical microscopic technology.

Materials and methods

This cross‐section study included 620 semen samples. Aliquots were analyzed by a conventional Halosperm® G2 assay (G2) and LensHooke® R10 assay (R10). The DNA fragmentation index was scored manually, and R10 slides were automatically determined by a LensHooke® X12 PRO semen analysis system (X12).

Results

We demonstrated significant improvements in total assay time (40 vs. 72 min, p < 0.001) and in the halo‐cytological resolution using R10 compared to G2. Comparing the G2 and R10, DNA fragmentation index results demonstrated good agreement between the two methods (Spearman's rank correlation, rho = 0.8517, p < 0.0001). We introduced the integration of an auto‐calculation system to diagnose sperm DNA fragmentation. X12 interpretation showed excellent agreement with manual interpretation (Spearman's rank correlation, rho = 0.9323, p < 0.0001), but had a low coefficient of variation compared to manual interpretation (4% for R10 by X12 vs. 19% for R10 by manual scoring vs. 25% for G2 by manual scoring). DNA fragmentation index was more correlated with total motility (coefficients = −0.3607, p < 0.0001) than sperm morphology and was positively associated with asthenozoospermic semen samples (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

The R10 sperm chromatin dispersion assay combined with the X12 semen analysis system is faster, more objective, and provides standardization for sperm DNA fragmentation.
Kidney function impairment in men with primary infertility: A case–control analysis
Authors: Fallara Giuseppe , Capogrosso Paolo , Pozzi Edoardo , Belladelli Federico , Cilio Simone , Corsini Christian , Candela Luigi , Raffo Massimiliano , Boeri Luca , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Pontillo Marina , Cotellessa Alice , d'Arma Alessia , Alfano Massimo , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: March 2023

Background

Infertile men have a worse overall health status than their fertile counterparts.

Objective

We aimed to (1) compare kidney function in men presenting for primary couple's infertility with that of fertile men and (2) assess kidney function impairment toward sperm quality in infertile men.

Materials and methods

In this case–control study, 387 consecutive white‐European infertile men were matched by age with 134 same‐ethnicity fertile men. Complete clinical and laboratory data were available for each patient. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration function was used for estimated glomerular filtration rate calculation. Kidney functional impairment was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <90 mL/min per 1.73 m2, according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to (1) assess the association between kidney function impairment and infertility status and (2) investigate the association between kidney function and semen analysis abnormalities in infertile men.

Results

After matching, 34 (8.8%) infertile men depicted at least a mild unknown impairment of kidney function compared to only four (3%) fertile men, with four (3%) of the infertile presenting with an overt kidney function impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2). There were no differences in terms of age, body mass index and rate of comorbidities between the two groups (all p > 0.05). After adjusting for major confounders, infertility status was associated with a higher risk of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (odds ratio 3.20; 95% confidence interval 1.21–5.2; p = 0.002). Conversely, estimated glomerular filtration rate was not associated with sperm abnormalities in infertile men.

Conclusions

Mild kidney function impairment was found in 9% of asymptomatic and unaware men presenting for primary couple's infertility investigation. This novel finding corroborates growing data on a significant association of male infertility with a poorer overall male health status and the need for tailored preventive strategies.
Impact of socioeconomic status and road distance to hospital on perforated appendicitis rates at a large rural referral centre
Authors: Huynh Roy , Tree Kevin , Builth‐Snoad Lily , Smith Matthew , Fisher Dean
Published: March 2023

Background

Socioeconomic status and distance from hospital have been shown to be associated with poor surgical outcomes related to acute appendicitis. Indigenous populations experience greater socioeconomic disadvantages and poorer healthcare access than their non‐Indigenous counterparts. This study aims to determine whether socioeconomic status and road distance from hospital are predictors of perforated appendicitis. It will also compare surgical outcomes of appendicitis between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous populations.

Methods

We performed a 5‐year retrospective study of all patients who underwent appendicectomy for acute appendicitis at a large rural referral centre. Patients were identified using the hospital database for theatre events coded as appendicectomy. Regression modelling was used to determine if socioeconomic status and road distance from hospital were associated with perforated appendicitis. The outcomes of appendicitis between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous populations were compared.

Results

Seven hundred and twenty‐two patients were included in this study. The rate of perforated appendicitis was not significantly impacted by socioeconomic status (OR 0.993, 95% CI 0.98–1.006, P = 0.316) or road distance from hospital (OR = 0.911, 95% CI 0.999–1.001, P = 0.911). Indigenous patients did not have a significantly higher rate of perforation compared to non‐Indigenous patients (P = 0.849) despite having overall lower socioeconomic status (P = 0.005) and longer road distance from hospital (P = 0.025).

