bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gustatory responsiveness in Vespula germanica workers: exploring the interplay between sensory perception and task specialization
Authors: Mattiacci Analía , Goñalons Carolina Mengoni , Masciocchi Maité , Corley Juan C.
Published: August 2023

Workers’ task specialization and division of labor are critical features of social insects’ ecological success. It has been proposed that the division of labor relies on response threshold models: individuals varying their sensitivity (and responsiveness) to biologically relevant stimuli and performing a specific task when a stimulus exceeds an internal threshold. In this work, we study carbohydrate and protein responsiveness and their relation to worker task specialization in Vespula germanica, an invasive social wasp. The sucrose and peptone responsiveness of two different subcastes, preforagers and foragers, was determined by stimulating the antenna of the wasps with increasing concentrations of the solution and quantifying whether each concentration elicited a licking response. We studied responsiveness in five different ways: (1) response threshold, (2) concentration 50 (concentration to which at least 50% of wasps responded), (3) maximum response, (4) mean scores and (5) median scores. Our results suggest that V. germanica foragers are more sensitive to sucrose (lower thresholds) than preforager workers. However, we found no differences for peptone thresholds (i.e., a protein resource). Nonetheless, this is the first study to investigate response thresholds for protein resources. The intercaste variation in sucrose responsiveness shown in our work contributes to the existing knowledge about response threshold theory as a mechanism for task specialization observed in V. germanica.
Predictors of lung injury during durvalumab maintenance therapy following concurrent chemoradiotherapy in unresectable locally advanced non‐small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Hirama Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Masaki , Nagaoka Satoshi , Segawa Wataru , Sugimoto Chihiro , Nagayama Hirokazu , Hiro Shuntaro , Kajita Yukihito , Maeda Chihiro , Kubo Sousuke , Seki Kenichi , Nagahara Yoshinori , Teranishi Shuhei , Tashiro Ken , Hara Yu , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Watanabe Shigenobu , Kudo Makoto , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: August 2023

Background

Based on the results of the PACIFIC trial, maintenance with durvalumab has emerged as the standard treatment following concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, adverse events attributed to durvalumab, especially lung injuries, including immune‐related adverse events, and radiation pneumonitis, are concerning. This study retrospectively investigated the factors related to lung injury in patients receiving the PACIFIC regimen.

Methods

Patients with unresectable locally advanced NSCLC who received durvalumab maintenance therapy following concurrent chemoradiotherapy at Yokohama City University Medical Centre between July 2018 and March 2022 were included. Clinical data, volume of normal lung receiving 20 or 5 Gy or more (V20 or V5), planning target volume (PTV), and relative lung parenchyma volume in emphysematous lung receiving 20 or 5 Gy or more (RLPV20 or 5; V20 or V5/100‐percentage of low‐attenuation volume) were evaluated.

Results

Performance status (PS), V20, V5, PTV, RLPV20, and RLPV5 were significantly higher in the lung injury group in the univariate analysis. Furthermore, RLPV20 was the most significant factor in the lung injury group in the multivariate analysis comprising PS, PTV, V20, and RLPV20.

Conclusion

RLPV20 and RLPV5 are useful in estimating lung inflammation. RLPV20 could be considered the most reliable risk factor for maintenance therapy with durvalumab following concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced NSCLC.
Sevoflurane suppresses the malignant progression of breast cancer via the hsa_circ_0000129/miR‐578/EPSTI1 axis
Authors: Zeng Xuehui , Zheng Qingqi , Wang Lang , Chen Tao , Lin Wenxin , Lin Quanyang
Published: August 2023

Background

Sevoflurane (Sev) is a commonly used volatile anesthetic that might suppress the process of breast cancer. Also, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to partake in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Accordingly, this research was designed to investigate the mechanism of hsa_circ_0005962 on Sev‐mediated breast cancer development.

Methods

Sev was applied to treat breast cancer cells. Cell proliferation ability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were detected using Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU), Transwell, and flow cytometry assay. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2)‐associated X protein (Bax), and Epithelial stromal interaction 1 (EPSTI1) were assessed using western blot assay. circ_0000129, microRNA‐578 (miR‐578), and EPSTI1 levels were determined using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Using bioinformatics software (Circinteractome and Targetscan), the binding between miR‐578 and circ_0000129 or EPSTI1 were predicted, and proved using dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA pull‐down assay. The biological roles of circ_0000129 and Sevoflurane on tumor growth were analyzed using a xenograft tumor model in vivo.

