bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passenger rail station safety improvement and analysis of end-of-track collisions based on systems-theoretic accident modeling and processes (STAMP)
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Liu Xiang , Hu Hao
Published: August 2021

Purpose

At the US passenger stations, train operations approaching terminating tracks rely on the engineer’s compliant behavior to safely stop before the end of the tracks. Noncompliance actions from the disengaged or inattentive engineers would result in hazards to train passengers, train crewmembers and bystanders at passenger stations. Over the past decade, a series of end-of-track collisions occurred at passenger stations with substantial property damage and casualties. This study’s developed systemic model and discussions present policymakers, railway practitioners and academic researchers with a flexible approach for qualitatively assessing railroad safety.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve a system-based, micro-level analysis of end-of-track accidents and eventually promote the safety level of passenger stations, the systems-theoretic accident modeling and processes (STAMP), as a practical systematic accident model widely used in the complex systems, is developed in view of environmental factors, human errors, organizational factors and mechanical failures in this complex socio-technical system.

Findings

The developed STAMP accident model and analytical results qualitatively provide an explicit understanding of the system hazards, constraints and hierarchical control structure of train operations on terminating tracks in the US passenger stations. Furthermore, the safety recommendations and practical options related to obstructive sleep apnea screening, positive train control-based collision avoidance mechanisms, robust system safety program plans and bumping posts are proposed and evaluated using the STAMP approach.

Originality/value

The findings from STAMP-based analysis can serve as valid references for policymakers, government accident investigators, railway practitioners and academic researchers. Ultimately, they can contribute to establishing effective emergent measures for train operations at passenger stations and promote the level of safety necessary to protect the public. The STAMP approach could be adapted to analyze various other rail safety systems that aim to ultimately improve the safety level of railroad systems.
Down to earth: Gaia storytelling and the learning organization
Authors: Jørgensen Kenneth Mølbjerg , Strand Anete Mikkala Camille , Hayden Julia , Sparre Mogens , Larsen Jens
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In accordance with Latour, this paper aims to respond to the call for a “down-to-earth” post-learning organization approach to sustainability, which is critical of Senge’s conception of learning organization (LO).

Design/methodology/approach

“Gaia storytelling” is used to define a LO that is “down-to-earth”.

Findings

Gaia is understood through the notion of a critical zone, which foregrounds the local and differentiated terrestrial conditions in which life on Earth is embedded.

Practical implications

Gaia storytelling implies perceiving LO as a network of storytelling practices enacted and told by unique creative citizens. Such an organization sustains and grows through several entangled storytelling cycles that allow Gaia to shape learning.

Social implications

The article distinguishes five different storytelling cycles as a way to explore how the Gaia theater cycle connects to other cycles. The four other cycles are: Gaia thinking, explorative, creative and Gaia truth-telling.

Originality/value

A Gaian LO is a new beginning for LO.
3‐O‐Acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid ameliorates chronic unpredictable mild stress induced HPA axis dysregulation in relation with glutamate/GABA aberration in depressive rats
Authors: Gunasekaran Venkatesh , Augustine Anitta , Avarachan Jinu , Khayum Abdul , Ramasamy Arivukkarasu
Published: August 2021

Overt expression of brain glucocorticoid receptor (GR) leads to elevation of glutamate release causes cerebral excitotoxicity which in turn produce neuropsychological disorders. The aim of our work is to study the consequence of 3‐O‐Acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (AKBA) on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced HPA axis dysregulation in relative to glutamate and GABA irregularity in depressive rats. AKBA (5, 10 &15mg/kg) was administered for 28 days parallel with CUMS induction in rats. Behavioural studies, tail suspension test (TST), open field exploratory (OFT) and forced swim test (FST) were performed. Biochemical studies including plasma corticosterone, glutamate GABA and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) enzyme activity were studied. Glucocorticoid receptor expression and brain histology were studied to observe the effect of AKBA. CUMS induction results in depressive state of the animals were confirmed by the sucrose preference test. The administration of AKBA significantly reduced the immobility time and improved the exploratory behaviour. Plasma corticosterone and brain glutamate level was decreased and GABA level were increased significantly evident with GAD activation in AKBA‐treated animals, further confirmed with decreased GR expression improves architecture of prefrontal cortex region. Correlation study illustrates behavioural improvements undeviating the biochemical alteration and GR expression after AKBA treatment during depression. AKBA significantly reversed the CUMS‐induced glutamate/GABA abnormalities through the adaptation of central HPA axis regulation. Hence this study concludes that AKBA can be a better alternative to treat depressive disorders.
Optimization of pectinase‐assisted extraction condition of mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit using response surface methodology and its effect on anthocyanin synthesis pathway‐related metabolites
Authors: Kim Mina , Nam Dong‐Geon , Choe Jeong‐Sook , Hwang Kyung‐A , Choi Ae‐Jin
Published: August 2021