Conclusion

Lower socioeconomic status and longer road distance from hospital were not associated with an increased risk of perforated appendicitis. Indigenous populations have poorer socioeconomic status and longer road distance to hospital but did not have higher rates of perforated appendicitis.
Determining the optimal radiologic wrist and forearm position to visualize screw protrusion in scaphoid fixation
Authors: Yong Melodi , Liu Edward , Tee Richard , Zhang Xin , Tham Stephen
Published: March 2023

Background

Surgical fixation of scaphoid fractures may result in unrecognized screw protrusion and subsequent cartilage damage to the adjacent joints. The purpose of this study was to use a three‐dimensional (3D) scaphoid model to determine the wrist and forearm positioning that will allow intra‐operative fluoroscopic visualization of screw protrusions.

Methods

Two 3D scaphoid models, with the wrist in neutral and 20° ulnar deviated, were reconstructed from a cadaveric wrist using the Mimics software. The scaphoid models were divided into three segments and further divided into four quadrants in each of the three segments along the scaphoid axes. Two virtual screws, with a 2 and 1 mm groove from the distal border, were placed so that the screws protrude from each quadrant. The wrist models were rotated along the long axis of the forearm and the angles at which the screw protrusions were visualized were recorded.

Results

One‐millimetre screw protrusions were visualized at a narrower range of forearm rotation angles compared to 2 mm screw protrusions. One‐millimetre screw protrusions in the middle dorsal ulnar quadrant could not be detected. Visualization of the screw protrusion in each quadrant varied with forearm and wrist positioning.

Conclusion

In this model, all screw protrusions, except 1 mm protrusions in the middle dorsal ulnar quadrant, were visualized with the forearm in pronation, supination or in the mid‐pronation position and with the wrist in neutral or 20° ulnar deviated.
Fabrication and multiscale modeling of polycaprolactone/amniotic membrane electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for wound healing
Authors: Lotfi Zahra , Khakbiz Mehrdad , Davari Niyousha , Bonakdar Shahin , Mohammadi Javad , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Derhambakhsh Sara
Published: March 2023

Background

Enhancing the efficiency of cell‐based skin tissue engineering (TE) approaches is possible via designing electrospun scaffolds possessing natural materials like amniotic membrane (AM) with wound healing characteristics. Concentrating on this aim, we fabricated innovative polycaprolactone (PCL)/AM scaffolds through the electrospinning process.

Methods

The manufactured structures were characterized by employing scanning electron microscope (SEM), attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, tensile testing, Bradford protein assay, etc. In addition, the mechanical properties of scaffolds were simulated by the multiscale modeling method.

Results

As a result of conducting various tests, it was concluded that the uniformity and distribution of fibers decreased with an increase in the amniotic content. Furthermore, PCL‐AM scaffolds contained amniotic and PCL characteristic bands. In the case of protein release, greater content of AM led to the release of higher amounts of collagen. Tensile testing revealed that scaffolds' ultimate strength increased when the AM content augmented. The multiscale modeling demonstrated that the scaffold had elastoplastic behavior. In order to assess cellular attachment, viability, and differentiation, human adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) were seeded on the scaffolds. In this regard, SEM and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays showed significant cellular proliferation and viability on the proposed scaffolds, and these analyses illustrated that higher cell survival and adhesion could be achieved when scaffolds possessed a larger amount of AM. After 21 days of cultivation, particular keratinocyte markers, such as keratin I and involucrin, were identified through utilizing immunofluorescence and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The markers' expressions were higher in the PCL‐AM scaffold with a ratio of 90:10 v v−1compared with the PCL‐epidermal growth factor (EGF) structure. Moreover, the presence of AM in the scaffolds resulted in the keratinogenic differentiation of ASCs even without employing EGF. Consequently, this state‐of‐the‐art experiment suggests that the PCL‐AM scaffold can be a promising candidate in skin bioengineering.

Conclusion

This study showed that mixing AM with PCL, a widely used polymer, in different concentrations can overcome PCL disadvantages such as high hydrophobicity and low cellular compatibility.
Identifying the bridge between depression and mania: A machine learning and network approach to bipolar disorder
Authors: Zavlis Orestis , Matheou Andreas , Bentall Richard
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Although the cyclic nature of bipolarity is almost by definition a network system, no research to date has attempted to scrutinize the relationship of the two bipolar poles using network psychometrics. We used state‐of‐the‐art network and machine learning methodologies to identify symptoms, as well as relations thereof, that bridge depression and mania.

Methods

Observational study that used mental health data (12 symptoms for depression and 12 for mania) from a large, representative Canadian sample (the Canadian Community Health Survey of 2002). Complete data (N = 36,557; 54.6% female) were analysed using network psychometrics, in conjunction with a random forest algorithm, to examine the bidirectional interplay of depressive and manic symptoms.

