bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum X7022 ameliorates loperamide‐induced constipation and modulates gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Chen Xingye , Liu Guang , Zhao Li , Du Lei , Xie Jingli , Wei Dongzhi
Published: November 2022

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum X7022 is a novel strain isolated from stinky tofu brine. Its constipation amelioration potential was evaluated on two different constipation types (acute and subacute) in mice induced by loperamide hydrochloride in present work. L. plantarum X7022 could significantly decrease the first black stool defecation time, and increase black fecal weight, number, and the gastrointestinal transit ratio in both models. High‐dose treatment of L. plantarum X7022 (2 × 1010 CFU/kg BW) was more significant in improving constipation condition than low‐dose (2 × 107 CFU/kg BW). Furthermore, 16S rDNA sequencing of the intestinal flora showed that the treatment with the strain X7022 could increase the α diversity in both constipation models. Meanwhile, the abundance of Bacteroidetes increased, and Firmicutes decreased, which was more effective in acute constipated mice. In addition, X7022 treatment could enhance the relative abundance of beneficial flora, such as Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, and depressed Adlercreutzia and Odoribacter in acute model mice. In subacute constipated mice, X7022 treatment could enhance Alloprevotell, Rikenellaceae_RC9, and decreased Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136 and Desulfovibrio. Therefore, L. plantarum X7022 is a prospect probiotic strain for the amelioration of constipation.
NPRL2 down‐regulation facilitates the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma via the mTOR pathway and autophagy suppression
Authors: Wang Ya‐Chin , Tsai Ming‐Chao , Chen Yaw‐Sen , Hsieh Pei‐Min , Hung Chao‐Ming , Lin Hung‐Yu , Hsu Yao‐Chun , Yeh Jen‐Hao , Hsiao Pojen , Su Yu‐Cheih , Ma Ching‐Hou , Lee Chih‐Yuan , Lin Chih‐Che , Shu Chih‐Wen , Li Yu‐Chan , Tsai Mei‐Hsing , Lin James Yu , Peng Wei‐Hao , Yu Ming‐Lung , Lin Chih‐Wen
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly invasive malignancy. Recently, GATOR1 (Gap Activity TOward Rags 1) complexes have been shown to play an important role in regulating tumor growth. NPRL2 is a critical component of the GATOR1 complex. Therefore, this study used NPRL2 knockdown to investigate how GATORC1 regulates the prognosis and development of HCC via the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and autophagy signaling pathways. We established HepG2 cells with NPRL2 knockdown using small interfering RNA (siRNA) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) systems. The siRNA‐mediated and shRNA‐mediated NPRL2 down‐regulation significantly reduced the expression of NPRL2 and two other GATPOR1 complex components, NPRL3 and DEPDC5, in HepG2 cells; furthermore, the efficient down‐regulation of NPRL2 protein expression by both the shRNA and siRNA systems enhanced the proliferation, migration, and colony formation in vitro. Additionally, the NPRL2 down‐regulation significantly increased HCC growth in the subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft mouse models. The NPRL2 down‐regulation increased the Rag GTPases and mTOR activation and inhibited autophagy in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the NPRL2 level in the tumors was significantly associated with mortality, recurrence, the serum alpha fetoprotein level, the tumor size, the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage. Low NPRL2, NPRL3, DEPDC5, and LC3, and high p62 and mTOR protein expression in the tumors was significantly associated with disease‐free survival and overall survival in 300 patients with HCC after surgical resection. Conclusion: The efficient down‐regulation of NPRL2 significantly increased HCC proliferation, migration, and colony formation in vitro, and increased HCC growth in vivo. Low NPRL2 protein expression in the tumors was closely correlated with poorer clinical outcomes in patients with HCC. These results provide a mechanistic understanding of HCC and aid the development of treatments for HCC.
Light‐Driven Alkyne gem‐Hydrogenation: An Intramolecular Approach to Hoveyda–Grubbs Catalysts
Authors: Saiegh Tomas J. , Biberger Tobias , Zachmann Raphael J. , Fürstner Alois
Published: November 2022

The light‐driven gem‐hydrogenation of internal alkynes in the presence of [(NHC)(η6‐cymene)RuCl2] generates discrete ruthenium carbene complexes. When applied to appropriately designed enyne substrates, the reactive intermediates thus formed will engage the tethered olefin in metathetic ring closure while splitting off a Hoveyda–Grubbs‐type complex as secondary carbene. This unconventional approach to these classical catalysts for olefin metathesis rivals existing methodology in that it is safe, short, phosphine‐free, and uses readily available starting materials.
Exosomal NAMPT from chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells orchestrate monocyte survival and phenotype under endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Ni Jing , Zhang Ju , Liu Jiatao , Fan Lulu , Lin Xiao , Yu Hanqing , Sun Guoping
Published: November 2022