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit (MF) is a rich source of functional compounds, such as anthocyanin. However, during solvent extraction, these compounds are not fully dispersed into the substrate, leading to incomplete extraction. Moreover, raw MF rapidly ripens and deteriorates after harvesting; hence, innovative methods to process MF are needed. Here, a pectinase‐assisted extraction method is developed to liberate polyphenols and anthocyanins from cell wall matrices in MF. We optimized the procedure to maximize water solubility index (WSI), total phenolic (TP) content, and total anthocyanin (TA) content using a central composite design to perform a response surface methodology (RSM) analysis. The optimal conditions predicted by the RSM were a 1:5 w/v material/water ratio with 3.5% pectinase (v/w) and 1.5% citric acid (w/w) for 113 min at 50°C. Under these conditions, the WSI, TP, and TA were significantly higher compared with those in the untreated control. The results well matched (within 5% differences) with the predicted RSM values. Furthermore, metabolite analysis revealed that the levels of cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside, delphinidin hexoside, and quercetin were higher in pectinase‐assisted MF extraction compared with the untreated control. This work demonstrated that pectinase‐assisted extraction using citric acid could be an efficient technique to enhance the value of MF and its potential applications in the food industry.

Practical Application

A pectinase‐assisted extraction method was optimized to enhance the WSI, TP, and TA yields from MF extracts. The optimal conditions were predicted to be 1:5 w/v material/water ratio, 3.5% pectinase (v/w), and 1.5% CA (w/w) with a 113 min reaction time at 50°C. Under these conditions, WSI, TP, and TA were significantly increased compared with the untreated control. These results suggested the potential of mulberry plants for use in the food industry via the development of a simple, efficient process to extract functional compounds from MF.
Impact of climate change on global agricultural markets under different shared socioeconomic pathways
Authors: Dumortier Jerome , Carriquiry Miguel , Elobeid Amani
Published: August 2021

This analysis quantifies changesin global agricultural markets for maize, rice, soybeans, and wheat due to yield changes triggered by climate change. The scenarios include four representative concentration pathways (RCP), five global climate models, three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) capturing differences in population levels and economic growth, and enhanced CO‐fertilization. Yield projections incorporate the influence of SSPs on nitrogen application and agricultural technology. Depending on the SSP and comparing the RCP8.5 ensemble yields (with CO‐fertilization) to a no climate change scenario in 2050, price increases for maize (61.3%–80.9%), soybeans (36.7%–51.7%), and wheat (5.4%–11.1%) are observed. Large wheat producers in temperate regions expand wheat production under climate change. Rice benefits from CO fertilization resulting in a relatively uniform price decrease across scenarios of 19.5%–19.9%. Cropland expansion between 2015 and 2050 is lowest for the high economic growth scenario. Depending on the crop and region, there are significant reductions in production especially for maize. Absolute changes in trade patterns are most pronounced for wheat and least for rice. Using trade as a means to dampen the negative welfare effects of climate change will be important and so is economic growth.
Remunicipalisation, Mutating Neoliberalism, and the Conjuncture
Authors: Cumbers Andrew , Paul Franziska
Published: August 2021

There is a growing interest in the progressive potential of remunicipalisation, a global trend for towns, cities, and even subnational regions to take formerly privatised assets and services back into public ownership. In this paper, we offer a novel conceptualisation of remunicipalisation, developing a spatialised conjunctural perspective through critical engagement with the work of Stuart Hall, Antonio Gramsci, and recent geographical scholarship on political economy transitions. This draws attention to the open, dynamic, political, and spatially diverse aspects of remunicipalisation as part of a mutating process of neoliberalism. Emphasising the conjunctural insight of neoliberalism’s shifting and variegated terrain on which progressive forces have to mobilise, our theorisation has implications for left political strategy and broader transformative projects against a backdrop of global economic, social, and ecological crisis.
Analyses of ABO blood groups with susceptibility and symptomatic variations of COVID‐19 infection, a questionnaire‐based survey
Authors: Komal Asma , Noreen Mamoona , Akhtar Junaid , Imran Muhammad , Jamal Muhsin , Atif Muhammad , Khan Juma , Roman Muhammad , Ul Haq Faiz , Aftab Usman , Ghaffar Abdul , Waheed Yasir
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a novel respiratory disease that has led to a global pandemic and created a havoc. The COVID‐19 disease severity varies among individuals, depending on fluctuating symptoms. Many infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and dengue hemorrhagic fever have been associated with ABO blood groups. The aim of this study was to explore whether ABO blood groups might serve as a risk or a protective factor for COVID‐19 infection. Moreover, the symptomatic variations of COVID‐19 infection among the individuals with different blood groups were also analyzed. An online questionnaire‐based survey was conducted in which 305 partakers were included, who had successfully recovered from coronavirus infection. The ABO blood groups of 1294 healthy individuals were also taken as a control. The results of the current study demonstrated that antibody A containing blood groups (blood group B, p‐value: 0.049 and blood group O, p‐value: 0.289) had a protective role against COVID‐19 infection. The comparison of symptomatic variations among COVID‐19‐infected subjects showed that blood group O subjects had lower chances of experiencing severe symptoms relating to respiratory distress, while subjects with AB blood group were more prone to develop symptoms, but the differences in both groups were found to be statistically non‐significant. In conclusion, subjects who do not have anti‐A antibodies in their serum (i.e., subjects with group A and AB) are more likely to be infected with COVID‐19. The current data showed that there was no significant association of signs and symptoms variations of COVID‐19 infection among individuals with different blood groups.
The Implications of Polysemy for Theories of Word Learning
Authors: Srinivasan Mahesh , Rabagliati Hugh
Published: August 2021