Results

Sevoflurane blocked tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis. Circ_0000129 and EPSTI1 expression were increased, and miR‐578 was decreased in breast cancer cells. Also, they presented an opposite trend in Sev‐treated tumor cells. Circ_0000129 upregulation might abolish Sev‐mediated tumor progression in vitro. Mechanically, circ_0000129 can affect EPSTI1 expression by sponging miR‐578. Sev might inhibit tumor growth by regulating circ_0000129 in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ_0000129 relieved Sev‐triggered suppression impacts on breast cancer development partly via the miR‐578/EPSTI1 axis, which provides a new mechanism for studying mediated therapy of breast cancer treatment.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in pregnancy: A systematic review
Authors: Marasciulo Francesco , Passerini Irene , Fichera Anna , Ferrari Federico , Odicino Franco E. , Prefumo Federico
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary malignant liver tumor and typically develops in the context of chronic liver disease, such as liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Ultrasound evaluation, CT scan, and MRI are used to detect HCC. α‐fetoprotein (AFP) is a common marker used to detect HCC in the non‐pregnant population, which notoriously increases in pregnant women in relation to gestational age. Treatment is driven by the extent of the disease and the severity of underlying liver disease. Pregnancy may represent an obstacle to diagnosis and appropriate treatment of HCC. The aim of this descriptive systematic review was to describe the clinical features and maternal and neonatal outcomes of HCC in pregnancy.

Material and methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature about HCC diagnosed in pregnancy and the postpartum period, with signs or symptoms arising in pregnancy. We included case reports and case series describing the clinical features of women diagnosed with HCC, fibrolamellar variant of HCC, and mixed HCC and cholangiocarcinoma during pregnancy or the postpartum period (with onset of symptoms during pregnancy), from inception to March 2023. The study protocol was registered with the PROSPERO database (Registration number: ID CRD42021275584).

Results

We identified 180 records. The articles included in this systematic review were 47 case reports and 5 case series, for a total of 63 pregnancies. The two most frequent predisposing conditions were hepatitis B virus infection (30/63; 47%) and liver cirrhosis (14/63; 22%). Ultrasound evaluation was the most used technique to detect HCC. AFP was higher than normal in 28/46 patients tested (61%). Surgical treatment was the most used therapy, both during pregnancy and after delivery. Twenty‐six patients (26/63; 42%) died within 6 months of diagnosis. Survival >24 months was 9% (4/46) in symptomatic and 29% (5/17) in asymptomatic women. No patient with cirrhotic liver survived more than 12 months. Thirty‐eight newborns were alive at 28 days of age (38/63; 61%).

Conclusions

Hepatocellular carcinoma in pregnancy is associated with a high risk of maternal and neonatal mortality. Diagnosis in asymptomatic high‐risk women or following abnormal maternal serum AFP screening is associated with better maternal outcomes.
What are they in it for? Marginalised group members' perceptions of allies differ depending on the costs and rewards associated with their allyship
Authors: Thai Michael , Nylund Jarren L.
Published: August 2023

Advantaged group allies can incur costs or rewards as a result of their allyship. The present work investigates whether such costs and rewards affect how marginalised group members perceive these allies. Across four experiments that collectively examine marginalised group members' perceptions of individual and corporate allies in the context of allyship for women's rights, Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQI+ community, we find that allies are perceived differently as a function of the costs and rewards associated with their allyship. Allies who face costs are perceived more positively in terms of tenacity and genuine motivations, and are generally evaluated more favourably compared to allies who do not face costs and those who, instead, garner rewards for their allyship. These findings demonstrate that marginalised group members are cognisant of the costs and rewards allies may reap, and that this information can shape their judgements of allies' investment in the cause.
The unintended consequences of semi‐autonomous revenue agencies
Authors: Mardan M.
Published: August 2023

The past two decades have witnessed a fundamental change in how tax administrations are organized, from agencies within a ministry with little autonomy to organizations outside the institutional public service with separate legal status. This paper analyzes how a switch to a more autonomous tax administration affects a country's optimal tax system, consisting of the tax rate and the tax administration's effectiveness. I show that the creation of a more autonomous tax administration can have the unintended effect of dwarfing the tax administration's incentive to collect taxes in developing countries, adding a novel reason for the low tax revenue collections in developing countries.
Harmonized Portrait‐Background Image Composition
Authors: Wang Yijiang , Li Yuqi , Wang Chong , Ye Xulun
Published: August 2023

Portrait‐background image composition is a widely used operation in selfie editing, video meeting, and other portrait applications. To guarantee the realism of the composited images, the appearance of the foreground portraits needs to be adjusted to fit the new background images. Existing image harmonization approaches are proposed to handle general foreground objects, thus lack the special ability to adjust portrait foregrounds. In this paper, we present a novel end‐to‐end network architecture to learn both the content features and style features for portrait‐background composition. The method adjusts the appearance of portraits to make them compatible with backgrounds, while the generation of the composited images satisfies the prior of a style‐based generator. We also propose a pipeline to generate high‐quality and high‐variety synthesized image datasets for training and evaluation. The proposed method outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art methods both on the synthesized dataset and the real composited images and shows robust performance in video applications.
Surgical management of broad‐based sessile vocal cord polyps: Transnasal vocal fold polypectomy versus microlaryngoscopic surgery: Our experience in 159 cases
Authors: Lin Shuchun , Lin Qin , Huang Xiaoting , Yu Qian , Wang Desheng
Published: August 2023

Objectives

In this study, we retrospectively reviewed and compared the treatment outcomes and complications of office transnasal vocal fold polypectomy (TVFP) with those of microplarygoscopic surgery (MLS) for different clinical and histopathological features of broad‐based sessile vocal fold polyps.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 159 consecutive patients with broad‐based sessile vocal fold polyps treated by TVFP or MLS. The differences in efficacy and complication between these two surgical techniques were compared according to the different types of vocal fold polyps.