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been reported to be transmitted from tumor cells to immune cells via exosome and implicated in immune escape. However, the influence of ER stress on monocytes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells is largely unknown. Here, we observed the expression of ER stress markers (GRP78, ATF6, PERK, IRE1a, and XBP1s) in CLL cells. The increasing mRNA expression of these ER stress response components was positively correlated with more aggressive disease. Exosome from ER stress inducer tunicamycin (TM)‐primed CLL cells (ERS‐exo) up‐regulated the expression of ER stress marker on monocytes, indicating ER stress is transmissible in vitro via exosome. Treatment with ERS‐exo promoted the survival of monocytes and induced phenotypic changes with a significantly larger percentage of CD14+CD16+monocytes. Finally, we identified exosome‐mediated transfer of extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (eNAMPT) from ER stressed CLL cells into monocytes as a novel mechanism through which ERS‐exo regulated monocytes. Exosomal eNAMPT up‐regulated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) production which subsequently activated SIRT1‐C/EBPβ signaling pathway in monocytes. Our results suggest the role of ER stress in mediating immunological dysfunction in CLL.
Male involvement in the use of family planning and associated factors in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A community‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alemu Rediet B. , Delele Tadesse G. , Habitu Yohannes A.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To assess the level of male involvement in the use of family planning and associated factors among married men.

Methods

A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted from March to April 2018. Married men were randomly selected from four randomly selected kebeles, the smallest administrative division in Ethiopia. Data were collected using an interviewer‐administered structured questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify the associated factors with male involvement in the use of family planning.

Results

A total of 741 of 744 (99.6%) married men responded to the interview. The overall involvement of men in family planning was 70%. Men aged 25–30 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67–8.54), attending secondary school education (AOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.173–4.31), attending college and higher education (AOR 7.49, 95% CI 3.87–14.51), had more than five children (AOR 14.6, 95% CI 4.37–48.97), and had 3–4 children (AOR 16.13, 95% CI 6.31–41.16) were the factors significantly associated with male involvement in family planning.

Conclusion

The involvement of married men in family planning was low. Encouraging the education of younger men by considering those who do not have any children is an essential measure to enhance men's involvement in family planning.
Dysfunction of Caveolae-Mediated Endocytic TβRI Degradation Results in Hypersensitivity of TGF-β/Smad Signaling in Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Shi Changgui , Sun Bin , Wu Huiqiao , Zhang Rongcheng , Wu Lecheng , Guo Lei , Li Changwei , Xi Yanhai , Yuan Wen , Zhang Ying , Xu Guohua
Published: November 2022

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations of type I collagen-related genes, and excessive transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is a common mechanism. TGF-β/Smad signaling has inhibitory effects on osteoblast differentiation and maturation and is mainly transduced and regulated by the internalization of a tetrameric receptor complex comprising types I and II TGF-β receptors (TβRI and TβRII). During internalization, clathrin-mediated endocytosis enhances TGF-β/Smad signaling via Smad2/3 phosphorylation and receptors recycling, while caveolae-mediated endocytosis turns off TGF-β/Smad signaling by promoting receptor ubiquitination and degradation. In this study, using an animal model of OI (Colla2oim, osteogenesis imperfecta murine [oim]/oim mouse), we found that osteoblastic cells of oim/oim mice were more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of TGF-β on osteoblast differentiation and maturation and had much higher cell membrane protein levels of TGF-β receptors than those of wild-type (wt)/wt mice. Further results showed that clathrin-mediated endocytosis of TβRI was enhanced, whereas caveolae-mediated TβRI endocytic degradation was reduced in oim/oim mice, combined with reduced caveolin-1 (Cav-1) phosphorylation. In addition, type I collagen downregulated TβRI via focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src activation-dependent Cav-1 phosphorylation. To further examine this mechanism, 4-week-old oim/oim and wt/wt mice were treated with either TβRI kinase inhibitor (SD-208) or vehicle for 8 weeks. SD-208 treatment significantly reduced the fracture incidence in oim/oim mice. Micro–computed tomography and biomechanical testing showed that femoral bone mass and strength were significantly improved with SD-208 treatment in both genotypes. Additionally, SD-208 significantly promoted osteoblast differentiation and bone formation and inhibited bone resorption. In conclusion, dysfunction of caveolae-mediated endocytic TβRI degradation is a possible mechanism for the enhanced TGF-β/Smad signaling in OI. Targeting this mechanism using a TβRI kinase inhibitor effectively reduced fractures and improved bone mass and strength in OI model and, thus, may offer a new strategy for the treatment of OI. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Abstract

In this study, we found that caveolae-mediated endocytic TβRI degradation was reduced in OI due to the impaired regulation of type I collagen on FAK/Src activation-dependent Caveolin-1 phosphorylation, which further enhanced the TGF-β/Smad signaling on the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. Inhibition of TβRI kinase by SD-208 effectively reduced fractures and improved bone mass and strength in an OI mouse model.
Interpersonal perceptions in treatment sessions: Pathological narcissism predicts self‐rater discrepancies
Authors: Di Sarno Marco , Frisina Simone , Madeddu Fabio , Di Pierro Rossella
Published: November 2022

Objective

Evidence suggests that pathological narcissism impacts psychotherapy process and outcome. This study investigates whether traits of pathological narcissism account for distinctiveness (construal) of patients' interpersonal perceptions in treatment settings.

