bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine‐grained features characterize hippocampal and amygdaloid change pattern in Parkinson's disease and discriminate cognitive‐deficit subtype
Authors: Zhang Lingyu , Zhang Pengfei , Dong Qunxi , Zhao Ziyang , Zheng Weihao , Zhang Jing , Hu Xiping , Yao Zhijun , Hu Bin
Published: October 2023

Aims

To extract vertex‐wise features of the hippocampus and amygdala in Parkinson's disease (PD) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and normal cognition (NC) and further evaluate their discriminatory efficacy.

Methods

High‐resolution 3D‐T1 data were collected from 68 PD‐MCI, 211 PD‐NC, and 100 matched healthy controls (HC). Surface geometric features were captured using surface conformal representation, and surfaces were registered to a common template using fluid registration. The statistical tests were performed to detect differences between groups. The disease‐discriminatory ability of features was also tested in the ensemble classifiers.

Results

The amygdala, not the hippocampus, showed significant overall differences among the groups. Compared with PD‐NC, the right amygdala in MCI patients showed expansion (anterior cortical, anterior amygdaloid, and accessory basal areas) and atrophy (basolateral ventromedial area) subregions. There was notable atrophy in the right CA1 and hippocampal subiculum of PD‐MCI. The accuracy of classifiers with multivariate morphometry statistics as features exceeded 85%.

Conclusion

PD‐MCI is associated with multiscale morphological changes in the amygdala, as well as subtle atrophy in the hippocampus. These novel metrics demonstrated the potential to serve as biomarkers for PD‐MCI diagnosis. Overall, these findings from this study help understand the role of subcortical structures in the neuropathological mechanisms of PD cognitive impairment.
Evaluation of the knowledge level of pediatricians on dental trauma and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application: A cross sectional study
Authors: Sari Makbule Buse Dundar , Sari Eren , Bal Cenkhan , Aksoy Merve
Published: October 2023

Background/Aim

Pediatricians play an essential role in managing pediatric oral emergencies; hence, they should have accurate information on dental injuries. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of pediatricians regarding traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application.

Materials and Methods

A survey comprising 10 questions was created on Google forms, and the links were sent to the participants via electronic mail and a mobile application. The demographic characteristics and the knowledge level of pediatricians about TDI and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application were evaluated. The questions were prepared by following similar studies and the current guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology.

Results

A total of 229 pediatricians (74.2% female) participated in this study. The correct answer rates revealed statistical differences in terms of profession and experience on the following issues: the most frequently traumatized tooth, the preference of the antibiotic agent, and the management of avulsed primary tooth (p < .05). The decision to consult a dentist revealed statistical differences in the profession (p = .001). The correct answers on the correlation between the age group and dental trauma accompanied by soft tissue injuries showed statistical differences in experience (p = .005). Although none of the participants knew the ToothSOS application, 91.7% of them preferred using this tool in future practices. This rate was statistically higher in participants with an experience of more than 10 years (p = .013).

Conclusions

The knowledge level of pediatricians regarding dental trauma was found to be sufficient, except for the questions on avulsion injuries. However, the fact that the participants were unaware of the ToothSOS mobile application was the most considerable result of the study, and this finding highlighted the importance of informing pediatricians dealing with oral injuries regarding the latest updates on dental traumatology.
Natural recovery of corals after severe disturbance
Authors: Morais Juliano , Tebbett Sterling B. , Morais Renato A. , Bellwood David R.
Published: October 2023

Ecosystem recovery from human‐induced disturbances, whether through natural processes or restoration, is occurring worldwide. Yet, recovery dynamics, and their implications for broader ecosystem management, remain unclear. We explored recovery dynamics using coral reefs as a case study. We tracked the fate of 809 individual coral recruits that settled after a severe bleaching event at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef. Recruited Acropora corals, first detected in 2020, grew to coral cover levels that were equivalent to global average coral cover within just 2 years. Furthermore, we found that just 11.5 Acropora recruits per square meter were sufficient to reach this cover within 2 years. However, wave exposure, growth form and colony density had a marked effect on recovery rates. Our results underscore the importance of considering natural recovery in management and restoration and highlight how lessons learnt from reef recovery can inform our understanding of recovery dynamics in high‐diversity climate‐disturbed ecosystems.
Mean temperature of the catch index can be masked by changes in catch composition unrelated to ocean warming
Authors: Alajmi Ali , Ben‐Hasan Abdulrahman , Alrushaid Tariq , Vahabnezhad Arezoo , Pauly Daniel
Published: October 2023