Results

Satisfactory outcomes of both TVFP and MLS treatments were reported in patients with oedematous, gelatinous and vascular types of vocal fold polyps (p > .05). The efficacy of TVFP was slightly worse than MLS in fibrous polyps group (p < .05). The TVFP‐treated patients did not exhibit obvious complications, whereas several MLS‐treated patients had suffered different complications.

Conclusion

The therapeutic effects of both TVFP and MLS on the treatment of broad‐based sessile vocal cord polyps are related to their clinical characteristics and histological types. Satisfactory outcomes are achieved in oedematous, gelatinous, and vascular types of polyps after either surgical procedure. TVFP has fewer surgical complications than MLS which can be a preferred option for the treatment of broad‐based sessile vocal cord polyps at outpatient setting. TVFP also can be an alternative surgery option for patients who could not tolerate general anaesthesia or laryngeal suspension. In contrast, MLS has proven to be a particularly advantageous treatment in patients who have fibrous type of polyps.
Shedding light on eye disease in obesity: A review
Authors: Lam Shravika , Lindsey Jennifer , Carranza Leon Barbara Gisella , Takkouche Sahar
Published: August 2023

Obesity is known to be associated with numerous ocular manifestations, including but not limited to, diabetic retinopathy (DR), age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye disease. This review aims to provide an overview of the ophthalmological findings in obesity. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane databases for studies describing randomized clinical trials, meta‐analyses, systematic reviews, and observational studies published from 1 January 2017 to 1 April 2023. The search terms used included relevant keywords such as ‘obesity’, ‘body mass index’, ‘waist‐to‐hip ratio’, ‘bariatric’, ‘ophthalmology’, ‘eye disease’, ‘myopia’, ‘retinopathy’, ‘glaucoma’, and ‘cataract’. This literature search was performed on 1 April 2023. Obesity is associated with increased risk of developing DR, a sight‐threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Similarly, obesity has been shown to increase risk of AMD, cataracts, glaucoma, and ocular surface disease. Multiple mechanisms linking obesity to ophthalmic disease have been proposed. Adipose tissue produces various inflammatory cytokines that can affect ocular tissues, leading to disease progression. Additionally, obesity is associated with systemic metabolic changes that can influence ocular health. Bariatric surgery has been shown to be protective against development of ophthalmic disease. Obesity is a significant risk factor for several ophthalmological diseases. Healthcare providers should encourage weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity to prevent or delay the onset of ocular complications. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of this association, and to identify effective strategies for preventing or managing ophthalmic disease in patients with obesity.
Imaging and pathological characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of pulmonary sequestration—A retrospective study of 13 cases
Authors: Liu Xiangjin , Wu Rongqian , Zhu Shenyu , Gu Liang , Tang Zhixian
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aimed to summarize and analyze the characteristics of pulmonary sequestration to improve our understanding of this disease.

Methods

Between January 2019 and April 2023, the clinical data of 13 patients with pulmonary sequestration underwent surgical treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University.

Results

The male‐to‐female ratio was 4:9, the age was 0.5 to 60 years, and the average age was 38 ± 19 years. There were 10 and 3 cases of intralobar and extralobar pulmonary sequestration, respectively. Chest enhanced computed tomography (CT) and three‐dimensional vascular reconstruction showed that the abnormal blood vessels were derived from the descending thoracic aorta in nine cases and from other blood vessels in four cases. Three patients underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy, two underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy, and eight underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection. All the patients successfully completed the surgery and were discharged postoperatively.

Conclusions

Some patients with pulmonary sequestration exhibit no obvious symptoms. Patients with clinical symptoms are easily confused for pneumonia, bronchial cysts, lung abscesses, and lung tumors; therefore, patients with pulmonary sequestration are prone to missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Currently, enhanced chest CT combined with three‐dimensional vascular reconstruction can accurately show the course, branches, and relationship with the mass of the feeding artery. Routine pathological examination is helpful to further clarify the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration. Minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery is the preferred treatment for patients with pulmonary sequestration. Surgical resection is safe and feasible, and satisfactory results are typically obtained.
The impact of Treosulfan‐based conditioning for inborn errors of immunity: Is dose monitoring crucial?
Authors: Ersoy Gizem Zengin , Çipe Funda , Fışgın Tunç , Aksoy Basak Adakli , Öner Özlem Başoğlu , Hashemi Nazlı , Aydoğdu Selime , Erdem Melek , Dikme Gürcan , Murat Koza , Bozkurt Ceyhun
Published: August 2023

Introduction

In children with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) who will receive a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) treosulfan‐based conditioning is currently preferred. The aim of this study was to investigate early and late outcomes in pediatric IEI patients receiving pre‐HSCT treosulfan and to examine the effect of treosulfan dose monitoring on outcomes.

Methods

Seventy‐three pediatric patients receiving this management between 2015 and 2022 were included.