Methods

Patients enrolled in psychological/psychotherapeutic treatment (N = 150) described a segment of a session in a written format and subsequently assessed both self‐ and clinician's behavior on the dimensions of dominance and hostility (patient‐reported ratings), along with their pathological narcissistic traits. Three independent raters also assessed interpersonal behaviors (observer‐reported ratings) based on the written session descriptions. Indices of construal were defined by the residuals of self‐reported (net of observer‐reported) ratings and were regressed onto pathological narcissistic traits.

Results

No association emerged between pathological narcissism and construal in patients' perceptions of their clinicians. However, grandiose traits of pathological narcissism were related to distinctively perceiving oneself as more dominant, while vulnerable traits were related to distinctively perceiving oneself as more hostile. The former association (but not the latter) also held after incorporating additional observer ratings to investigate the robustness of the results.

Conclusion

Findings are discussed in light of treatment‐related self‐enhancement and self‐concealment processes.
Grit, general self‐efficacy, and life satisfaction: The mediating role of hope
Authors: Ekinci Nezir , Koç Hayri
Published: November 2022

This study examines the mediating role of hope in the relationship between grit, general self‐efficacy, and life satisfaction. The sample of the study consisted of 485 university students (68.7% female). The age of the participants ranged from 18 to 39 (Mean: 20.85, SD: 2.30). According to the findings of the study, positive significant relationships were found between grit, general self‐efficacy, hope and life satisfaction. hope fully mediated the impact of grit on life satisfaction. Additionally, hope fully mediates the effect of general self‐efficacy on life satisfaction. These findings suggest that grit and general self‐efficacy associated with life satisfaction can be better understood with hope. Hope can be a factor that increases individuals' resilience and general self‐efficacy and is an important aspect of positive‐based interventions.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of intravenous iron therapy for adults with non‐anaemic iron deficiency: An abridged Cochrane review
Authors: Dugan Cory , Cabolis Katerina , Miles Lachlan F. , Richards Toby
Published: November 2022

Iron is an essential nutrient for oxygen supply and aerobic metabolism. Iron deficiency impacts cellular respiration and mitochondrial energy metabolism, which can lead to reduced skeletal muscle function and muscle mass, causing sarcopenia. Intravenous iron offers the ability to rapidly correct iron deficiency, but the functional impact on patient mental and physical health is unclear. We assessed the effects of intravenous iron therapy on physical function and quality of life in the treatment of adults with non‐anaemic iron deficiency. An update and reanalysis of a previously published Cochrane systematic review was performed to assess randomized controlled trials that compared any intravenous iron preparation with placebo in adults. The primary functional outcome measure was physical performance as defined by the trial authors. Secondary outcome measures included fatigue and quality‐of‐life scores, and adverse effects at the end of follow‐up. Biochemical efficacy was assessed by change in serum ferritin and haemoglobin concentration levels. Twenty‐one randomized controlled trials, comprising 3514 participants, were included. Intravenous iron compared with placebo resulted in significantly increased physical function measured by mean peak oxygen consumption (mean difference [MD] 1.77 mL/kg/min, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57 to 2.97). An overall improvement in fatigue was seen (standardized MD 0.30, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.09) but no overall difference in quality of life (MD 0.15, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.31). Biochemically, intravenous iron resulted in improved serum ferritin (MD 245.52 μg/L, 95% CI 152.1 to 338.9) and haemoglobin levels (MD 4.65 g/L, 95% CI 2.53 to 6.78). There was a higher risk of developing mild adverse events in the intravenous iron group compared with the placebo group (risk ratio 1.77, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.83); however, no differences were seen in serious adverse events (risk difference 0, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.01). The quality of evidence was rated ‘low’ and ‘very low’ for all outcome variables, except for fatigue, mainly due to most studies being judged as having a high risk of bias. In non‐anaemic iron‐deficient adults, the use of intravenous iron compared with placebo improved physical function and reduced fatigue scores. However, we remain uncertain about the efficacy in this population due to low‐quality evidence, and there is a need for further studies to address potential impact on overall quality of life.
Irradiation accelerates SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by enhancing sphingolipid metabolism
Authors: Wei Zhuanzhuan , Jiang Yiyi , Zhao Gaomei , Li Chenwenya , Han Songling , Chen Yin , Wang Tao , Cheng Tianmin , Wang Junping , Wang Cheng
Published: November 2022

Cancer patients who receive radiotherapy have a high risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, but the concrete reason remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the influence of irradiation on the vulnerability of cancer cells to SARS‐CoV‐2 using S pseudovirions and probed the underlying mechanism via RNA‐seq and other molecular biology techniques. Owing to the enhancement of sphingolipid metabolism, irradiation accelerated pseudovirion infection. Mechanistically, irradiation induced the expression of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), which catalyses the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide, contributing to lipid raft formation and promoting SARS‐CoV‐2 invasion. Inhibition of lipid raft formation with methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD) or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and ASM suppression through small interfering RNA or amitriptyline (AMT) treatment abolished the enhancing effect of irradiation on viral infection. Animal experiments supported the finding that irradiation promoted SARS‐CoV‐2 S pseudovirion infection in A549 cell tumour‐bearing BALB/c nude mice, whereas AMT treatment dramatically decreased viral infection. This study discloses the role of sphingolipid metabolism in irradiation‐induced SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, thus providing a potential target for clinical intervention to protect patients receiving radiotherapy from COVID‐19.
Gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with sepsis‐induced cardiomyopathy in patients: A case‒control study
Authors: Deng Fan , Chen Yu , Sun Qi‐Shun , Lin Ze‐Bin , Min Yue , Zhao Bing‐Cheng , Huang Zhi‐Bin , Liu Wei‐Feng , Li Cai , Hu Jing‐Juan , Liu Ke‐Xuan
Published: November 2022