Word learning is typically studied as a problem in which children need to learn a single meaning for a new word. And by most theories, children’s learning is itself guided by the assumption that a new word will have only one meaning. However, the majority of words in languages are polysemous, carrying multiple related and distinct meanings. Here, we consider the implications of this disjuncture. As we review, current theories predict that children should struggle to learn polysemous words. And yet research shows that young children readily learn multiple meanings for words and represent them in qualitatively similar ways to adults. Moreover, polysemy may facilitate word learning, by allowing children to use their knowledge of familiar meanings of a word to learn its other meanings. These findings motivate a new perspective on word learning that recognizes polysemy as a fundamental feature of language, instead of treating it as an edge case.
Being in Tune With Your Body: The Emergence of Interoceptive Processing Through Caregiver–Infant Feeding Interactions
Authors: Filippetti Maria Laura
Published: August 2021

Interoception—the ability to perceive and respond to internal bodily sensations—is fundamental for the continuous regulation of physiological processes. Recently, it has been suggested that because infants depend completely on their caregivers for survival, the development of interoceptive processing emerges as a result of early dyadic interactions, and relies on caregivers’ ability to respond to and meet infants’ physiological needs. In this article, I examine how both caregivers’ and infants’ own characteristics contribute to the emergence and development of infants’ interoceptive processing. In particular, by focusing on feeding interactions, I suggest that infants build expectations about the cause of their internal sensations via a dynamic process of interoceptive distinction between self and other. This developmental account provides a framework that considers the complexity of early dyadic exchanges, and offers novel hypotheses for research investigating the mechanisms involved in the ontogeny of interoceptive processing and eating behaviors.
Impact of marine protected areas on temporal stability of fish species diversity
Authors: Pettersen Amanda K. , Marzinelli Ezequiel M. , Steinberg Peter D. , Coleman Melinda A.
Published: August 2021

Preserving biodiversity over time is a pressing challenge for conservation science. A key goal of marine protected areas (MPAs) is to maintain stability in species composition, via reduced turnover, to support ecosystem function. Yet, this stability is rarely measured directly under different levels of protection. Rather, evaluations of MPA efficacy generally consist of static measures of abundance, species richness, and biomass, and rare measures of turnover are limited to short‐term studies involving pairwise (beta diversity) comparisons. Zeta diversity is a recently developed metric of turnover that allows for measurement of compositional similarity across multiple assemblages and thus provides more comprehensive estimates of turnover. We evaluated the effectiveness of MPAs at preserving fish zeta diversity across a network of marine reserves over 10 years in Batemans Marine Park, Australia. Snorkel transect surveys were conducted across multiple replicated and spatially interspersed sites to record fish species occurrence through time. Protection provided by MPAs conferred greater stability in fish species turnover. Marine protected areas had significantly shallower decline in zeta diversity compared with partially protected and unprotected areas. The retention of harvested species was four to six times greater in MPAs compared with partially protected and unprotected areas, and the stabilizing effects of protection were observable within 4 years of park implementation. Conversely, partial protection offered little to no improvement in stability, compared with unprotected areas. These findings support the efficacy of MPAs for preserving temporal fish diversity stability. The implementation of MPAs helps stabilize fish diversity and may, therefore, support biodiversity resilience under ongoing environmental change.
Ready2Change: Preliminary effectiveness of a telephone‐delivered intervention program for alcohol, methamphetamine and cannabis use problems
Authors: Grigg Jasmin , Volpe Isabelle , Tyler Jonathan , Hall Kate , McPherson Belinda , Lubman Dan I. , Manning Victoria
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Telehealth has considerable potential to overcome many of the barriers to accessing care for substance use problems, thereby increasing the opportunity for earlier intervention. The Ready2Change program is a multiple‐session outbound telephone‐delivered cognitive and behavioural intervention for mild‐to‐moderate substance use disorders, embedded within a long‐established 24/7 alcohol and drug helpline. We sought to analyse routinely collected program data in a preliminary study to examine the effectiveness of Ready2Change in reducing substance use problem severity and psychological distress.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of program data from December 2013 to June 2018 was performed. Analysed cases were 249 clients living in Victoria, Australia with alcohol (n = 191), methamphetamine (n = 40) or cannabis (n = 18) as their primary drug of concern. A within‐subjects design was used to examine pre‐ and post‐intervention substance use problem severity and psychological distress.