Results

Centrality analyses pointed to symptoms relating to emotionality and hyperactivity as being the most central aspects of depression and mania, respectively. The two syndromes were spatially segregated in the bipolar model and four symptoms appeared crucial in bridging them: sleep disturbances (insomnia and hypersomnia), anhedonia, suicidal ideation, and impulsivity. Our machine learning algorithm validated the clinical utility of central and bridge symptoms (in the prediction of lifetime episodes of mania and depression), and suggested that centrality, but not bridge, metrics map almost perfectly onto a data‐driven measure of diagnostic utility.

Conclusions

Our results replicate key findings from past network studies on bipolar disorder, but also extend them by highlighting symptoms that bridge the two bipolar poles, while also demonstrating their clinical utility. If replicated, these endophenotypes could prove fruitful targets for prevention/intervention strategies for bipolar disorders.
Covariate-Adjusted Response-Adaptive Designs Based on Semiparametric Approaches
Authors: Zhu Hai , Zhu Hongjian
Published: March 2023

We consider theoretical and practical issues for innovatively using a large number of covariates in clinical trials to achieve various design objectives without model misspecification. Specifically, we propose a new family of semiparametric covariate-adjusted response-adaptive randomization (CARA) designs and we use the target maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) to analyze the correlated data from CARA designs. Our approach can flexibly achieve multiple objectives and correctly incorporate the effect of a large number of covariates on the responses without model misspecification. We also obtain the consistency and asymptotic normality of the target parameters, allocation probabilities, and allocation proportions. Numerical studies demonstrate that our approach has advantages over existing approaches, even when the data-generating distribution is complicated.
Construal level among poor children: Executive function implications
Authors: Ren Yi , Zuo Chenyi , Ming Hua , Jiang Ying , Huang Silin
Published: March 2023

Poverty impedes children's executive function (EF). Therefore, it is necessary to mitigate the negative effect of poverty by developing efficient interventions to improve poor children's cognitive function. In three studies, we examined whether high‐level construals can improve EF among poor children in China. In Study 1, we observed a positive relationship between family socioeconomic status and children's EF, which was moderated by construal level (n = 206; Mage = 9.71; 45.6% girls). In Study 2a, we experimentally induced high‐ versus low‐level construals and found that poor children with high‐level construals exhibited better EF than those with low‐level construals (n = 65; Mage = 11.32; 47.7% girls). However, the same intervention did not affect the performance of affluent children in Study 2b (n = 63; Mage = 10.54; 54% girls). Moreover, we found that the interventional effects of high‐level construals improved the ability of children living in poverty to make healthy decisions and delayed gratification in Study 3 (n = 74; Mage = 11.10; 45.9% girls). These findings may have implications for using high‐level construals as an effective intervention to improve poor children's EF and cognitive capacity.
Airway delivery of Streptococcus salivarius is sufficient to induce experimental pulmonary hypertension in rats
Authors: Zhang Chenting , Zhang Tingting , Xing Yue , Lu Wenju , Chen Jiyuan , Luo Xiaoyun , Wu Xuefen , Liu Shiyun , Chen Lishi , Zhang Zizhou , Zhou Dansha , Lin Ziying , Chen Yuqin , Xiong Mingmei , Yuan Jason X.‐J. , Yang Kai , Wang Jian
Published: March 2023

Background and Purpose

The causal relationship between altered host microbiome composition, especially the respiratory tract microbiome, and the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not yet been studied. An increased abundance of airway streptococci is seen in patients with PH compared with healthy individuals. This study aimed to determine the causal link between elevated airway exposure to Streptococcus and PH.

Experimental Approach

The dose‐, time‐ and bacterium‐specific effects of Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius), a selective streptococci, on PH pathogenesis were investigated in a rat model established by intratracheal instillation.

Key Results

Exposure to S. salivarius successfully induced typical PH characteristics, such as elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy (Fulton's index) and pulmonary vascular remodelling, in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Moreover, the S. salivarius‐induced characteristics were absent in either the inactivated S. salivarius (inactivated bacteria control) treatment group or the Bacillus subtilis (active bacteria control) treatment group. Notably, S. salivarius‐induced PH is characterized by elevated inflammatory infiltration in the lungs, in a pattern different from the classic hypoxia‐induced PH model. Moreover, in comparison with the SU5416/hypoxia‐induced PH model (SuHx‐PH), S. salivarius‐induced PH causes similar histological changes (pulmonary vascular remodelling) but less severe haemodynamic changes (RVSP, Fulton's index). S. salivarius‐induced PH is also associated with altered gut microbiome composition, suggesting potential communication of the lung‐gut axis.