Results

Overall survival rate was 80%, and event‐free survival was 67.8%. A larger treosulfan dose AUC after first application increased the rate of early toxicity (p = .034) and slowed lymphocyte engraftment (r = .290; p = .030). Underlying disease, treosulfan AUC, donor type, stem cell type, number of immunosuppressive agents, the dose of anti‐thymocyte globulin, and post‐transplantation cyclophosphamide did not to increase risk of acute graft‐versus‐host disease. The risk of mixed chimerism (MC) in patients with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome and leukocyte adhesion deficiency were higher than those with severe combined immunodeficiency (p = .021 and p = .014, respectively). The risk of MC was lower in those receiving peripheral blood stem cells (SC) compared with bone marrow derived SC (OR = .204, p = .022).

Conclusion

The AUC of the treosulfan dose was not associated with poorer late outcomes. Treosulfan is an agent that can be used safely in the IEI patient group,  level measurement appears essential to identify early toxicities. Prospective studies with more extended follow‐up periods are needed.
Effect of baking treatment on quality, nonvolatile and volatile compounds of Liupao tea
Authors: Wei Huijie , Zhou Hailin , Huang Li , Zhang Qisong , Teng Jianwen , Wei Baoyao , Xia Ning , Qin Rongzhen , Zhu Pingchuan
Published: August 2023

Baking treatment is commonly used to improve the aroma and taste of tea but its effects on Liupao tea are unknown. The quality, nonvolatile and volatile compounds of the stale‐aroma type Liupao tea (CX) and its baked tea (HB) were investigated. After baking, the bitterness and aftertaste‐bitterness of the tea infusion were reduced, the aroma of grass was increased, and the stale was weakened. Caffeine, (−)‐epigallocatechin, (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate, (−)‐epicatechin gallate, and gallic acid content decreased significantly. Significant lipid content down‐regulation was observed in the differential metabolites, but phosphatidylcholines accumulated after baking. According to GC–MS, the reduction of methoxy compound content after baking was critical in the reduction of CX stale aroma. HB newly generated 2,4‐decadienal and (E, E)‐2,4‐heptadienal, which may be related to linoleic and linolenic acid lipid oxidation. This study contributes to a better understanding of Liupao tea and the impact of baking treatment on improving Liupao tea quality.
Emergency care in the context of armed conflict: Nurses’ perspectives of the essential core competencies
Authors: Mani Zakaria A. , Kuhn Lisa , Plummer Virginia
Published: August 2023

Aim

To identify nurses’ perspectives of their core competencies for emergency care in the context of armed conflict.

Introduction

Emergency department's (ED) capacity is frequently overwhelmed by a sudden surge of patients when located near armed conflict. Although emergency nurses are key frontline responders, evidence detailing core competencies needed to work in these areas remains limited.

Method

The study used a cross‐sectional survey design and is reported using STROBE guidelines. A validated questionnaire was administered in hospitals near the southern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen border, where emergency nurses regularly manage large numbers of patients from armed conflict.

Result

A total of 163 questionnaires were returned (68% response rate). Most participants were female and had more than six years of ED experience. The core competencies for emergency nurses working near armed conflict were identified and highly rated by participants: the highest mean value was 9.47/10 and the lowest was 8.89/10. Analysis revealed regular education, training and drills were needed to provide quality emergency nursing care for victims of armed conflict.

Conclusion and implications for nursing and health policy

This study provides new evidence regarding core competencies in emergency nursing care in the context of armed conflict. The identified competencies should be incorporated into future education, curricula, training programmes and evaluations to enable emergency nurses to function effectively in the context of armed conflict. The findings will assist decision‐makers to develop plans and strategies for mitigating risk and improving the future nursing response in similar contexts.
Disruption of the Ghent effect: Disentangling structural and institutional determinants of union membership decline in Sweden, 2005–2010
Authors: Prytz Jesper , Berglund Tomas
Published: August 2023

In 2007–2008, Sweden implemented changes to the Ghent system of unemployment insurance, leading to union density decline. We study the interaction of labour force composition and institutional changes, finding that the structural tendencies of the decline strongly interacts with these changes, exposing previous precarious categories even further.
Effect of incisional negative pressure therapy and conventional treatment on wound complications after orthopaedic trauma surgery: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Li Ping , Li Junhong
Published: August 2023