Results

For alcohol cases, there was a statistically significant decrease in alcohol problem severity [AUDIT, mean difference = −12.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) −14.0, −11.5]. Statistically significant reductions in drug problem severity (DUDIT) were observed for methamphetamine (mean difference = −17.3, 95% CI −20.9, −13.7) and cannabis (mean difference = −15.9, 95% CI −22.3, −9.6) cases. All groups showed reductions in problem severity for other substances used (P < 0.05) and psychological distress (P < 0.001).

Discussion and Conclusions

Results suggest Ready2Change benefits clients with alcohol, methamphetamine and cannabis use problems, with the potential to improve treatment access for health inequity groups including those living in remote areas. These findings warrant further investigation into the effectiveness of this program.
Associations between absolute and relative electronic cigarette harm perceptions and information‐seeking behaviours among US adult current, former and never smokers
Authors: Iles Irina A. , Gillman Arielle S. , Klein William M. P. , Ferrer Rebecca A. , Kaufman Annette
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette) harm perceptions and information seeking behaviours are both important antecedents of e‐cigarette use, yet the relationship between them has been rarely studied. We assessed how absolute (e‐cigarettes are harmful to my health) and relative harm perceptions (e‐cigarettes are more/less harmful than cigarettes) were associated with specific e‐cigarette information seeking behaviours in a sample of current, former and never cigarette smokers.

Methods

We used data from US adults in two cycles of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS‐FDA 2015, n = 3738; 2017, n = 1736). Analyses controlled for socio‐demographics, ever e‐cigarette use and survey cycle. Data were analysed between January and August 2020.

Results

Higher relative harm perceptions were associated with lower odds of having sought any information on e‐cigarettes [adjusted odds ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval (0.48, 0.84)] and on how to use e‐cigarettes to quit smoking specifically [adjusted odds ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval (0.38, 0.91)]. Smoking status did not moderate associations between absolute or relative harm perceptions and information seeking behaviours, nor was it associated with specific information seeking behaviours after adjusting for covariates.

Discussion and Conclusions

The risks of e‐cigarettes relative to combusted cigarettes (as opposed to the absolute risks of e‐cigarettes) appear to be more important in individuals' information seeking behaviours about e‐cigarettes. Public health messages could ensure that all individuals understand how one's health risk would change if they exclusively used e‐cigarettes, switched to e‐cigarettes completely or used both products.
Writing to advance knowledge: The impact of readability on knowledge diffusion in OSCM
Authors: Jeong Seongkyoon , Rogers Zachary S. , Washispack Seth
Published: August 2021

The sophistication of academic research often creates a cognitive barrier for readers when they understand and utilize new knowledge. Cognizant of this issue, scholars in various fields, including Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM), have called for improved communication in academic research. Readability is a key pillar of written communication and is particularly important in OSCM. This is partially because OSCM articles tend to be diverse in terms of methods, theoretical lenses used, and author origins. OSCM is also a field where knowledge is created with the purpose of interfacing with real business problems closely and engaging with diverse external stakeholders. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between readability and knowledge diffusion in academic OSCM research. Using cognitive load as the theoretical lens for readability, we analyze a full‐text dataset of 1476 articles published in leading OSCM journals between 1998 and 2018. We find that readability has a positive impact on citations garnered. This relationship holds over 3‐year short‐term spans and 6‐year long‐term spans, indicating lasting effects. In addition, the results show that the impact of readability on knowledge diffusions is nonlinear. This finding confirms the additive nature of cognitive load and suggests that there is a level authors and journal editors should achieve to make their work more understandable and more likely to be diffused. Suggestions are made to help researchers reduce cognitive loads and to increase the likelihood that knowledge generated in their research is more likely to be disseminated by future researchers.
Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), diabetes and neuropsychological performance in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Dyer Adam H. , Briggs Robert , Laird Eamon , Hoey Leane , Hughes Catherine F. , McNulty Helene , Ward Mary , Strain JJ , Molloy Anne M , Cunningham Conal , McCarroll Kevin
Published: August 2021

Aims

Given that diabetes is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia in later life, we aimed to investigate the relationship between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), diabetes and domain‐specific neuropsychological performance in older adults.

Methods

Cross‐sectional cohort study using data from the Trinity‐Ulster‐Department of Agriculture (TUDA) study. Participants underwent detailed cognitive and neuropsychological assessment using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Repeatable Assessment for Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Linear regression was used to assess associations between HbA1c, diabetes status and neuropsychological performance, with adjustment for important clinical covariates.

Results

Of 4938 older adults (74.1 ± 8.3 years; 66.9% female), 16.3% (n = 803) had diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%; 48 mmol/mol), with prediabetes (HbA1c ≥ 5.7%–6.4%; 39–47 mmol/mol) present in 28.3% (n = 1395). Increasing HbA1c concentration was associated with poorer overall performance on the FAB [β: −0.01 (−0.02, −0.00); p = 0.04 per % increase] and RBANS [β = −0.66 (−1.19, −0.13); p = 0.02 per % increase]. Increasing HbA1c was also associated with poorer performance on immediate memory, visuo‐spatial, language and attention RBANS domains. Diabetes was associated poorer performance on neuropsychological tests of immediate memory, language, visual‐spatial and attention.