Background

Myocardial injury is a major complication of sepsis and a key factor affecting prognosis. Therefore, early and accurate diagnosis and timely management of sepsis‐induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) are of great significance for the prevention and treatment of sepsis. The gut microbiota has been shown to be closely associated with sepsis or myocardial injury, but the association between the gut microbiota and SICM is not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the link between gut microbiota composition and SICM.

Methods

A case‒control and single‐center study of clinical features and gut microbiota profiles by Metagenome and Virome was conducted in SICM patients (n = 15) and sepsis‐uninduced cardiomyopathy patients (SNICM, n = 16).

Results

Compared with SNICM patients, SICM patients showed significant myocardial injury and higher 28‐day mortality, SOFA scores, lactate levels, and infection levels on admission. Meanwhile, differences in the composition of gut bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses were analyzed between the two groups. Differential gut bacteria or viruses were found to have a good predictive effect on SICM. Furthermore, gut bacteria and viruses that differed between the two groups were strongly related. The abundance of Cronobacter and Cronobacter phage was higher in the SICM group than in the SNICM group, and the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that Cronobacter and Cronobacter phage both had a good predictive effect on SICM.

Conclusions

SICM patients may have specific gut microbiota signatures, and Cronobacter and Cronobacter phages have a good ability to identify and diagnose SICM.
Spatial‐temporal dynamics and time series prediction of HFRS in mainland China: A long‐term retrospective study
Authors: He Junyu , Wang Yanding , Wei Xianyu , Sun Hailong , Xu Yuanyong , Yin Wenwu , Wang Yong , Zhang Wenyi
Published: November 2022

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is highly endemic in mainland China. The current study aims to characterize the spatial‐temporal dynamics of HFRS in mainland China during a long‐term period (1950−2018). A total of 1 665 431 cases of HFRS were reported with an average annual incidence of 54.22 cases/100 000 individuals during 1950−2018. The joint regression model was used to define the global trend of the HFRS cases with an increasing‐decreasing‐slightly increasing‐decreasing‐slightly increasing trend during the 68 years. Then spatial correlation analysis and wavelet cluster analysis were used to identify four types of clusters of HFRS cases located in central and northeastern China. Lastly, the prophet model outperforms auto‐regressive integrated moving average model in the HFRS modeling. Our findings will help reduce the knowledge gap on the transmission dynamics and distribution patterns of the HFRS in mainland China and facilitate to take effective preventive and control measures for the high‐risk epidemic area.
Monkeypox: Early estimation of basic reproduction number R0 in Europe
Authors: Branda Francesco , Pierini Massimo , Mazzoli Sandra
Published: November 2022

This world outbreak of Monkeypox (MPX) infections outside Africa emerged on May 2022 in Europe and spread worldwide with unique characteristics: inter‐human contagion and infection in men without specific previous immunization, prevalently men‐who‐have‐sex‐with‐men (MSM). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed a unique clade, the West African clade, subclade IIb. On August 30, WHO stated 48 895 laboratory confirmed cases from 101 different countries, of which 28 050 were in Europe. It has therefore become important to define new epidemiological indices. Starting from our new surveillance system EpiMPX open data, we defined an early R0 measure, using European ECDC confirmed cases from the epidemic start to the end of August 2022; our early R0 pooled median is 2.44, with high variability between countries. We observed the higher R0 in Portugal and Germany, followed by Italy, Spain, and France. Anyway, these high estimates refer to the MSM group rather than to the general population. Early estimation of R0 can be used to support the epidemiological understanding of transmission dynamics and contain MPX from spreading in naive populations and core groups with risk factors. MPX is in an evolving situation with much to learn and to do to combat the current epidemic outbreak.
Cellular toxicity and pharmacokinetic study of butachlor by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry based on tandem mass spectrometry cubed technique
Authors: Zheng Xinyue , Duan Xujian , Lu Di , Jiang Qiuhong , Liu Yajun , Xue Hongyu , You Jiansong , Yin Lei , Shi Meiyun
Published: November 2022

Butachlor is an aromatic amide compound that plays a role as a herbicide, a xenobiotic, and an environmental contaminant. The aim of this work was to develop a highly selective and sensitive ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method based on the tandem mass spectrometry cubed technique to determine butachlor in a biological matrix. Butachlor and internal standard acetochlor were separated on a Waters Acquity ultra‐performance liquid chromatography BEH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) with gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A) and acetonitrile (B) as mobile phases. The transitions selected for tandem mass spectrometry cubed quantitative analysis in positive ion mode were: for butachlor, mass‐to‐charge ratio 312.2→238.1→162.1; for acetochlor, mass‐to‐charge ratio 270.1→224.0→148.1. The total running time for each sample was 5.5 min. The ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry cubed method showed a linear relationship (R2 ≥ 0.995) in the concentration range of 0.5–100 ng/ml. The intra and interday accuracies are within the range of ‐10.6%–4.3% and precisions are between 4.48% and 13.14%. The novelty of the method is the use of tandem mass spectrometry cubed scanning mode, which improves selectivity and sensitivity. The results indicated that butachlor was cellular toxic. The safety of butachlor should be considered when it is used as a herbicide.
Attrition from pediatric trauma‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wamser‐Nanney Rachel , Walker Hannah E.
Published: November 2022