Conclusion and Implications

This study provides the first evidence that the delivery of S. salivarius in the respiratory tract could cause experimental PH in rats.
Function and regulation of GPR84 in human neutrophils
Authors: Forsman Huamei , Dahlgren Claes , Mårtensson Jonas , Björkman Lena , Sundqvist Martina
Published: March 2023

Human neutrophils are components of the innate immune system and are the most abundant white blood cells in the circulation. They are professional phagocytes and express several G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are essential for proper neutrophil functions. So far, the two formyl peptide receptors, FPR1 and FPR2, have been the most extensively studied group of neutrophil GPCRs, but recently, a new group, the free fatty acid (FFA) receptors, has attracted growing attention. Neutrophils express two FFA receptors, GPR84 and FFA2, which sense medium‐ and short‐chain fatty acids respectively, and display similar activation profiles. The exact pathophysiological role of GPR84 is not yet fully understood, but it is generally regarded as a pro‐inflammatory receptor that mediates neutrophil activation. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of how GPR84 affects human neutrophil functions and discuss the regulatory mechanisms that control these responses, focusing on the similarities and differences in comparison to the two FPRs and FFA2.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue GPR84 Pharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.10/issuetoc
Biological functions and structural biology of Plasmodium falciparum autophagy‐related proteins: The under‐explored options for novel antimalarial drug design
Authors: Usman Mohammed Aliyu , Salman Abdulmalik Abdullahi , Ibrahim Mohammed Auwal , Furukawa Koji , Yamasaki Kazuhiko
Published: March 2023

Malaria remains a threat to global public health and the available antimalarial drugs are undermined by side effects and parasite resistance, suggesting an emphasis on new potential targets. Among the novel targets, Plasmodium falciparum autophagy‐related proteins (PfAtg) remain a priority. In this paper, we reviewed the existing knowledge on the functions and structural biology of PfAtg including the compounds with inhibitory activity toward P. falciparum Atg8‐Atg3 protein–protein interaction (PfAtg8‐PfAtg3 PPI). A total of five PfAtg (PfAtg5, PfAtg8, PfAtg12, PfAtg18, and Rab7) were observed to have autophagic and/or non‐autophagic roles. Available data showed that PfAtg8 has conserved hydrophobic pockets, which allows it to interact with PfAtg3 to form PfAtg8‐PfAtg3 PPI. Additionally, 2‐bromo‐N‐(4‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐1,3‐thiazol‐2‐yl) benzamide was identified as the most powerful inhibitor of PfAtg8‐PfAtg3 PPI. Due to the dearth of knowledge in this field, we hope that the article would open an avenue to further research on the remaining PfAtg as possible drug candidates.
Girls, sexuality and playground‐assemblages in a South African primary school
Authors: Janak Raksha , Bhana Deevia
Published: March 2023

Inspired by new feminist materialism, this paper seeks to reimagine existing knowledge of girls, sexuality and playgrounds by considering how the socio‐material reality may unlock girls' capacities for what is possible through play. Focusing on semi‐structured interviews of girls (aged 12–13), the paper draws attention to the playground as an ‘assemblage’ of human and non‐human matter that connect to illuminate other ways of being, feeling and doing. We argue that the assemblage not only creates spaces for girls to disrupt hetero‐patriarchal ideologies but simultaneously serves to reinforce them. Interventions require attention to the oppressive materialities that underpin play.
TGF‐β‐induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway controls myofibroblast differentiation and secretory phenotype of valvular interstitial cells through the modulation of cellular senescence in a naturally occurring in vitro canine model of myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Tang Qiyu , Markby Greg R. , MacNair Andrew J. , Tang Keyi , Tkacz Michal , Parys Maciej , Phadwal Kanchan , MacRae Vicky E. , Corcoran Brendan M.
Published: March 2023

PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling contributes to several cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Double‐immunofluorescence examined expression of PI3K and TGF‐β1 in canine valves. Valve interstitial cells (VICs) from healthy or MMVD dogs were isolated and characterized. Healthy quiescent VICs (qVICs) were treated with TGF‐β1 and SC‐79 to induce activated myofibroblast phenotypes (aVICs). Diseased valve‐derived aVICs were treated with PI3K antagonists and expression of RPS6KB1 (encoding p70 S6K) was modulated using siRNA and gene overexpression. SA‐β‐gal and TUNEL staining were used to identify cell senescence and apoptosis, and qPCR and ELISA to examine for senescence‐associated secretory phenotype. Protein immunoblotting was used to examine expression of phosphorylated and total proteins. TGF‐β1 and PI3K are highly expressed in mitral valve tissues. Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and increased expression of TGF‐β are found in aVICs. TGF‐β transitions qVICs to aVICs by upregulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Antagonism of PI3K/AKT/mTOR reverses aVIC myofibroblast transition by inhibiting senescence and promoting autophagy. Upregulation of mTOR/S6K induces transformation of senescent aVICs, with reduced capacity for apoptosis and autophagy. Selective knockdown of p70 S6K reverses cell transition by attenuating cell senescence, inhibiting apoptosis and improving autophagy. TGF‐β‐induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling contributes to MMVD pathogenesis and plays crucial roles in the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation, apoptosis, autophagy and senescence in MMVD.
Music and language in the crib: Early cross‐domain effects of experience on categorical perception of prominence in spoken language
Authors: Langus Alan , Boll‐Avetisyan Natalie , van Ommen Sandrien , Nazzi Thierry
Published: March 2023