Conclusions

Both increasing HbA1c and the presence of diabetes were associated with poorer cognitive and domain‐specific performance in older adults. HbA1c, and not just diabetes status per se, may represent an important target in the promotion of optimal brain health in older adults.
In vivo brain levels of acetylcholine and 5‐hydroxytryptamine after oleoylethanolamide or palmitoylethanolamide administrations are mediated by PPARα engagement
Authors: Murillo‐Rodríguez Eric , Arankowsky‐Sandoval Gloria , Budde Henning , Imperatori Claudio , Machado Sérgio , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Yadollahpour Ali , Torterolo Pablo
Published: August 2021

The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is a nuclear receptor that has been linked to the modulation of several physiological functions, including the sleep–wake cycle. The PPARα recognizes as endogenous ligands the lipids oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which in turn, if systemically injected, they exert wake‐promoting effects. Moreover, the activation of PPARα by the administration of OEA or PEA increases the extracellular contents of neurotransmitters linked to the control of wakefulness; however, the role of PPARα activated by OEA or PEA on additional biochemicals related to waking regulation, such as acetylcholine (ACh) and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), has not been fully studied. Here, we have investigated the effects of treatments of OEA or PEA on the contents of ACh and 5‐HT by using in vivo microdialysis techniques coupled to HPLC means. For this purpose, OEA or PEA were systemically injected (5, 10 or 30 mg/kg; i.p.), and the levels of ACh and 5‐HT were collected from the basal forebrain, a wake‐related brain area. These pharmacological treatments significantly increased the contents of ACh and 5‐HT as determined by HPLC procedures. Interestingly, PPARα antagonist MK‐886 (30 mg/kg; i.p.) injected before the treatments of OEA or PEA blocked these outcomes. Our data suggest that the activation of PPARα by OEA or PEA produces significant changes on ACh and 5‐HT levels measured from the basal forebrain and support the conclusion that PPARα is a suitable molecular element involved in the regulation of wake‐related neurotransmitters.
Functional connectivity of the thalamocortical circuit in patients with seizure relapse after antiseizure medication withdrawal
Authors: Tan Ge , Li Xiuli , Niu Running , Wang Haijiao , Chen Deng , Gong Qiyong , Liu Ling
Published: August 2021

Objective

To characterize the features of thalamocortical functional connectivity during seizure recurrence at the time of antiseizure medication (ASM) withdrawal.

Methods

Patients with chronic epilepsy who attempted to discontinue medications were prospectively registered and followed up; 19 patients remained seizure‐free (SF‐group), 18 patients had seizure relapses (SR‐group) after ASM withdrawal, and 28 healthy controls were recruited. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed before ASM withdrawal. Thalamus subdivisions were set as seeds to calculate voxelwise functional connectivity. Partial correlation analysis between functional connectivity and clinical variables was performed. A support vector machine was used to assess the predictive ability of the specific functional connectivity for seizure relapse.

Results

The within‐group comparison indicated that the SR‐group had more extensive functional connectivity than the SF‐group; the left inferior pulvinar, left medial pulvinar, and right anterior pulvinar showed a significantly stronger functional connection with the precuneus in the SR‐group than in the SF‐group (Gaussian random field correction, voxel‐level p < .001 and cluster‐level p < .05). In the SR‐group, a positive correlation was found between the left inferior pulvinar–precuneus connectivity and the active period (r = .46, p = .05), seizure‐free period (r = .67, p = .002), and disease duration (r = .53, p = .02), and between the left medial pulvinar–precuneus connectivity and the seizure‐free period (r = .58, p = .01). The combination of these thalamocortical connections showed a high predictive ability, with an area under the curve of .92 and accuracy of .90 (p = .01).

Significance

This study determined distinct features of thalamocortical functional connectivity at the time of ASM withdrawal in patients with and without seizure relapse, showing a potential for predicting seizure outcomes following ASM withdrawal.
Bone marrow trephine immunohistochemistry is useful in characterizing malignancy‐associated myelonecrosis: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Mishra Shruti , Padhi Somanath , Mohapatra Sonali , Panigrahi Ashutosh , Das Prabodha Kumar , Adhya Amit Kumar , Patra Susama , Mishra Pritinanda , Bhuyan Biswajit
Published: August 2021

Objective

We aim to describe the utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in characterizing malignancy‐associated myelonecrosis (MN) on bone marrow trephine biopsies (BMBx) as a part of initial workup.

Materials and methods

Patten and intensity of antigenic immunoexpression in necrotic tumor cells on BMBx were evaluated in a series of cases using standardized avidin‐biotin‐complex immunoperoxidase technique after heat‐induced epitope retrieval and compared the same with viable tumor cells wherever available.