Trauma‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF‐CBT) is one of the leading interventions for trauma‐exposed children and adolescents and is associated with significant improvements in a variety of trauma‐related symptoms. Nonetheless, attrition from TF‐CBT is quite common, and children who do not receive the full intervention may continue to suffer from trauma‐related symptoms. Rates of premature termination have varied across studies, and to date, no meta‐analyses have been conducted regarding dropout from TF‐CBT. The objective of the present study was to conduct a meta‐analysis of the rates of attrition from TF‐CBT, as well as review factors related to premature termination from this intervention. A total of 22 studies were available for inclusion in this meta‐analysis. The prevalence of attrition was 33.9% (95% CI [26.2%, 42.5%]) from 2,059 children receiving TF‐CBT. Clinician‐rated attrition was 38.5%, and 17.5% did not receive an adequate dose of TF‐CBT (e.g., 12+ sessions). Further, the study type was related to differing rates of dropout, with randomized controlled trials having a much lower attrition rate. Regarding risk factors for premature termination, the emerging literature suggests that a child's age, racial‐ethnic minority status, and symptom levels may evince some ties to attrition. Caregiver, family, therapist, and treatment factors remain underexplored in relation to premature termination; however, preliminary work suggests that lack of caregiver attendance and difficulty in the child‐therapist relationship may be related to attrition. A substantial number of children prematurely terminate from TF‐CBT, underscoring the need to better prevent dropout.
Evaluation of a Cranial Ultrasound Screening Protocol for Very Preterm Infants
Authors: McLean Glenda , Ditchfield Michael , Paul Eldho , Malhotra Atul , Lombardo Paul
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Cranial ultrasound (cUS) screening is recommended for preterm neonates born before 32 weeks' gestational age (GA). The primary aim of this study was to determine if both a day 3 and day 8 cUS screening examination is necessary for all neonates.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed at a tertiary‐level Australian hospital. Frequencies of cranial ultrasound abnormality (CUA) were compared between routine screening performed at postnatal days 3, 8, and 42. Univariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) was performed using logistic regression.

Results

cUS examinations on 712 neonates born before 32 weeks' GA were included. Neonates were divided into 2 groups: 99 neonates in the 23–25 weeks 6 days GA (group A) and 613 neonates in the 26–31 weeks 6 days GA (group B). All CUA occurred more frequently in group A neonates and in the subset of group B neonates who had defined risk factors. Low‐risk group B neonates had lower incidence of CUAs demonstrated on day 8 cUS than high‐risk group B neonates, with no significant differences between day 3 and day 8. Logistic regression analysis identified a number of risk factors (vaginal delivery, small for GA, Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, intubation, patent ductus arteriosus and infection) that were associated with increased frequency of IVH on day 8. In neonates born between 30 and 31 weeks 6 days GA, 35% had a CUA identified.

Conclusions

Low‐risk preterm neonates born between 26 and 31 weeks 6 days GA, without complications, could be screened with a single early cUS examination around day 8 without missing substantial abnormality.
Prescribed take levels of downy and hairy woodpeckers in the eastern United States
Authors: Wells Michael T. , Cooper Thomas R. , Harrison Larry A. , Zimmerman Guthrie S.
Published: November 2022

Hairy (Dryobates villosus) and downy (Dryobates pubescens) woodpeckers occur in high densities in residential areas of the eastern United States. In many areas of their range, they cause damage to wooden structures through foraging, excavation of nesting cavities, and drumming behaviors, causing requests for allowable take permits. Both species hold year‐round territories, which could make them vulnerable to local extirpation with excess take. To meet the requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty act, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) requested scientifically informed evaluation of take to minimize population effects as part of its approach to reduce human–wildlife conflict. We used a prescribed take approach, which uses data from population, demographic, and management parameter estimates to determine the allowable take from Louisiana to Minnesota and all states east. Furthermore, we used 2 different methods of estimating growth rates to control for demographic uncertainties. The resulting estimates provide take at the state and USFWS regional scales to improve stakeholder choices when setting allowable take. Current authorized take (2016–2018) is below the take that could be sustained by current populations, and current rates of take are not likely to cause population‐level effects. These results were largely consistent across methodologies for calculating the rate of growth for both species. Take still needs to be managed to prevent local extirpation of these resident species. Allowable take estimates should be periodically updated to reflect changing management and population needs for both species.
Plant types shape soil microbial composition, diversity, function, and co‐occurrence patterns in cultivated land of a karst area
Authors: Wei Xiaoliao , Fu Tianling , He Guandi , Cen Ruxiang , Huang Chunyan , Yang Mingfang , Zhang Wang , He Tengbing
Published: November 2022