Rhythm perception helps young infants find structure in both speech and music. However, it remains unknown whether categorical perception of suprasegmental linguistic rhythm signaled by a co‐variation of multiple acoustic cues can be modulated by prior between‐ (music) and within‐domain (language) experience. Here we tested 6‐month‐old German‐learning infants’ ability to have a categorical perception of lexical stress, a linguistic prominence signaled through the co‐variation of pitch, intensity, and duration. By measuring infants’ pupil size, we find that infants as a group fail to perceive co‐variation of these acoustic cues as categorical. However, at an individual level, infants with above‐average exposure to music and language at home succeeded. Our results suggest that early exposure to music and infant‐directed language can boost the categorical perception of prominence.

Research Highlights

6‐month‐old German‐learning infants’ ability to perceive lexical stress prominence categorically depends on exposure to music and language at home.

Infants with high exposure to music show categorical perception.

Infants with high exposure to infant‐directed language show categorical perception.

Co‐influence of high exposure to music and infant‐directed language may be especially beneficial for categorical perception.

Early exposure to predictable rhythms boosts categorical perception of prominence.
Number sense at 12 months predicts 4‐year‐olds’ maths skills
Authors: Decarli Gisella , Zingaro Donatella , Surian Luca , Piazza Manuela
Published: March 2023

Preverbal infants spontaneously represent the number of objects in collections. Is this ‘sense of number’ (also referred to as Approximate Number System, ANS) part of the cognitive foundations of mathematical skills? Multiple studies reported a correlation between the ANS and mathematical achievement in children. However, some have suggested that such correlation might be mediated by general‐purpose inhibitory skills. We addressed the question using a longitudinal approach: we tested the ANS of 60 12 months old infants and, when they were 4 years old (final N = 40), their symbolic math achievement as well as general intelligence and inhibitory skills. Results showed that the ANS at 12 months is a specific predictor of later maths skills independent from general intelligence or inhibitory skills. The correlation between ANS and maths persists when both abilities are measured at four years. These results confirm that the ANS has an early, specific and longstanding relation with mathematical abilities in childhood.

Research Highlights

In the literature there is a lively debate about the correlation between the ANS and maths skills.

We longitudinally tested a sample of 60 preverbal infants at 12 months and rested them at 4 years (final sample of 40 infants).

The ANS tested at 12 months predicted later symbolic mathematical skills at 4 years, even when controlling for inhibition, general intelligence and perceptual skills.

The ANS tested at 4 years remained linked with symbolic maths skills, confirming this early and longstanding relation in childhood.
Domestic workers' agency against workplace sexual harassment: The role of social norms in Bangladesh
Authors: Nazneen Sohela , Huq Lopita
Published: March 2023

Motivation

There are 1.3 million domestic workers in Bangladesh; the precarious and private nature of domestic work makes them vulnerable to sexual harassment. Prevalent social norms that regulate sexuality and notions of family honour lead to victim blaming and normalization of male aggression. We contribute to the literature on social norms and women's agency by exploring how they tackle sexual harassment.

Purpose

We explore the connection between social norms and gendered agency in tackling workplace sexual harassment. We ask: how do young female domestic workers in Dhaka protect themselves from workplace sexual harassment? What insights do these strategies offer to strengthen women's voice and agency against sexual harassment?

Methods and approach

Using a case‐study approach based on interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and participatory exercises with domestic workers, we explore when, how, and where domestic workers raise their voice against incidents of harassment.

Findings

Our findings show that, while most of the workers interviewed expect to face some form of sexual harassment at work, very few lodge formal complaints. They use a range of informal strategies or small manoeuvres to minimize risks. The decision by domestic workers to voice their concerns with family members, community actors, and employers is influenced by their alternative employment options, the damage to their and their family's reputation, and the support they may expect to receive from these actors. The class position and gender of the domestic worker influence these interactions.