Results

Fifteen out of 2494 (0.6%) cases (median age: 28 years; range: 4 to 66 years) had evidence of MN (extensive in eight, moderate in five, and focal in two) secondary to hematological (N = 9) and solid (N = 6) malignancies. Five (33.3%) had pancytopenia, and eight (53.3%) had difficult and/or hemodiluted aspirate. Antigenic expression for CD10, CD79a, CD3, CD7, and CD20 was retained by necrotic leukemic blasts or lymphoma cells; CD34, TdT, and PAX5 showed heterogeneous expression; and a weak Golgi zone (dot like) CD30 positivity was noted in Reed‐Sternberg (RS) or RS‐like giant cells. Necrotic epithelial metastases retained pancytokeratin in all and showed variable positivity for prostate‐specific antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, CK20, ER, PR, and GATA3. Necrotic neuroblastomas (N = 2) retained positivity for synaptophysin and chromogranin, whereas retained nuclear positivity for NKX2.2 in necrotic Ewing family of tumor (N = 1) aided in early diagnosis.

Conclusion

Myelonecrosis may retain tumor antigenicity, and immunohistochemistry using selected panel of antibodies should be tried in such challenging cases for an early presumptive diagnosis and further decision making.
Comparison of the safety and efficacy between the prone split‐leg and Galdakao‐modified supine Valdivia positions during endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery: A multi‐institutional analysis
Authors: Hamamoto Shuzo , Okada Shinsuke , Inoue Takaaki , Taguchi Kazumi , Kawase Kengo , Okada Tomoki , Chaya Ryosuke , Hattori Tatsuya , Okada Atsushi , Matsuda Tadashi , Yasui Takahiro ,   the SMART Study Group
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the prone split‐leg and the Galdakao‐modified supine Valdivia positions during endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery.

Methods

A multi‐institutional, retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2014 and December 2018. The stone‐free and complication rates were compared between the prone split‐leg and the Galdakao‐modified supine Valdivia positions. Anatomical variations were evaluated using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography imaging.

Results

In total, 118 and 100 patients underwent endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in the prone split‐leg and Galdakao‐modified supine Valdivia positions, respectively. Renal punctures in the prone split‐leg position were predominantly executed through the lower calyces (78.0%), whereas those in the Galdakao‐modified supine Valdivia position were primarily performed through the middle calyces (64.0%; P < 0.001). Surgical duration in the prone split‐leg position was significantly shorter than that in the Galdakao‐modified supine Valdivia position (106.5 vs 126.0 min; P = 0.0459). There were no significant differences in the stone‐free rate between the two positions (78.8% vs 76.0%; P = 0.629). Incidences of urinary tract injury (P = 0.033) and febrile urinary tract infection (23.7% vs 10.0%; P = 0.011) in the prone split‐leg position were significantly higher than that in the Galdakao‐modified supine Valdivia position. The tilt of the major renal axis was significantly greater in the prone position than the corresponding values in the oblique position (19.4° vs 8.5°; P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Anatomical variation might result in the differences of renal puncture calyx. Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in the Galdakao‐modified supine Valdivia position may bring equal stone‐free status, with a longer surgical time but fewer complications including febrile urinary tract infection and urinary tract injury than the prone split‐leg position.
Comprehensive characterization of pathological stage‐related genes of papillary thyroid cancer along with survival prediction
Authors: Xu Lei , Liu Feng , Li Haiyan , Li Menglong , Xie Yongmei , Li Zhihui , Guo Yanzhi
Published: August 2021

It is crucial to understand the differences across papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) stages, so as to provide a basis for individualized treatments. Here, comprehensive function characterization of PTC stage‐related genes was performed and a new prognostic signature was developed for advanced patients. Two gene modules were confirmed to be closely associated with PTC stages and further six hub genes were identified that yield excellent diagnostic efficiency between tumour and normal tissues. Genetic alteration analysis indicates that they are much conservative since mutations in the DNA of them rarely occur, but changes of DNA methylation on these six genes show that 12 DNA methylation sites are significantly associated with their corresponding genes' expression. Validation data set testing also suggests that these six stage‐related hub genes would be probably potential biomarkers for marking four stages. Subsequently, a 21‐mRNA‐based prognostic risk model was constructed for PTC stage III/IV patients and it could effectively predict the survival of patients with strong prognostic ability. Functional analysis shows that differential expression genes between high‐ and low‐risk patients would promote the progress of PTC to some extent. Moreover, tumour microenvironment (TME) of high‐risk patients may be more conducive to tumour growth by ESTIMATE analysis.
Acupuncture for functional gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Xi‐yang , Wang Hao , Guan Yuan‐yuan , Cai Rong‐lin , Shen Guo‐ming
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The therapeutic effect of acupuncture treatments (AT) on functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is contentious. A meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for FGIDs.

Methods

The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PUBMED, Web of Science, Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP Database were searched through December 31, 2019 with no language restrictions. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to determine the improvement in symptom severity after treatment.