Oceans are increasingly warming through climate change. Fish and invertebrate ectotherms respond to ocean warming through poleward and depth‐related migrations, a consequence of which is disruption of fisheries catch compositions. Mean temperature of the catch (MTC) is an index of change in catch composition, from colder to warmer water species. MTC is widely applied as an easily parameterised variable using readily available data (catch and species preferred temperature), but few studies underscore situations that might mask the “true” MTC trend. Here, we use fisheries catch in the Arabian‐Persian Gulf (“Gulf”) to highlight, for the first time, how abrupt changes in market demand can strongly influence catch composition and thereby mask a trend in MTC, and discuss the implications of the unmasked MTC trend to fisheries in the region. We found that a recent sharp decline in MTC from 27 to 26°C, despite a gradual increase in sea surface temperature, coincided with an escalated demand for the largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus), a relatively cold‐water species in the Gulf, that caused catch to dramatically increase for export to overseas markets. Our findings suggest that the change in MTC reflected a fishery response to satisfy increased international market demand, rather than reflecting warming‐driven changes in catch composition. When excluding the effect of T. lepturus catch, the Gulf MTC trend was stable over time and consistent with a trend in many tropical and subtropical waters. Our findings highlight that an MTC change can be masked by factors unrelated to warming‐driven changes in catch composition, and that catch‐only MTC trends should be examined cautiously.
Seasonal and species variation in raffinose, short‐chain fructan, and long‐chain fructan accumulation in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) grown in Central Kentucky
Authors: Kagan Isabelle A. , Davis Brittany E. , Schendel Rachel R.
Published: October 2023

Fructans in cool‐season grasses may have some negative effects on equine health. However, they may have positive effects on ruminant performance, and fructans of different lengths appear to be metabolized differently in the rumen. Hence, seasonal variation in fructan concentrations may impact equine and ruminant performance. Long‐chain fructan with degree of polymerization (DP) > 8, short‐chain fructan (DP 4 to 8), raffinose, and three fructan trisaccharides were profiled and quantified in timothy (Phleum pratense L.) cultivar ‘Clair’ and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cultivar ‘Cajun II’ harvested in April, June, August, and October of two consecutive years in central Kentucky. Harvest year influenced concentrations of long‐chain fructan (p = .0017). Harvest date influenced species differences in raffinose (p = .0035), which was most abundant in timothy in June, and in 1‐kestose and neokestose (p < .0001), which were most abundant in tall fescue in April. Harvest date influenced species differences in short‐ and long‐chain fructan (p < .0001). Tall fescue had two‐ to three‐fold more short‐chain fructan than timothy in April, August, and October. Timothy had two‐ to five‐fold more long‐chain fructan than tall fescue in April, June, and October. Species choice and weather patterns may have contributed to relatively low concentrations of all the carbohydrates measured in this study. Fermentation or feeding studies could help to determine if the concentrations present could affect equine health or ruminant performance.
Noninvasive graft monitoring using donor‐derived cell‐free DNA in Japanese liver transplantation
Authors: Kanamori Hiroki , Yamada Yohei , Ito Yoko , Shirosaki Koji , Yamagishi Satoko , Maeda Yutaro , Kudo Yumi , Umeyama Tomoshige , Takahashi Nobuhiro , Kato Mototoshi , Hasegawa Yasushi , Matsubara Kentaro , Shinoda Masahiro , Obara Hideaki , Irie Rie , Tsujikawa Hanako , Okita Hajime , Nguyen Phuong Thanh , Saigo Kenichi , Mitsunaga Shigeki , Inoue Ituro , Kitagawa Yuko , Kuroda Tatsuo
Published: October 2023

Aim

To evaluate the use of donor‐derived cell‐free DNA (dd‐cfDNA) in diagnosing graft injuries in Japanese liver transplantation (LTx), including family‐related living donors.