The results of this meta‐analysis were applied to analyse the effects of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and conventional dressings on post‐surgical outcomes after trauma in orthopaedics. Through June 2023, a full review of the literature has been carried out with the help of 4 databases, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science. The quality of the literature was evaluated according to the classification and exclusion criteria established for this trial, which led to an analysis of 9 related trials. The results included the injury was deeply and superficially infected, and the wound was dehiscence. The 95% confidence interval (CI) and odds ratios (OR) were computed by means of a fixed‐effect and a random‐effect model. Meta‐analyses were conducted with RevMan 5.3. There is no statistical significance between NPWT and routine therapy for deep wound infection (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.82–2.27, p = 0.23); There was no difference in the incidence of inflammation in the wound than with conventional dressings (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.84–1.45, p = 0.49); But NPWT was obviously superior to that of routine therapy in superficial wound infection (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.32–3.25, p = 0.002) and wound dehiscence (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.31–4.57, p = 0.005); But not with respect to wound exudate. therapy group, but no statistically significant difference was found with respect to wound exudation. (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.86–1.57, p = 0.34). Given that some of the chosen trials are too small for this meta‐analysis, caution should be exercised when treating their values. More high‐quality research with a large sample is required in order to confirm the findings.
Quantitative sensory testing and skin biopsy findings in late‐onset ATTRv presymptomatic carriers: Relationships with predicted time of disease onset (PADO)
Authors: Leonardi Luca , Costanzo Rocco , Forcina Francesca , Morino Stefania , Antonini Giovanni , Salvetti Marco , Luigetti Marco , Romano Angela , Primiano Guido , Guglielmino Valeria , Fionda Laura , Garibaldi Matteo , Lauletta Antonio , Rossini Elena , Tufano Laura , Ceccanti Marco , Esposito Nicoletta , Falco Pietro , di Pietro Giuseppe , Truini Andrea , Galosi Eleonora
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis polyneuropathy (ATTRv‐PN) presymptomatic carriers often show preclinical abnormalities at small fiber‐related diagnostic tests. However, no validated biomarker is currently available to use for presymptomatic carriers' follow‐up, thus helping therapeutic decision making. Our study aimed at assessing nerve conduction study (NCS), quantitative sensory testing (QST), and skin biopsy parameters in a large cohort of late‐onset ATTRv presymptomatic carriers and to evaluate whether they correlated with predicted age of disease onset (PADO).

Methods

Late‐onset ATTRv presymptomatic carriers were consecutively enrolled and underwent NCS, QST, and skin biopsy with intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) evaluation from a distal and a proximal site. Douleur Neuropathique‐4 (DN4) and Small Fiber Neuropathy‐Symptoms Inventory (SFN‐SIQ) were used to assess painful and small fiber neuropathy‐related symptoms. PADO and time‐to‐PADO (delta‐PADO) were estimated for each carrier, and correlations with diagnostic test measures were analyzed.

Results

Forty presymptomatic ATTRv subjects were enrolled. Twenty carriers (50%) had distal IENFD reduction, with a non‐length‐dependent distribution in 73% of cases. Eleven subjects (27.5%) had cold and/or warm detection threshold (CDT and/or WDT) abnormalities at QST. Delta‐PADO positively correlated with sural sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude (r = .416, p = .004), and z‐values of QST parameters like CDT (r = .314, p = .028), WDT (r = −.294, p = .034), and mechanical detection threshold (MDT; r = −.382, p = .012). Simple linear regression models showed a linear relation between delta‐PADO and sural SAP, CDT, and MDT.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that IENFD reduction and QST abnormalities may occur early in ATTRv presymptomatic carriers, often with a non‐length‐dependent pattern. However, only sural SAP amplitude and QST parameters correlated with delta‐PADO, suggesting that serial combined QST and NCS evaluation could be useful in ATTRv presymptomatic carriers' follow‐up.
HIF‐1α is positively associated with endometrial receptivity by regulating PKM2
Authors: Liang Lixia , Yang Yang , Yang Lin , Zhang Xiuping , Xu Suming , Liu Yanling , Wu Xueqing , Chao Lan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Numerous advancements have been introduced into the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in the past four decades. Nonetheless, implantation failure is still a key limiting step for a successful pregnancy. Building of endometrial receptivity (ER) is essential for successful implantation. However, the fundamental biological processes and mechanisms of ER remain elusive. Our study investigates the function of hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) during ER establishment and shed lights on the novel molecular mechanism by which HIF‐1α regulates ER‐related gene expression network.

Methods

Levels of HIF‐1α, homeobox A10 (HOXA10), insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) in endometrial tissues were measured via real‐time PCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The correlation between HIF‐1α and HOXA10, IGFBP1, PKM2, LDHA were analyzed separately. Ishikawa cells were treated with vector HIF‐1α, HIF‐1α‐siRNA, and PKM2‐siRNA. After transfection, the levels of HOXA10, IGFBP1, LDHA, and PKM2 were measured via real‐time PCR and immunoblotting, and the lactate concentrations and cell migration of Ishikawa cells were measured.

Results

Levels of HIF‐1α, IGFBP1, HOXA10, LDHA, and PKM2 were significantly decreased in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) patients and levels of HOXA10, IGFBP1, PKM2, and LDHA were correlated with HIF‐1α in endometrium. Then in a cellular model established by HIF‐1α vector and HIF‐1α‐siRNA, the expression of HOXA10, IGFBP1, LDHA, PKM2, and lactate concentrations were dramatically upregulated and downregulated. And the expression of HOXA10, and IGFBP1 were dramatically decreased by PKM2‐siRNA.