Results

A total of 61 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on FGIDs were included. The pooled results illustrated the following: compared to pharmacotherapy (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–1.17), placebo acupuncture (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.37–2.08), no specific treatment (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.31–2.62), and AT as an adjuvant intervention to other active treatments (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.21–1.30), AT had more favorable improvements in symptom severity; sub‐group analysis results classified according to functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional constipation also supported this finding; and the incidence of adverse events was lower in AT than in other treatments (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.56–0.99).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis found that AT was significantly associated with relief of FGIDs symptoms; however, the evidence level was moderate or low. Further data from rigorously designed and well powered RCTs are needed to verify the effectiveness and safety of AT as a FGIDs treatment.

PROSPERO PROTOCOL NUMBER: CRD42020169508.
Nutrient adequacy, dietary patterns and diet quality among children with and without intellectual disabilities
Authors: Bandini L. G. , Curtin C. , Phillips S. M. , Rogers G. T. , Eliasziw M. , Perelli J. , Jay L. , Maslin M. , Must A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) frequently have feeding problems, but there has been limited research on nutrient intake, dietary patterns and diet quality in this population.

Method

Nutrient intakes, dietary patterns and the Healthy Eating Index were compared between 48 children with ID and 55 typically developing (TD) children aged 3–8 years who participated in the Children's Mealtime Study. Three‐day food records that included two weekdays and one weekend day were used to assess dietary intake. Food intake was entered into the Nutrition Data System for Research for analysis of nutrient intake, dietary patterns and diet quality. Height and weight were measured to determine body mass index (BMI). The relation of dietary patterns to weight status was also assessed.

Results

Typically developing children and children with ID met the Estimated Average Requirement/Adequate Intake (EAR/AI) for most nutrients. However, a substantial number of children in both groups did not meet the EAR for vitamins E and D and calcium and the AI for vitamin K. Only one TD child met the AI for potassium. A small percentage of children in both groups did not meet the EAR for vitamin A and vitamin C, and in the ID group, a small percentage did not meet the EAR for vitamin B12. Children in the ID group consumed, on average, fewer servings of vegetables than TD children (0.5 vs. 1.2, P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in servings of fruit (0.8 vs. 1.1, respectively), fruit juice (less than a half serving in both groups), sugar‐sweetened beverages (less than a half serving in both groups) or snacks (1.1 vs. 1.4, respectively) after adjusting for BMI z‐score, parental education and race. We found a significant correlation between snack intake and BMI z‐score among children with ID but not among TD children (r = 0.48, P < 0.0001 vs. r = 0.19, P = 0.16, respectively). The Healthy Eating Index indicated, on average, poor overall diet quality in both groups (58.2 in the ID group and 59.1 in the TD group).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the diets of children with ID, as in TD children, need improvement. Targeting healthy eating in children with ID would improve diet quality and overall health.
Roars, groans and moans: Anatomical correlates of vocal diversity in polygynous deer
Authors: Frey Roland , Wyman Megan Tompkins , Johnston Malcolm , Schofield Michael , Locatelli Yann , Reby David
Published: August 2021

Eurasian deer are characterized by the extraordinary diversity of their vocal repertoires. Male sexual calls range from roars with relatively low fundamental frequency (hereafter fo) in red deer Cervus elaphus, to moans with extremely high fo in sika deer Cervus nippon, and almost infrasonic groans with exceptionally low fo in fallow deer Dama dama. Moreover, while both red and fallow males are capable of lowering their formant frequencies during their calls, sika males appear to lack this ability. Female contact calls are also characterized by relatively less pronounced, yet strong interspecific differences. The aim of this study is to examine the anatomical bases of these inter‐specific and inter‐sexual differences by identifying if the acoustic variation is reflected in corresponding anatomical variation. To do this, we investigated the vocal anatomy of male and female specimens of each of these three species. Across species and sexes, we find that the observed acoustic variability is indeed related to expected corresponding anatomical differences, based on the source‐filter theory of vocal production. At the source level, low fo is associated with larger vocal folds, whereas high fo is associated with smaller vocal folds: sika deer have the smallest vocal folds and male fallow deer the largest. Red and sika deer vocal folds do not appear to be sexually dimorphic, while fallow deer exhibit strong sexual dimorphism (after correcting for body size differences). At the filter level, the variability in formants is related to the configuration of the vocal tract: in fallow and red deer, both sexes have evolved a permanently descended larynx (with a resting position of the larynx much lower in males than in females). Both sexes also have the potential for momentary, call‐synchronous vocal tract elongation, again more pronounced in males than in females. In contrast, the resting position of the larynx is high in both sexes of sika deer and the potential for further active vocal tract elongation is virtually absent in both sexes. Anatomical evidence suggests an evolutionary reversal in larynx position within sika deer, that is, a secondary larynx ascent. Together, our observations confirm that the observed diversity of vocal behaviour in polygynous deer is supported by strong anatomical differences, highlighting the importance of anatomical specializations in shaping mammalian vocal repertoires. Sexual selection is discussed as a potential evolutionary driver of the observed vocal diversity and sexual dimorphisms.
Two females presenting primary amenorrhea diagnosed with Kallmann syndrome caused by novel FGFR1 variants
Authors: Xia Junke , Luo Xiao , Zhang Xinyuan , Kong Xiangdong
Published: August 2021