Methods

A total of 321 samples from 10 newly operated LTx recipients were collected to monitor the early dynamics of dd‐cfDNA levels after LTx. Fifty‐five samples from 55 recipients were collected during protocol biopsies (PB), whereas 36 samples from 27 recipients were collected during event biopsies, consisting of 11 biopsy‐proven acute rejection (AR), 20 acute dysfunctions without rejection (ADWR), and 5 chronic rejections. The levels of dd‐cfDNA were quantified using a next‐generation sequencer based on single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Results

The dd‐cfDNA levels were elevated significantly after LTx, followed by a rapid decline to the baseline in patients without graft injury within 30 days post‐LTx. The dd‐cfDNA levels were significantly higher in the 11 samples obtained during AR than those obtained during PB (p < 0.0001), which decreased promptly after treatment. The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis of diagnostic ability yielded areas under the curve of 0.975 and 0.897 for AR (rejection activity index [RAI] ≥3) versus PB and versus non‐AR (ADWR + PB). The dd‐cfDNA levels during AR were elevated earlier and correlated more strongly with the RAI (r = 0.740) than aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase. The dd‐cfDNA levels were neither associated with graft fibrosis based on histology nor the status of donor‐specific antibodies in PB samples.

Conclusions

Donor‐derived cell‐free DNA serves as a sensitive biomarker for detecting graft injuries in LTx. Further large‐scale cohort studies are warranted to optimize its use in differentiating various post‐LTx etiologies.
Expanding the histological spectrum of salivary gland neoplasms with HMGA2::WIF1 fusion emphasising their malignant potential: a report of eight cases
Authors: Katabi Nora , Sukhadia Purvil , DiNapoli Sara E , Weinreb Ilan , Hahn Elan , Ghossein Ronald , Xu Bin
Published: October 2023

Aims

Recently, HMGA2::WIF1 fusion has been reported in pleomorphic adenoma (PAs) originating from the parotid gland with a characteristic canalicular adenoma (CAA)‐like pattern. However, it is unclear whether HMGA2::WIF1 fusion may occur in salivary gland carcinoma or tumours originating from the minor salivary glands. We herein conducted a detailed clinicopathological review of eight salivary gland tumours harbouring HMGA2::WIF1 fusions.

Methods and results

The reviewed diagnoses of salivary gland neoplasms with HMGA2::WIF1 fusion were PA (n = four), myoepithelioma (n = one), myoepithelial carcinoma ex PA (n = two) and high‐grade carcinoma with basaloid features (n = one). Two tumours originated from the minor salivary glands. Six tumours (80%) contained areas reminiscent of CAA characterised by interconnected trabeculae/canaliculi of monotonous oncocytic or cuboidal tumour cells associated with a hypocellular, hyalinised to myxoid stroma. Areas typical of PA were seen in four (50%) cases. All tumours showed diffuse S100 and CK7 immunopositivity. Adverse events were detected in two cases, including local recurrence in a patient with PA, and local and distant recurrences and disease‐related death in a patient with a high‐grade carcinoma of the minor salivary gland of the buccal space, showing tumour necrosis and perineural invasion.

Conclusion

Salivary gland neoplasms with HMGA2::WIF1 fusion are predominantly characterised by CAA/striated duct adenoma‐like histology and a S100+/CK7+ immunoprofile. These tumours are not always benign, as among all reported cases approximately 20% showed malignancy (six of 28) and adverse outcome (three of 15), including recurrence, distant metastasis and disease‐specific mortality.
A Spatial Variance‐Smoothing Area Level Model for Small Area Estimation of Demographic Rates
Authors: Gao Peter A. , Wakefield Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Accurate estimates of subnational health and demographic indicators are critical for informing policy. Many countries collect relevant data using complex household surveys, but when data are limited, direct weighted estimates of small area proportions may be unreliable. Area level models treating these direct estimates as response data can improve precision but often require known sampling variances of the direct estimators for all areas. In practice, the sampling variances are estimated, so standard approaches do not account for a key source of uncertainty. To account for variability in the estimated sampling variances, we propose a hierarchical Bayesian spatial area level model for small area proportions that smooths both the estimated proportions and sampling variances to produce point and interval estimates of rates of interest. We demonstrate the performance of our approach via simulation and application to vaccination coverage and HIV prevalence data from the Demographic and Health Surveys.
Circulation patterns and molecular epidemiology of human respiratory syncytial virus over five consecutive seasons in Morocco
Authors: Bimouhen Abderrahman , Regragui Zakia , El Falaki Fatima , Ihazmade Hassan , Benkerroum Samira , Barakat Amal , Rguig Ahmed , Benamar Touria , Triki Soumia , Bakri Youssef , Oumzil Hicham
Published: October 2023

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the leading cause of respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of HRSV in Morocco and explored trends in circulating genotypes through partial G gene analysis of HRSV strains prevalent from 2012 to 2017.