Conclusions

HIF‐1α plays a crucial role in the building of ER through regulating glycolysis.
Comparative analyses of fiscal sustainability of the budgetary policy rules
Authors: Futagami Koichi , Konishi Kunihiko
Published: August 2023

We construct a continuous‐time overlapping generations model with an endogenous growth structure and consider fiscal sustainability under two fiscal rules: (i) the government fixes the budget deficit‐to‐GDP ratio and (ii) the government fixes the primary balance‐to‐GDP ratio. Under the constant budget deficit‐to‐GDP rule, fiscal sustainability is ensured when the initial public debt‐to‐GDP and budget deficit‐to‐GDP ratios are sufficiently small. Under the constant primary balance‐to‐GDP rule, it is difficult to ensure fiscal sustainability when the primary balance is in deficit or zero. However, fiscal sustainability is ensured when the primary balance is in surplus and the initial government debt‐to‐GDP ratio is sufficiently small.
The nurse bombarded, consumed and vulnerable: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of mental health nurses' self‐care at work
Authors: O'Malley Maria , O'Mahony James , Happell Brenda , Mulcahy Helen
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Self‐care is essential for nurses' wellbeing, with stress posing a major barrier. Research into self‐care is often absorbed into studies of burnout or resilience. Understanding lived experiences of influences on nurses' self‐care practices is essential. There is currently a paucity of literature on this topic.

Aim

To explore mental health nurses' views about what influences their ability to self‐care in relation to workplace stress and the impact on their practice and work environment.

Methods

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach was utilized. In‐depth interviews explored how nurses perceived the influence of environment and relationships on self‐care practices in the workplace.

Results

Participants' perceptions and experiences are embodied by the theme: the nurse bombarded, comprising two subordinate themes—the nurse consumed by the intensity of work and therapeutic relationships; and feeling vulnerable from colleague relationships and feeling undervalued. Participants described conflict between workload demands and expectations and the desire to provide optimal care.

Conclusions

Stressful working environments pose major barriers to effective self‐care. Feeling bombarded and vulnerable, impacts nurses' lives personally and professionally.

Implications for Practice

Mental health nurses' self‐care is crucial for quality practice. Strategies to address relational, personal and environmental barriers to self‐care are therefore necessary.
Quercetin promotes autophagy to alleviate cigarette smoke‐related periodontitis
Authors: Yu Jinrui , Jing Zheng , Shen Danfeng , Yang Mingcong , Liu Kehao , Xiang Kai , Zhou Chongjing , Gong Xuerui , Deng Yangjia , Li Yuzhou , Yang Sheng
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

Cigarette smoking has been reported as an independent risk factor for periodontitis. Tobacco toxins affect periodontal tissue not only locally but also systemically, leading to the deterioration and recurrence of periodontitis. However, the mechanism of cigarette smoke‐related periodontitis (CSRP) is unclear and thus lacks targeted treatment strategies. Quercetin, a plant‐derived polyphenolic flavonoid, has been reported to have therapeutic effects on periodontitis due to its documented antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of quercetin on CSRP and elucidated the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The cigarette smoke‐related ligature‐induced periodontitis mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and silk ligation of bilateral maxillary second molars. Quercetin was adopted by gavage as a therapeutic strategy. Micro‐computed tomography was used to evaluate the alveolar bone resorption. Immunohistochemistry detected the oxidative stress and autophagy markers in vivo. Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit‐8, and oxidative stress levels were tested by 2,7‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probe and lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde assay kit. Alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining were used to determine osteogenic differentiation. Network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and western blot were utilized to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism.

Results

Alveolar bone resorption was exacerbated and oxidative stress products were accumulated during CSE exposure in vivo. Oxidative stress damage induced by CSE caused inhibition of osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Quercetin effectively protected the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and periodontal tissue by upregulating the expression of Beclin‐1 thus to promote autophagy and reduce oxidative stress damage.

Conclusion

Our results established a role of oxidative stress damage and autophagy dysfunction in the mechanism of CSE‐induced destruction of periodontal tissue and hPDLCs, and provided a potential application value of quercetin to ameliorate CSRP.
Hepatokine‐based identification of fibrotic NASH and improved risk stratification in a multicentre cohort of NAFLD patients
Authors: Franck Martin , John Katharina , Al Aoua Sherin , Rau Monika , Geier Andreas , Schattenberg Jörn M. , Wedemeyer Heiner , Schulze‐Osthoff Klaus , Bantel Heike
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

The presence of significant liver fibrosis associated with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is regarded as the major prognostic factor in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Identification of patients at risk for NASH with significant fibrosis is therefore important. Although the established fibrosis score FIB‐4 is suitable to exclude advanced fibrosis, it does not allow the prediction of significant fibrosis in NAFLD patients. We therefore evaluated whether the hepatokine fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism, might identify ‘at‐risk NASH’ in NAFLD.

Methods

FGF21 levels were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in sera from an exploration (n = 137) and a validation (n = 88) cohort of biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients with different disease activity and fibrosis stages. In addition, we evaluated whether the use of FGF21 could improve risk stratification in NAFLD patients with low (<1.3) or intermediate (1.3–2.67) FIB‐4.

Results

FGF21 levels could significantly discriminate between NASH and non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) patients, even in the absence of diabetes. Moreover, patients with NASH and fibrosis ≥F2 showed significantly higher FGF21 levels compared to NAFLD patients without significant fibrosis. Significantly elevated FGF21 levels could even be detected in NAFLD patients with NASH and significant fibrosis despite low or intermediate FIB‐4.