Plants can alter microbial communities through root exudates, and change the characteristics of the soil. However, the relationship between soil microbial communities and environmental factors is not well understood. Here, we studied bacterial and fungal communities and their relationships with environmental factors. We integrated data of environmental factors, microbial composition, diversity, functional prediction, and co‐occurrence network from uncultivated, maize, cabbage, and cocozelle soils in a karst area of Southwest China. Soil bacterial and fungal community composition differed with plant types. Maize soil had more taxa and greater alpha diversity of bacteria and fungi than other soils. In maize soil, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Ascomycota was significantly lower than that in uncultivated soil, while its contents of soil organic matter (OM), alkali‐hydrolyzable nitrogen, and total nitrogen (TN) showed the opposite trend. These indicators were not significantly different between cabbage and cocozelle soils. The results of the Mantel test and the RDA analysis indicated that TN and OM were important drivers of bacterial and fungal communities. Functional prediction and network analysis showed that maize soil had a high nitrogen fixation capacity and a complex and stable network. To summarize, maize soil not had a low relative abundance of Ascomycota and high content of TN and OM, nitrogen fixation ability, and a rich microbial community. Therefore, cultivating maize is suitable for improving soil microbial community. These findings might help in formulating a reasonable cultivation management program to prevent land degradation in the karst areas.
Elevated salinity decreases soil ecosystem multifunctionality by shifting the bacterial community from K‐ to r‐selected living strategy
Authors: Cheng Yarui , Wan Wenjie
Published: November 2022

Deciphering ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) driven by abiotic and biotic factors is crucial for evaluating soil nutrient cycling and retention. Yet, there is little information on whether microbial r/K‐selection can play the same role as community diversity to reflect EMF. Using Illumina MiSeq sequencing, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) technique, and multiple statistical analyses, we estimated linkages among salinity, soil EMF, community diversities, microbial r/K‐selection, and bacterial ecological assembly processes and phylogenetic signals in salinized agricultural soils (0.09–19.91 dS m−1). Salinity significantly negatively correlated with soil EMF, bacterial taxonomic and phylogenetic α‐diversities, and bacterial K‐selection represented by the Acidobacteria/Proteobacteria (Aci:Pro) ratio (0–0.50). There was a significantly positive correlation between bacterial K‐selection and soil EMF (Pearson's r = 0.545, p < 0.001). Deterministic processes (60.0–85.5%) dominated bacterial community assemblies along salinity gradients (i.e., 0–1, 1–2, 2–4, 4–8, 8–16, and >16 dS m−1), and salinity displayed a critical role in balancing stochastic and deterministic processes. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report elevated salinity decreased soil EMF and a bacterial shift from K‐ to r‐selection. Environmental constraint and phylogenetic conservatism showed strongly negative influences on bacterial K‐selection. These findings enrich the knowledge of bacterial diversity maintenance in salinized agricultural soils and reveal close linkage between bacterial K‐selection and soil EMF. Therefore, the bacterial K‐selection index of Aci:Pro could serve as a bioindicator for soil EMF.
Don't put me on the spot: The role of perceived intrusiveness in public donation solicitations
Authors: Sanchez Alison , Kull Alexander J.
Published: November 2022

Though public donation solicitations (e.g., asking consumers to donate during checkout) are becoming ubiquitous, little is known about whether and how consumers' feelings elicited by these solicitations influence their donation behavior. Three consequential choice studies using incentive‐compatible experimental designs examine the multifaceted nature of public solicitation effectiveness. Study 1 shows that public (vs. private) solicitations increase not only the donation rate but also donors' propensity to deceive. Exploring the psychological mechanisms underlying these conflicting consequences, Study 2 demonstrates that social image concerns for not donating and perceived intrusiveness from being put on the spot counteract each other by simultaneously driving and impairing public solicitation effectiveness. Disentangling this interplay of mechanisms, Study 3 highlights the importance of the public solicitation form by uncovering a serial mediation effect. Specifically, nonverbal (vs. verbal) public solicitations increase the donation rate by reducing social image concerns and, in turn, perceived intrusiveness. Study 3 also reveals that verbal solicitations can have detrimental downstream consequences on consumers' attitudes and loyalty intentions toward both the soliciting store and the charity beneficiary. Uncovering perceived intrusiveness as a critical factor influencing donation behavior, this study thus shows that soliciting donations publicly can be a double‐edged sword, giving rise to important implications for both theory and practice.
Brands in a game or a game for brands? Comparing the persuasive effectiveness of in‐game advertising and advergames
Authors: Ghosh Tathagata , S. Sreejesh , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: November 2022