Methods

Respiratory samples were gathered from both outpatients and inpatients meeting ILI or SARI case definitions. The patients' ages varied from 1 month to 99 years old. Nucleic acids were extracted and HRSV type/subtype was detected by RT‐qPCR. A subset of positive samples was randomly selected in each epidemic year, the complete viral genome was sequenced, phylogenetic analysis was performed using the MEGA7 program and the genotypes were confirmed.

Results

The 3679 specimens were collected from 2012 to 2017, of which 726 (19.7%) were positive for HRSV. The 35% (257/726) of HRSV‐positives were of the HRSV‐A subtype, while the HRSV‐B subtype accounted for 61% (442/726). The co‐infection rate was 3.7% (27/726). The virus circulates in a periodic pattern, where epidemics occur during the fall months through early spring. HRSV genotype was confirmed in 127 specimens (56 HRSV‐A and 71 HRSV‐B). Based on phylogenetic analysis, all HRSV‐A were ON1 genotype, and HRSV‐B were mostly BA9 genotype. HRSV‐B belonging to the BA10 genotype was detected in 2012 exclusively.

Conclusions

BA9, BA10, and ON1 were the only HRSV genotypes detected between 2012 and 2017. Variations in the G gene amino acid chain were identified in local strains, which suggests an increased need for continuous genomic surveillance.
Effect of “micromovement” in preventing intraoperative acquired pressure injuries among patients undergoing surgery in supine position
Authors: Jin Ya‐Xian , Liu Jing , Shentu Yan‐Qin , Xuan Fei‐Fei , Guo Hua , Li Yu‐Hong
Published: October 2023

To explore the clinical effect of “micromovement” in preventing intraoperative acquired pressure injures (IAPIs) among patients experiencing surgery in supine position. A total of 200 patients accepting elective surgery in supine position from 10 May 2023 to 4 July 2023 at Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital were selected and randomized into two groups (experimental group, n = 100; control group, n = 100). For control group patients, soft silicone foam dressing was applied to the sacrococcygeal region. On the basis of the treatment for control group patients, “micromovement” was implemented among experimental group patients. During this process, the operating table was tilted for 15° leftwards and rightwards alternately every 1 h, and the tilt angle was maintained for 5 min to prevent IAPIs. Finally, comparisons between the two groups were made in terms of the sacrococcygeal IAPI incidence, relative temperature differences (ΔT) on sacrococcygeal skin, and job satisfaction of nurses. Compared with control group patients, patients from the experimental group exhibited lower IAPI incidence (2% vs. 10%), reduced ΔT between the sacrococcygeal skin and surrounding normal skin [0 (−0.1, 0.1) vs. 0.2 (−0.2, 0.4)], and elevated job satisfaction of nurses (80% vs. 66%). All the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). “Micromovement” implemented intraoperatively among patients receiving surgery in supine position is able to lower the IAPI incidence by five times and elevate job satisfaction of nurses.
Development and validation of stable ferroptosis‐ and pyroptosis‐related signatures in predicting prognosis and immune status in breast cancer
Authors: Zhou Lili , Wong Chinting , Liu Yang , Jiang Wenyan , Yang Qi
Published: October 2023