Policy implications

Based on our findings, we argue that prevalent social norms on sexuality, the precarious nature of domestic work, and the private nature of the home as a workplace, constrain domestic workers' agency, and their protection strategies remain largely individualized. Strengthening agency requires going beyond legal reform and involves creating an alternative public discourse on women's sexuality, developing links between domestic workers with local community organizations and networks, and changing the perceptions of actors responsible for providing protection.
Salivary gland substances of the arboreal termite Nasutitermes corniger induce worker aggregation and gnawing of food substrate
Authors: Gazal Vinícius , Bailez Omar , Viana‐Bailez Ana Maria
Published: March 2023

In social insects, collective behavior is regulated by substances secreted by various glands of different members of society. In this study, we investigate whether salivary glands of the arboreal termite Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky) (Isoptera: Termitidae) contain substances that regulate the intensity of foraging behavior. Foraging arenas of N. corniger nests maintained under laboratory conditions received the addition of two filter paper substrates, one impregnated with salivary gland extract from third‐instar small workers (SW3) (treatment) and the other impregnated with distilled water (control). A similar experiment was conducted using salivary gland extract from fourth‐instar large workers (LW4). Occurrences of initial exploration, mass recruitment, and substrate gnawing behaviors, as well as numbers of recruited and gnawing workers, were recorded. There was a higher rate of mass recruitment to treated substrates than to the control (SW3: 80 vs. 25%; LW4: 90 vs. 25%). Gnawing behavior also occurred at higher rates on treated substrates (SW3: 95 vs. 35%; LW4: 100 vs. 45%). The number of workers recruited to and gnawing on treated substrate was significantly higher than the number of workers recruited to and gnawing on control substrate. The higher rates of worker recruitment, as well as the higher numbers of recruited and gnawing workers, show that salivary glands of last‐instar workers contain substances with arresting and/or phagostimulating pheromonal actions or substances that release compounds with these properties.
Impact of climate warming on phenological asynchrony of plankton dynamics across Europe
Authors: Gronchi Enzo , Straile Dietmar , Diehl Sebastian , Jöhnk Klaus D. , Peeters Frank
Published: March 2023

Climate warming alters the seasonal timing of biological events. This raises concerns that species‐specific responses to warming may de‐synchronize co‐evolved consumer‐resource phenologies, resulting in trophic mismatch and altered ecosystem dynamics. We explored the effects of warming on the synchrony of two events: the onset of the phytoplankton spring bloom and the spring/summer maximum of the grazer Daphnia. Simulation of 16 lake types over 31 years at 1907 North African and European locations under 5 climate scenarios revealed that the current median phenological delay between the two events varies greatly (20–190 days) across lake types and geographic locations. Warming moves both events forward in time and can lengthen or shorten the delay between them by up to ±60 days. Our simulations suggest large geographic and lake‐specific variations in phenological synchrony, provide quantitative predictions of its dependence on physical lake properties and geographic location and highlight research needs concerning its ecological consequences.
Clinicopathological associations of hemispheric dominance in primary progressive apraxia of speech
Authors: Robinson Carling G. , Duffy Joseph R. , Clark Heather A. , Utianski Rene L. , Machulda Mary M. , Botha Hugo , Singh Neha Atulkumar , Pham Nha Trang Thu , Ertekin‐Taner Nilufer , Dickson Dennis W. , Lowe Val J. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) is associated with imaging abnormalities in the lateral premotor cortex (LPC) and supplementary motor area (SMA). It is not known whether greater involvement of these regions in either hemisphere is associated with demographics, presenting, and/or longitudinal features.

Methods

In 51 prospectively recruited PPAOS patients who completed [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), we classified patients as left‐dominant, right‐dominant, or symmetric, based on visual assessment of the LPC and SMA on FDG‐PET. SPM and statistical analyses of regional metabolic values were performed. Diagnosis of PPAOS was made if apraxia of speech was present and aphasia absent. Thirteen patients completed ioflupane‐123I (dopamine transporter [DAT]) scans. We compared cross‐sectional and longitudinal clinicopathological, genetic, and neuroimaging characteristics across the three groups, with area under the receiver‐operating curve (AUROC) determined as a measure of effect size.

Results

In all, 49% of the PPAOS patients were classified as left‐dominant, 31% as right‐dominant, and 20% as symmetric, which was supported by results from the SPM and regional analyses. There were no differences in baseline characteristics. Longitudinally, right‐dominant PPAOS showed faster rates of progression of ideomotor apraxia (AUROC 0.79), behavioral disturbances (AUROC 0.84), including disinhibition symptoms (AUROC 0.82) and negative behaviors (AUROC 0.82), and parkinsonism (AUROC 0.75) compared to left‐dominant PPAOS. Symmetric PPAOS showed faster rates of dysarthria progression compared to left‐dominant (AUROC 0.89) and right‐dominant PPAOS (AUROC 0.79). Five patients showed abnormal DAT uptake. Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage differed across groups (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Patients with PPAOS and a right‐dominant pattern of hypometabolism on FDG‐PET have the fastest rates of decline of behavioral and motor features.
Not surgical technique, but etiology, contralateral MRI, prior surgery, and side of surgery determine seizure outcome after pediatric hemispherotomy
Authors: Ramantani Georgia , Bulteau Christine , Cserpan Dorottya , Otte Willem M. , Dorfmüller Georg , Cross J. Helen , Zentner Josef , Tisdall Martin , Braun Kees P. J.
Published: March 2023

Objective

We aimed to assess determinants of seizure outcome following pediatric hemispherotomy in a contemporary cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the seizure outcomes of 457 children who underwent hemispheric surgery in five European epilepsy centers between 2000 and 2016. We identified variables related to seizure outcome through multivariable regression modeling with missing data imputation and optimal group matching, and we further investigated the role of surgical technique by Bayes factor (BF) analysis.