Conclusion

Serological FGF21 detection might allow the identification of NAFLD patients at risk and improves patient stratification in combination with FIB‐4.
Sharing the space of the creature: Intersubjectivity as a lens toward mutual human–wildlife dignity
Authors: Perry Donna J.
Published: August 2023

Human–wildlife coexistence is critical for sustainable and healthy ecosystems as well as to prevent human and wildlife suffering. In this paper, an intersubjective approach to human–wildlife interactions is proposed as a lens toward human decentering and emergent mutual evolution. The thesis is developed through a secondary data analysis of a research study on wildlife care and philosophical analysis using the work of Bernard Lonergan and Edmund Husserl. The study was conducted using the theory of transcendent pluralism, which is grounded in human and ecological dignity, including the dignity of beyond‐human beings. Deeper interpretation of the original data suggests that human–wildlife interactions are mutually conscious, embodied, and hold spatial–temporal dimensions. The affective realm is an integral dimension of human–wildlife intersubjectivity. These findings inform an approach toward human–wildlife relations in which human persons and the beyond‐human multitude can all flourish in dignity.
Total temporomandibular joint reconstruction prosthesis in hemifacial microsomia: A systematic review
Authors: Arif H. , Ashraf R. , Khan F. , Khattak Y. R. , Nisar H. , Ahmad I.
Published: August 2023

Hypoplastic asymmetry due to hemifacial microsomia (HFM) often represents the most difficult reconstruction in the craniomaxillofacial clinic. Although autogenous grafts are generally used for temporomandibular joint reconstruction (TMJR), the use of TMJR prostheses is not well established. The aim of this review was to identify, collect and analyse the use of extended TMJR (eTMJR) prostheses in patients with HFM, describing clinical features, surgical procedures and postoperative complications. Online searches of all major databases were performed according to PRISMA guidelines. All studies with HFM patients treated with the eTMJR prostheses were included. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. A total of 19 studies, including 08 case studies, 06 case series and 05 retrospective cohort studies, met the inclusion criteria, where a total of 42 HFM patients were reported from 18 countries, mostly from the United States (05; 26%). Fifteen of the 42 cases (~36%) were male. The mean ± SD (range) age of patients in all studies was 19.79 ± 5.81 (9‐36) years. The mean ± SD (range) of patient follow‐up was 41.30 ± 35.50 (6‐136) months. A total of 5 (10.6%) patients were implanted with bilateral eTMJR prostheses. The Pruzansky classification was used in 18 (~89.5%) studies, OMENS classification in 01 (~5%) study, whereas no classification was reported in one study. Only 01 (7.1%) study had documented the eTMJR classification for the prosthesis used. In growing patients with or without a history of failed autogenous tissues, TMJR prostheses may provide a viable alternative. Randomized studies with large cohorts are warranted to validate these preliminary results.
Racial and ethnic disparities in antifibrotic therapy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhao Joy , Fares Joseph , George Gautam , Maheu Arlene , Loizidis Giorgos , Roman Jesse , Kramer Daniel , Li Michael , Summer Ross
Published: August 2023

Background and Objective

Racial disparities have been documented in care of many respiratory diseases but little is known about the impact of race on the treatment of interstitial lung diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine how race and ethnicity influence treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

Adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (>18 years) were identified using TriNetX database and paired‐wised comparisons were performed for antifibrotic treatment among White, Black, Hispanic and Asian patients. Mortality of treated and untreated IPF patients was compared after propensity score matching for age, sex, nicotine dependence, oxygen dependence and predicted FVC. Additional comparisons were performed in subgroups of IPF patients older than 65 years of age and with lower lung function.

Results

Of 47,184 IPF patients identified, the majority were White (35,082), followed by Hispanic (6079), Black (5245) and Asian (1221). When subgroups were submitted to matched cohort pair‐wise comparisons, anti‐fibrotic usage was lower among Black patients compared to White (6.2% vs. 11.4%, p‐value <0.0001), Hispanic (10.8% vs. 20.2%, p‐value <0.0001) and Asian patients (9.6% vs. 14.7%, p‐value = 0.0006). Similar treatment differences were noted in Black individuals older than 65 years and those with lower lung function. Mortality among White patients, but not Hispanic, Black, or Asian patients, was lower in patients on antifibrotic therapy versus not on therapy.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that Black IPF patients had lower antifibrotic use compared to White, Hispanic and Asian patients. Our findings suggest that urgent action is needed to understand the reason why racial disparities exist in the treatment of IPF.
A retrospective 10 years‐ experience overview of dye laser treatments for vascular pathologies
Authors: Giovanni Cannarozzo , Marina Pennati Beatrice , Tiziano Zingoni
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The Flash‐lamp pulsed dye laser (FPDL) is nowadays considered the most precise laser currently on the market for treating superficial vascular lesions. In this study, we gathered data from 10 years of experience regarding dye laser treatment of patients presenting vascular malformations such as telangiectasia, rhinophyma, port‐wine stain, cherry and spider angioma and vascular tumours.