To develop and validate the predictive effects of stable ferroptosis‐ and pyroptosis‐related features on the prognosis and immune status of breast cancer (BC). We retrieved as well as downloaded ferroptosis‐ and pyroptosis‐related genes from the FerrDb and GeneCards databases. The minimum absolute contraction and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to construct a prognostic classifier combining the above two types of prognostic genes with differential expression, and the Integrated Gene Expression (GEO) dataset was used for validation. Seventeen genes presented a close association with BC prognosis. Thirteen key prognostic genes with prognostic value were considered to construct a new expression signature for classifying patients with BC into high‐ and low‐risk groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a worse prognosis in the high‐risk group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariate Cox regression analysis identified its predictive and independent features. Immune profile analysis showed that immunosuppressive cells were upregulated in the high‐risk group, and this risk model was related to immunosuppressive molecules. We successfully constructed combined features of ferroptosis and pyroptosis in BC that are closely related to prognosis, clinicopathological and immune features, chemotherapy efficacy and immunosuppressive molecules. However, further experimental studies are required to verify these findings.
Identification of hepatoblastoma susceptibility loci in the TRMT6 gene from a seven‐center case–control study
Authors: Ma Lin , Zhu Jinhong , Zhang Jiao , Zhang Wenli , Li Yong , Yang Zhonghua , Li Suhong , Cheng Jiwen , Li Li , He Jing , Liu Peng
Published: October 2023

Hepatoblastoma, the most frequently diagnosed primary paediatric liver tumour, bears the lowest somatic mutation burden among paediatric neoplasms. Therefore, it is essential to identify pathogenic germline genetic variants, especially those in oncogenic genes, for this disease. The tRNA methyltransferase 6 noncatalytic subunit (TRMT6) forms a tRNA methyltransferase complex with TRMT61A to catalyse adenosine methylation at position N1 of RNAs. TRMT6 has displayed tumour‐promoting functions in several cancer types. However, the contribution of its genetic variants to hepatoblastoma remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the association between four TRMT6 polymorphisms (rs236170 A > G, rs451571 T > C, rs236188 G > A and rs236110 C > A) and the risk of hepatoblastoma in a cohort of 313 cases and 1446 healthy controls. Germline DNA was subjected to polymorphism genotyping via the TaqMan qPCR method. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine hepatoblastoma susceptibility variants. The rs236170 A > G, rs236188 G > A and rs236110 C > A polymorphisms were significantly associated with hepatoblastoma risk. Combination analysis of the four polymorphisms revealed that children bearing 1–4 risk genotypes were at significantly enhanced hepatoblastoma risk compared to those without risk genotype (adjusted OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.19–1.95, p = 0.0008). We also conducted stratification analyses by age, sex and clinical stage. Ultimately, we found that the rs236110 C > A was significantly associated with the downregulation of MCM8, a neighbouring gene of TRMT6. In conclusion, we identified three susceptibility loci in the TRMT6 gene for hepatoblastoma. Our findings warrant further validation by extensive case–control studies across different ethnicities.
Effects of socket‐shield therapy on inter‐implant papilla preservation between upper central and lateral incisors: A case series with 3–5 year follow‐up
Authors: Pohl Snjezana
Published: October 2023

Objective

Despite significant progress within implant prosthetic therapy, preserving the papilla between two adjacent implants in the esthetic zone, particularly between central and lateral incisors, remains challenging. This case series aims to report a papilla preservation approach between adjacent upper central‐lateral incisor implants using the socket‐shield technique.

Clinical Considerations

Six patients with natural dentition received unilateral adjacent central‐lateral incisor implants with different socket shield configurations. The esthetic outcomes were clinically assessed after 3–5 years of follow‐up. Post‐operative papilla fill was evaluated on intraoral images compared to baseline characteristics and the contralateral papilla. Papilla height was preserved in all cases, with minimal alterations observed.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present case series, the socket‐shield technique demonstrated favorable outcomes in preserving the papilla between adjacent upper central‐lateral incisor implants in the midterm follow‐up. Clinical studies are warranted to validate these results.

Clinical Significance

The socket‐shield technique seems promising in preserving the inter‐implant papilla between adjacent central‐lateral incisor implants.
Paramecium (Oligohymenophorea, Ciliophora) diversity in Thailand sheds light on the genus biogeography and reveals new phylogenetic lineages
Authors: Melekhin Maksim , Potekhin Alexey , Gentekaki Eleni , Chantangsi Chitchai
Published: October 2023