Although a rich body of knowledge exists in the domain of gamification of advertising, no research emphasis has been given to compare the persuasive effects of two well‐known gamification formats—in‐game advertising and advergame. Also, we do not know much about their comparative effects on child and adult gamers. The present research fills these gaps by conducting three experiments in which we examine the effects of gamification format (advergame vs. in‐game advertising) and age of consumers (children vs. adults) on attitude toward fictitious and real brands (Studies 1 and 2) and purchase intention of fictitious brands (Study 3). The findings reveal that children have more favorable attitude and purchase intention when the brand is advertised in an advergame than in an in‐game advertising format, while adults demonstrate higher brand attitude and purchase intention in the latter as compared to the former gamification format. Also, brand familiarity differentially moderates the relationship between gamification format, age, and brand attitude (Study 2). Finally, consumers' engagement in the game positively mediates the relationship between the independent variables and purchase intention (Study 3). Our research contributes to academia by advancing the literature on gamification of advertising through a granular evaluation of persuasive efficacy of IGA and advergame played by adults and children. It also informs managers to effectively persuade consumers of different age groups by the usage of the right gamification format.
Blast phase of chronic myeloid leukemia with concurrent BCR::ABL1 and SET::NUP214: A report of two cases
Authors: Chen Yan , Wang Qian , Cen Jiannong , Xu Chao , Tao Ting‐ting , Xie Jundan , Shen Wenhong , Gong Yanlei , Pan Jinlan , Yao Li
Published: November 2022

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm defined by the presence of t(9;22)(q34;q11.2)/BCR::ABL1. Additional chromosomal abnormalities play an important role in the progression to CML. However, the additional fusion gene was rarely reported such as CBFB::MYH11. In this report, we described two cases of the co‐occurrence of BCR::ABL1 and SET::NUP214 in CML‐BP for the first time, which is associated with poor outcomes during tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. Meanwhile, we retrospectively analyzed SET::NUP214 fusion transcript of the two cases at initial diagnosis of the CML chronic phase by quantitative RT‐PCR, and detected at a ratio of 1.63% and 1.50%, respectively. SET::NUP214 may promote disease progression during the transformation of CML. This study highlights the importance of extended molecular testing at the initial diagnosis of CML‐CP at TKI resistance and/or disease transformation.
Modeling RBE with other quantities than LET significantly improves prediction of in vitro cell survival for proton therapy
Authors: Kalholm Fredrik , Grzanka Leszek , Toma‐Dasu Iuliana , Bassler Niels
Published: November 2022

Background

For proton therapy, a relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1 has broadly been applied clinically. However, as unexpected toxicities have been observed by the end of the proton tracks, variable RBE models have been proposed. Typically, the dose‐averaged linear energy transfer (LETd) has been used as an input variable for these models but the way the LETd was defined, calculated, or determined was not always consistent, potentially impacting the corresponding RBE value.

Purpose

This study compares consistently calculated LETd with other quantities as input variables for a phenomenological RBE model and attempts to determine which quantity that can best predicts proton RBE. The comparison was performed within the frame of introducing a new model for the proton RBE.

Methods

High‐throughput experimental setups of in vitro cell survival studies for proton RBE determination are simulated using the SHIELD‐HIT12A Monte Carlo particle transport code. Together with LET, , here called effective Q (Qeff), and Q are scored. Each quantity is calculated using the dose and track averaging methods, because the scoring includes all hadronic particles, all protons or only primaries. A phenomenological linear‐quadratic‐based RBE model is subsequently applied to the in vitro data with the various beam quality descriptors used as input variables and the goodness of fit is determined and compared using a bootstrapping approach. Both linear and nonlinear fit functions were tested.

Results

Versions of Qeff and Q outperform LET with a statistically significant margin, with the best nonlinear and linear fit having a relative root mean square error (RMSE) for RBE2Gy ± one standard error of 1.55 ± 0.04 (Qeff, t, primary) and 2.84 ± 0.07 (Qeff, d, primary), respectively. For comparison, the corresponding best nonlinear and linear fits for LETd, all protons had a relative RMSE of 2.07 ± 0.06 and 3.39 ± 0.08, respectively. Applying Welch's t‐test for comparing the calculated RMSE of RBE2Gy resulted in two‐tailed p‐values of <0.002 for all Q and Qeff quantities compared to LETd, all protons.

Conclusions

The study shows that Q or Qeff could be better RBE descriptors that dose averaged LET.
High SNR rapid T1‐weighted MPRAGE using spiral imaging with long readouts and improved deblurring
Authors: Wang Dinghui , Robison Ryan K. , Li Zhiqiang , Pipe James G.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The goal of this work is to present the implementation of 3D spiral high‐resolution MPRAGE and to demonstrate that SNR and scan efficiency increase with the increment of readout time.

Theory

Simplified signal equations for MPRAGE indicate that the T1 contrast can be kept approximately the same by a simple relationship between the flip angle and the TR. Furthermore, if T1 contrast remains the same, image SNR depends on the square root of the product of the total scan time and the readout time.

Methods

MPRAGE spiral sequences were implemented with distributed spirals and spiral staircase on 3 Tesla scanners. Brain images of three volunteers were acquired with different readout times. Spiral images were processed with a joint water–fat separation and deblurring algorithm and compared to Cartesian images. Pure noise data sets were also acquired for SNR evaluation.

Results

Consistent T1 weighting can be achieved with various spiral readout lengths, and between spiral MPRAGE imaging and the traditional Cartesian MPRAGE imaging. Noise performance analysis demonstrates higher SNR efficiency of spiral MPRAGE imaging with matched T1 contrast compared to the Cartesian reference imaging.