Results

One hundred seventy seven children (39%) underwent vertical and 280 children (61%) underwent lateral hemispherotomy. Three hundred forty‐four children (75%) achieved seizure freedom at a mean follow‐up of 5.1 years (range 1 to 17.1). We identified acquired etiology other than stroke (odds ratio [OR] 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–18.0), hemimegalencephaly (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1–7.3), contralateral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings (OR 5.5, 95% CI 2.7–11.1), prior resective surgery (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.8–14.0), and left hemispherotomy (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–3.9) as significant determinants of seizure recurrence. We found no evidence of an impact of the hemispherotomy technique on seizure outcome (the BF for a model including the hemispherotomy technique over the null model was 1.1), with comparable overall major complication rates for different approaches.

Significance

Knowledge about the independent determinants of seizure outcome following pediatric hemispherotomy will improve the counseling of patients and families. In contrast to previous reports, we found no statistically relevant difference in seizure‐freedom rates between the vertical and horizontal hemispherotomy techniques when accounting for different clinical features between groups.
Self‐supervised short text classification with heterogeneous graph neural networks
Authors: Cao Meng , Yuan Jinliang , Yu Hualei , Zhang Baoming , Wang Chongjun
Published: March 2023

Short text classification has been a fundamental task in natural language processing, which benefits various applications, such as sentiment analysis, news tagging, and intent recommendation. However, classifying short texts is challenging due to the information sparsity in the text corpus. Besides, the performance of existing machine learning classification models largely relies on sufficient training data, yet labels can be scarce and expensive to obtain in real‐world text classification scenarios. In this article, we propose a novel self‐supervised short text classification method. Specifically, we first model the short text corpus as a heterogeneous graph to address the information sparsity problem. Then, we introduce a self‐attention‐based heterogeneous graph neural network model to learn short text embeddings. In addition, we adopt a self‐supervised learning framework to exploit internal and external similarities among short texts. Experiments on five real‐world short text benchmarks validate the effectiveness of our proposed method compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods.
RETRACTED: An information extraction method based on improved mixed text density web pages
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Yin Xiaojun , Yan Jingchen
Published: March 2023

To improve the effect of web page information extraction, this paper proposes an improved information extraction method of mixed text density grids. Under various power constraints of the relay node itself, this paper proposes a design scheme of joint beamforming and artificial noise based on safety and rate maximisation. Furthermore, with the help of semidefinite relaxation techniques and first‐order approximations, it can be approximated as a semidefinite programming problem that is easy to solve. In addition, this paper uses an iterative algorithm based on a continuous convex approximation to process data to improve the accuracy of web page data extraction. The experimental results show that the information extraction method based on improved mixed text density webpages proposed in this paper has a good information extraction effect.
The Art of Geographical Analysis
Authors: Murray Alan T.
Published: March 2023

Professor Arthur Getis was a prominent geographical analysis researcher and proponent. His research in geographical analysis was broad, with an eye on theoretical developments and application‐oriented details. However, there was so much more. His active participation and engaged discussion at symposia and conferences, in sessions, during breaks and less formally over drinks or a meal, stand out, even postretirement. His service and mentoring in many forms too were invaluable. In what follows, an overview of his career and contributions are provided. Additionally, observations and broader significance are offered as a set of rules to live by based on my three decades of interaction with Professor Getis.
Addressing the need for more nuanced approaches towards transit‐induced gentrification: A case for a complex systems thinking framework
Authors: McDougall Emma , Webber Kaitlin , Petrie Samuel
Published: March 2023

The role of public transportation has shifted over the last 2 decades as planners and policymakers increasingly integrate new transportation infrastructure as an economic growth tool that promotes density and desirability. This shift has also positioned new infrastructure as a driver for neighbourhood change and gentrification, leading to the evolution of literature that explores transit‐induced gentrification. As this scholarship grows however, research has become fragmented, as the political economy work, which frames much of gentrification, is antipathetic to the neoclassical perspective that frames transportation research. The resulting inconsistencies have left researchers calling for the integration of new and holistic approaches that can address growing gaps. With transit‐induced gentrification becoming more prevalent across large and mid‐sized cities, and research lacking methodological consistency, this review considers: Can a complex systems thinking framework be used to better understand and address the process of transit‐induced gentrification?
Socioeconomic differences and the gender division of labor during the COVID‐19 lockdown: Insights from France using a mixed method
Authors: Chatot Myriam , Landour Julie , Pailhé Ariane ,   for the EpiCOV team
Published: March 2023