Primary amenorrhea as the common symptom has a complicated etiology, and genetic disorders are non‐negligible. Kallmann syndrome (KS) is a rare inherited disease characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia. KS is uncommon in women and is an unusual cause of primary amenorrhea. Herein, we described the clinical features in two female patients presenting primary amenorrhea without puberty. Magnetic resonance imaging showed dysplastic or absent olfactory bulbs and tracts. Eventually, they were diagnosed with KS caused by FGFR1 novel variants, c.315_317delCCCinsTT and c.1081G>A, using whole‐exome sequencing (WES). We emphasize that KS should be considered in females presenting primary amenorrhea and anosmia, and recommend that WES should be a priority in the patients presenting primary amenorrhea without secondary sex characteristics.
Spontaneously conceived heterotopic pregnancy with abdominal pregnancy implanted on the vesicouterine pouch: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ozawa Nobuaki , Shibata Megumi , Mitsui Mari , Umehara Nagayoshi , Samura Osamu , Sago Haruhiko
Published: August 2021

We report the case of a 36‐year‐old woman with spontaneously conceived heterotopic pregnancy with abdominal pregnancy. She visited the hospital at 5 weeks and 4 days of gestation and transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Two days later, she was urgently transported to the hospital due to extreme abdominal pain. Emergent laparotomy was performed to investigate the cause of massive intraperitoneal bleeding, which was confirmed to have been due to an abdominal pregnancy that implanted on the vesicouterine pouch. The hematic mass, including chorionic villi, was successfully removed from the peritoneum. The subsequent course of the intrauterine pregnancy was uneventful and a healthy baby was born at term. To the best of our knowledge, this is an extremely rare case report of a spontaneously conceived heterotopic abdominal pregnancy, in which the intrauterine pregnancy showed a successful outcome despite the collapse of the abdominal pregnancy at a very early stage.
Sleep and circadian rhythms: pillars of health—a Keystone Symposia report
Authors: Cable Jennifer , Schernhammer Eva , Hanlon Erin C. , Vetter Céline , Cedernaes Jonathan , Makarem Nour , Dashti Hassan S. , Shechter Ari , Depner Christopher , Ingiosi Ashley , Blume Christine , Tan Xiao , Gottlieb Elie , Benedict Christian , Van Cauter Eve , St‐Onge Marie‐Pierre
Published: August 2021

The human circadian system consists of the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus as well as in peripheral molecular clocks located in organs throughout the body. This system plays a major role in the temporal organization of biological and physiological processes, such as body temperature, blood pressure, hormone secretion, gene expression, and immune functions, which all manifest consistent diurnal patterns. Many facets of modern life, such as work schedules, travel, and social activities, can lead to sleep/wake and eating schedules that are misaligned relative to the biological clock. This misalignment can disrupt and impair physiological and psychological parameters that may ultimately put people at higher risk for chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate sleep circadian rhythms may ultimately lead to insights on behavioral interventions that can lower the risk of these diseases. On February 25, 2021, experts in sleep, circadian rhythms, and chronobiology met virtually for the Keystone eSymposium “Sleep & Circadian Rhythms: Pillars of Health” to discuss the latest research for understanding the bidirectional relationships between sleep, circadian rhythms, and health and disease.
Accuracy of direct insertion of TADs in the anterior palate with respect to a 3D‐assisted digital insertion virtual planning
Authors: Iodice Giorgio , Nanda Ravindra , Drago Sara , Repetto Laura , Tonoli Giorgio , Silvestrini‐Biavati Armando , Migliorati Marco
Published: August 2021

Background

Direct and 3D‐assisted methods are an available alternative when inserting temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in the anterior palate for orthodontic anchorage. This study aimed to evaluate the differences between a planned insertion versus a direct method on digital models.

Settings and sample population

Seventy TADs were inserted by the direct insertion method in 35 patients who needed palatal TADs for orthodontic anchorage. For each patient, placement was independently planned by the superimposition of lateral cephalograms and corresponding plaster models. After mini‐implant placement, impressions were taken with scanbodies. For the measurement of both linear and angle deviations, virtual planning models and postoperative oral scans were compared using 3D software for automatic surface registration and calculations.

Results

Comparing TADs positioned by the direct method and the digitally planned method, a mean linear distance was found of 2.54 ± 1.51 mm in the occlusal view and 2.41 ± 1.33 mm in the sagittal view. No significant difference has been found between TADs positioned in the right and left palatal sides. A mean distance of 7.65 ± 2.16 mm was found between the tip of the digitally planned TAD and the central incisors root apex.

Conclusions

Both direct and 3D‐assisted TAD insertion methods are safe and accurate in the anterior palate. However, the use of insertion guides facilitates TAD insertion, allowing less‐experienced clinicians to use palatal implants.