Methods

Subjects were enrolled from 2013 to 2023 based on the vascular anomalies they presented. They underwent different treatment sessions with the FPDL device.

Results

The age‐range distribution by vascular anomaly confirmed that haemangiomas are typical in children while rhinophyma is a condition very common in older adults. A difference in sex distribution showed that pathologies such as telangiectasias typically affect women whereas rhinophyma is more frequent in men. Most of the treatments interested the face area but no permanent side effects were registered.

Conclusions

Our 10 years of experience with FPDL demonstrated good results in a wide range of applications for the treatment of different vascular anomalies. The absence of long‐term side effects and bearable pain during the treatment makes it a valuable solution for the resolution of benign tumours also in very young patients.
Transfusion reactions associated with COVID‐19 convalescent plasma in outpatient clinical trials
Authors: Huaman Moises A. , Raval Jay S. , Paxton James H. , Mosnaim Giselle S. , Patel Bela , Anjan Shweta , Meisenberg Barry R. , Levine Adam C. , Marshall Christi E. , Yarava Anusha , Shenoy Aarthi G. , Heath Sonya L. , Currier Judith S. , Fukuta Yuriko , Blair Janis E. , Spivak Emily S. , Petrini Joann R. , Broderick Patrick B. , Rausch William , Cordisco MarieElena , Hammel Jean , Greenblatt Benjamin , Cluzet Valerie C. , Cruser Daniel , Oei Kevin , Abinante Matthew , Hammitt Laura L. , Sutcliffe Catherine G. , Forthal Donald N. , Zand Martin S. , Cachay Edward R. , Kassaye Seble G. , Ram Malathi , Wang Ying , Das Piyali , Lane Karen , McBee Nichol A. , Gawad Amy L. , Karlen Nicky , Ford Daniel E. , Laeyendecker Oliver , Pekosz Andrew , Klein Sabra L. , Ehrhardt Stephan , Lau Bryan , Baksh Sheriza N. , Shade David M. , Casadevall Arturo , Hanley Daniel F. , Ou Jiangda , Gniadek Thomas J. , Ziman Alyssa , Shoham Shmuel , Gebo Kelly A. , Bloch Evan M. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Sullivan David J. , Gerber Jonathan M.
Published: August 2023

Background

COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is an important therapeutic option for outpatients at high risk of hospitalization from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We assessed the safety of outpatient CCP transfusions administered during clinical trials.

Study Design and Methods

We analyzed data pertaining to transfusion‐related reactions from two randomized controlled trials in the U.S. that evaluated the efficacy of CCP versus control plasma in various ambulatory settings. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess whether CCP was associated with transfusion reactions, after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The combined study reported 79/1351 (5.9%) adverse events during the transfusion visit, with the majority 62/1351 (4.6%) characterized by mild, allergic‐type findings of urticaria, and/or pruritus consistent with minor allergic transfusion reactions; the other reported events were attributed to the patients' underlying disease, COVID‐19, or vasovagal in nature. We found no difference in the likelihood of allergic transfusion reactions between those receiving CCP versus control plasma (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.43–1.31). Risk of urticaria and/or pruritus increased with a pre‐existing diagnosis of asthma (AOR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.16–4.67). We did not observe any CCP‐attributed antibody disease enhancement in participants with COVID‐19 or increased risk of infection. There were no life‐threatening severe transfusion reactions and no patients required hospitalization related to transfusion‐associated complications.

Discussion

Outpatient plasma administration was safely performed for nearly 1400 participants. CCP is a safe therapeutic option for outpatients at risk of hospitalization from COVID‐19.
Local constancy of pro‐unipotent Kummer maps
Authors: Betts Luke Alexander
Published: August 2023

It is a theorem of Kim–Tamagawa that the ‐pro‐unipotent Kummer map associated to a smooth projective curve  over a finite extension of  is locally constant when . This paper establishes two generalisations of this result. First, we extend the Kim–Tamagawa theorem to the case that  is a smooth variety of any dimension. Second, we formulate and prove the analogue of the Kim–Tamagawa theorem in the case , again in arbitrary dimension. In the course of proving the latter, we give a proof of an étale–de Rham comparison theorem for pro‐unipotent fundamental groupoids using methods of Scholze and Diao–Lan–Liu–Zhu. This extends the comparison theorem proved by Vologodsky for certain truncations of the fundamental groupoids.
Obstruction theory and the level n elliptic genus
Authors: Senger Andrew
Published: August 2023

Given a height at most two Landweber exact $\mathbb {E}_\infty$-ring $E$ whose homotopy is concentrated in even degrees, we show that any complex orientation of $E$ which satisfies the Ando criterion admits a unique lift to an $\mathbb {E}_\infty$-complex orientation $\mathrm {MU} \to E$. As a consequence, we give a short proof that the level $n$ elliptic genus lifts uniquely to an $\mathbb {E}_\infty$-complex orientation $\mathrm {MU} \to \mathrm {tmf}_1 (n)$ for all $n\, {\geq}\, 2$.