The sudden and unanticipated shocks to employment and the almost total retreat into the domestic sphere caused by the COVID‐19 lockdowns provide a unique opportunity to explore the resilience of the three classical theoretical paradigms of the gendered division of labor within couples, that is, the time availability theory, the relative resource theory, and the “doing gender” perspective. Accordingly, this article analyzes how socioeconomic differences shaped the gendered division of labor during the first lockdown in France. We use a mixed‐methods approach that combines representative quantitative data drawn from the Epidemiology and Living Conditions (EpiCOV) survey of EpiCOV in France during the COVID‐19 pandemic and qualitative data from in‐depth interviews of French families collected throughout the spring 2020 lockdown. Over the period, the heavy domestic and parental workload and its division between partners were mainly determined by employment status. However, the influence of time availability on the division of labor was mitigated by the doing gender mechanisms, whatever the partners' relative resources. The gender division of housework and childcare persisted, and the tasks performed differed, parenting tasks especially. Even if highly‐educated mothers were able to negotiate their partner's investment in domestic and parental work, the division of labor remained unequal. Mothers remained in charge of organizing housework and childcare, and this may have altered their subjective experience of lockdown, especially for those embedded in the most egalitarian configurations.
Association of intestinal microbiota and its metabolite markers with excess weight in Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Yu Xiaoran , Dong Jie , Xiang Shiting , Li Xun , Qin Yongquan , Zhu Shaolun , Zheng Jie , Yan Yinkun , Mi Jie
Published: March 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify the intestinal microbiota and faecal metabolic biomarkers associated with excess weight in Chinese children and adolescents.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 163 children aged 6–14 years (including 72 with normal‐weight and 91 with overweight/obesity from three Chinese boarding schools). We used 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing to analyse the diversity and composition of intestinal microbiota. Of these participants, we selected 10 children with normal‐weight and 10 with obesity (matched 1:1 for school, sex and age) and measured faecal metabolites using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Alpha diversity was significantly elevated in children with normal‐weight compared to overweight/obese. Principle coordinate analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in intestinal microbial community structure between the normal‐weight and overweight/obese groups. The two groups differed significantly in the relative abundances of Megamonas, Bifidobacterium and Alistipes. In faecal metabolomics analysis, we identified 14 differential metabolites and 2 main differential metabolic pathways associated with obesity.

Conclusion

This study identified intestinal microbiota and metabolic markers associated with excess weight in Chinese children.
Mixed insulin can improve control of prednisolone‐induced hyperglycaemia
Authors: Scholes Gemma , Ng Elisabeth , Bach Leon A , Sztal‐Mazer Shoshana
Published: March 2023

Background

Hyperglycaemia is a common side effect of prednisolone, although there are no widely accepted guidelines for the management of glucocorticoid‐induced hyperglycaemia (GIH). Our institution uses mixed insulin in a pre‐breakfast or pre‐breakfast and pre‐lunch regimen, with the rationale that this profile of insulin action matches the physiological effect of prednisolone on blood glucose levels (BGLs).

Aim

Evaluate the use of the mixed insulin (NovoMix30) in a pre‐breakfast or pre‐breakfast and pre‐lunch regimen as management for GIH in a tertiary hospital setting.

Method

We retrospectively evaluated all inpatients coprescribed prednisolone ≥7.5 mg and NovoMix30 for at least 48 hours over a 19‐month period. BGLs were evaluated with repeated‐measures analysis within four time periods across the day, beginning from the day prior to NovoMix30 administration.

Results

A total of 53 patients were identified. NovoMix30 significantly reduced BGLs in the morning (mean 12.7 ± 4.5 vs. 9.2 ± 3.9 mmol/L, P < 0.001), afternoon (mean 13.6 ± 3.8 vs. 11.9 ± 3.8 mmol/L, P = 0.001) and evening (12.1 ± 3.8 vs. 10.8 ± 3.8 mmol/L, P = 0.01). With uptitration of insulin over 3 days, 43% of all BGLs were within the target range, compared with 23% on day 0 (P < 0.001). The final median dose of NovoMix30 was 0.15 (0.10–0.22) units/kg bodyweight, or 0.40 (0.23–0.69) units/mg of prednisolone, which is lower than our hospital guideline recommends. One overnight hypoglycaemic event was observed.

Conclusion

Mixed insulin as a pre‐breakfast or pre‐breakfast and pre‐lunch regimen can target the hyperglycaemic pattern induced by prednisolone and minimise overnight hypoglycaemia. However, higher doses of insulin than those used in our study are likely required for optimal BGL control.