Conclusion

Fast, high SNR MPRAGE imaging is feasible with long readout spiral trajectories.
MAGORINO: Magnitude‐only fat fraction and R*2estimation with Rician noise modeling
Authors: Bray Timothy J. P. , Bainbridge Alan , Lim Emma , Hall‐Craggs Margaret A. , Zhang Hui
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Magnitude‐based fitting of chemical shift–encoded data enables proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and estimation where complex‐based methods fail or when phase data are inaccessible or unreliable. However, traditional magnitude‐based fitting algorithms do not account for Rician noise, creating a source of bias. To address these issues, we propose an algorithm for magnitude‐only PDFF and estimation with Rician noise modeling (MAGORINO).

Methods

Simulations of multi‐echo gradient‐echo signal intensities are used to investigate the performance and behavior of MAGORINO over the space of clinically plausible PDFF, , and SNR values. Fitting performance is assessed through detailed simulation, including likelihood function visualization, and in a multisite, multivendor, and multi‐field‐strength phantom data set and in vivo.

Results

Simulations show that Rician noise–based magnitude fitting outperforms existing Gaussian noise–based fitting and reveals two key mechanisms underpinning the observed improvement. First, the likelihood functions exhibit two local optima; Rician noise modeling increases the chance that the global optimum corresponds to the ground truth. Second, when the global optimum corresponds to ground truth for both noise models, the optimum from Rician noise modeling is closer to ground truth. Multisite phantom experiments show good agreement of MAGORINO PDFF with reference values, and in vivo experiments replicate the performance benefits observed in simulation.

Conclusion

The MAGORINO algorithm reduces Rician noise–related bias in PDFF and estimation, thus addressing a key limitation of existing magnitude‐only fitting methods. Our results offer insight into the importance of the noise model for selecting the correct optimum when multiple plausible optima exist.
Tissue optimization strategies for high‐quality ex vivo diffusion imaging
Authors: Barrett Rachel L. C. , Cash Diana , Simmons Camilla , Kim Eugene , Wood Tobias C. , Stones Richard , Vernon Anthony C. , Catani Marco , Dell'Acqua Flavio
Published: November 2022

Ex vivo diffusion imaging can be used to study healthy and pathological tissue microstructure in the rodent brain with high resolution, providing a link between in vivo MRI and ex vivo microscopy techniques. Major challenges for the successful acquisition of ex vivo diffusion imaging data however are changes in the relaxivity and diffusivity of brain tissue following perfusion fixation.

In this study we address this question by examining the combined effects of tissue preparation factors that influence signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and consequently image quality, including fixative concentration, contrast agent concentration and tissue rehydration time. We present an optimization strategy combining these factors to manipulate the
and
of fixed tissue and maximize SNR efficiency.

We apply this strategy in the rat brain, for a diffusion‐weighted spin echo protocol with TE = 27 ms on a 9.4 T scanner with a 39 mm volume coil and 660 mT/m 114 mm gradient insert. We used a reduced fixative concentration of 2% paraformaldehyde (PFA), rehydration time more than 20 days, 15 mM Gd‐DTPA in perfusate and TR 250 ms. This resulted in a doubling of SNR and an increase in SNR per unit time of 135% in cortical grey matter and 88% in white matter compared with 4% PFA and no contrast agent.

This improved SNR efficiency enabled the acquisition of excellent‐quality high‐resolution (78
m isotropic voxel size) diffusion data with b = 4000 s/mm
, 30 diffusion directions and a field of view of
mm3 in less than 4 days. It was also possible to achieve comparable data quality for a standard resolution (150
m) diffusion dataset in
h.

In conclusion, the tissue optimization strategy presented here may be used to improve SNR, increase spatial resolution and/or allow faster acquisitions in preclinical ex vivo diffusion MRI experiments.
Experiences and needs of older adults at different stages of cerebral infarction based on trajectory theory—A qualitative study
Authors: Tang Xianping , Sun Hong , Ge Song , Han Shuyu , Li Ying , Wu Bei
Published: November 2022

Background

In recent years, stroke has become the second leading cause of death worldwide, and the incidence and mortality of ischemic stroke have increased significantly. This study mainly aimed to explore the experiences and needs of older adults at different stages of cerebral infarction based on the chronic illness trajectory theory.

Methods

Data were collected from 22 older adults experiencing the onset, acute, and stable stages of stroke through semi‐structured interviews and were analyzed using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological approach.

Results

Multiple themes and subthemes emerged on the experiences and needs of older adults at different stages of cerebral infarction based on the three dimensions of the long‐term disease trajectory theory: illness‐related work, biographical work, and everyday life work. Seven themes were extracted for illness‐related work, six for biographical work, and eight for everyday life work.

Discussions

The treatment, nursing, and rehabilitation of cerebral infarction are complex. This study indicated that patients after cerebral infarction have different experiences and needs for illness‐related work. They also have distinctive and dynamically changing demands for biographical work and everyday life work.

Conclusions

The experiences and needs of older patients with cerebral infarction changed dynamically at different stages of the disease. Healthcare professionals should develop effective interventions targeting these needs at various disease stages, provide patients with continuous support to shape their disease trajectories, and maintain patients' stability.