Paramecium (Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea) is a good model to study ciliate biogeography. Extensive sampling mainly in northern hemisphere has led to 16 valid morphological species description thus far. However, a majority of hard‐to‐reach regions, including South East Asia, are underinvestigated. Our study combined traditional morphological and molecular approaches to reveal the biodiversity of Paramecium in Thailand from more than 110 samples collected in 10 provinces. Representatives of seven morphological species were identified from our collection, including the rare species, such as P. gigas and P. jenningsi. Additionally, we detected five different sibling species of the P. aurelia complex, described a new cryptic species P. hiwatashii n. sp. phylogenetically related to P. caudatum, and discovered a potentially new genetic species of the P. bursaria species complex. We also documented a variety of bacterial cytoplasmic symbionts from at least nine monoclonal cultures of Paramecium.
Cytokine storm syndrome after anti‐thymoglobulin infusion in a cynomolgus monkey with systemic lymphadenopathy caused by follicular hyperplasia: A case report
Authors: Woo Chang Gok , Kim Jong‐Min
Published: October 2023

Nonhuman primates are widely used in transplantation research as preclinical xeno‐ or allo‐transplantation models. Rabbit anti‐thymoglobulin (ATG) is often used for T‐cell depletion as an immunosuppressant. T‐cell depletion can cause a secondary cytokine storm syndrome that can be minimized/prevented by a prophylactic administration of systemic corticosteroids and antihistamines. We report a case of death due to CSS in a cynomolgus monkey with follicular hyperplasia–induced systemic lymphadenopathy after ATG administration. A 6‐year‐old female cynomolgus monkey was rendered diabetic and then transplanted with a genetically modified porcine pancreatic islets (PPI) (50 000 IEQ/kg) through the portal vein 22 days later without immunosuppressant. Because graft function was not comparable, we planned re‐transplantation of PPI. For re‐transplantation of the PPI, we performed an intravenous (IV) ATG infusion for inductive immunosuppression. The monkey died 3 h and 30 min after ATG administration despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Systemic lymphadenopathy was observed on submandibular, axillary, inguinal, foregut, colic, and hilar lymph nodes, and splenomegaly was also observed on necropsy. Histopathologic examination of the lymph node revealed follicular hyperplasia. The IL‐6 level was higher after ATG infusion compared to before ATG infusion (before vs. after ATG infusion; 14.9 vs. >5000 pg/mL). The death of the cynomolgus monkey was caused by severe CSS because of apoptosis of B cells in the systemic lymph nodes caused by the ATG administration. A thorough physical examination of palpable lymph nodes and pre‐ATG sonographic or computed tomographic screening could have identified lymphadenopathy, potentially preventing its infusion and reducing mortality risk.
Privileging Midwives for Abortion Care
Authors: McNamara Keeley , Poverman Marisa , Nádas Marisa , Mallow Michaela , Gerber Sharon
Published: October 2023

Since the US Supreme Court overturned Dobbs v Jackson, expanded access to abortion has been critical. Abortion is safe, and related complications are rare. The safety of abortion provision by advanced practice clinicians (APCs) is well documented. Despite the increase in targeted restrictions for patients and clinicians in many states post‐Dobbs, in recent years there have been meaningful gains in recognition and codification of abortion as part of an expanded scope of practice for APCs. Thus, creating a formal written pathway for midwives to obtain privileges in abortion provision could also improve abortion access. In New York City's public health care system, the largest in the United States, midwives provide a significant portion of perinatal and gynecologic care. Yet, until recently, a process to privilege midwives in the provision of abortion services did not exist. In response, midwives and physicians at a large New York City hospital system sought key stakeholder support to develop a pathway for certified nurse‐midwives and certified midwives, licensed midwives in New York state, to obtain the necessary training needed for independent abortion provision. This article describes the development of a midwifery‐led pilot program to improve abortion access by increasing the availability of trained midwifery abortion providers, along with the results of staff meetings exploring attitudes toward abortion care by APCs. We report our safety statistics from this pilot program and share existing evidence for safety of abortion provision by midwives and other APCs.
Long‐term trends in hepatitis C prevalence, treatment uptake and liver‐related events in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Baumann Lukas , Braun Dominique L. , Cavassini Matthias , Stoeckle Marcel , Bernasconi Enos , Schmid Patrick , Calmy Alexandra , Haerry David , Béguelin Charles , Fux Christoph A. , Wandeler Gilles , Surial Bernard , Rauch Andri
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections changed dramatically in the last decade. We assessed changes in the prevalence of replicating HCV infection, treatment uptake and liver‐related morbidity and mortality in persons with HIV (PWH) and hepatitis C in the Swiss HIV cohort study.

Methods

We included all cohort participants between 2002 and 2021. We assessed yearly prevalence of replicating HCV infection, overall and liver‐related mortality, as well as the yearly incidence of liver‐related events in persons with at least one documented positive HCV‐RNA.

Results

Of 14 652 participants under follow‐up, 2294 had at least one positive HCV‐RNA measurement. Of those, 1316 (57%) ever received an HCV treatment. Treatment uptake increased from 8.1% in 2002 to a maximum of 32.6% in 2016. Overall, prevalence of replicating HCV infection declined from 16.5% in 2004 to 1.3% in 2021. HCV prevalence declined from 63.2% to 7.1% in persons who inject drugs, and from 4.1% to 0.6% in men who have sex with men. Among the 2294 persons with replicating HCV infection, overall mortality declined from a maximum of 3.3 per 100 patient‐years (PY) to 1.1 per 100 PY, and incidence of liver‐related events decreased from 1.4/100 PY to 0.2/100 PY.

Conclusions

The introduction of DAA therapy was associated with a more than 10‐fold reduction in prevalence of replicating HCV infection in PWH, approaching the estimates in the general population. Overall mortality and liver‐related events declined substantially in persons living with HIV and hepatitis C.
Names are not (always) predicates
Authors: Delgado Laura
Published: October 2023

A main selling point of predicativism is that, in addition to accounting for predicative uses of proper names, it can successfully account for their referential uses while treating them as predicates, thus providing a uniform semantics for proper names. The strategy is to postulate an unpronounced determiner that is realised with names when they appear to function as singular terms, making them effectively a concealed determiner phrase. I argue against the thesis that names are really predicates in referential uses. I discuss four different environments where names do not behave like the determiner phrases that are thought to embed them.
The relationships between stress, coping strategies, and quality of life among gynecologic cancer survivors
Authors: Yeh Yueh‐Chen , Kuo Shu‐Fen , Lu Chien‐Hsing
Published: October 2023

Many studies have reported that gynecologic cancer diagnosis, surgery, adjuvant therapy, and survivorship can be extremely stressful for many people during their cancer journey, and most cancer survivors have experienced stress after cancer, which impacts their quality of life. Importantly, healthy stress management will assist patients in overcoming obstacles in their lives and enhance both the quality of life and the cancer adjustment process. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between stress, coping strategies, and quality of life among gynecologic cancer survivors and to assess the mediating effects of coping on the relationship between quality of life and stress. A series of regression models and Sobel test were conducted to investigate whether coping strategies mediated the relationship between stress and quality of life. Stress was a predictor of quality of life. Acceptance was the mediator between stress and quality of life. Tailored programs that foster coping strategies, such as the strategy of acceptance, to reduce stress and maintain quality of life in this vulnerable group need to be developed.
SHED‐exos promote saliva secretion by suppressing p‐ERK1/2‐mediated apoptosis in glandular cells
Authors: Chu Wei‐Xia , Ding Chong , Du Zhi‐Hao , Wei Pan , Wang Yi‐Xiang , Ge Xue‐Jun , Yu Guang‐Yan
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Confirm that stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth‐derived exosomes (SHED‐exos) can limit inflammation‐triggered epithelial cell apoptosis and explore the molecular mechanism.

Methods

SHED‐exos were injected into the submandibular glands (SMGs) of non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice, an animal model of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Cell death was evaluated by western blotting and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labelling staining.

Results

SHED‐exos treatment promoted the saliva flow rates of NOD mice, accompanied by decreased cleaved caspase‐3 levels and apoptotic cell numbers in SMGs. SHED‐exos inhibited autophagy, pyroptosis, NETosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis and oxeiptosis marker expression in SS‐damaged glands. Mechanistically, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of exosomal miRNAs suggested that the rat sarcoma virus (RAS)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway might play an important role. In vivo, the expression of Kirsten RAS, Harvey RAS, MEK1/2 and p‐ERK1/2 was upregulated in SMGs, and this change was blocked by SHED‐exos treatment. In vitro, SHED‐exos suppressed p‐ERK1/2 activation and increased cleaved caspase‐3 and apoptotic cell numbers, which were induced by IFN‐γ.

Conclusion

SHED‐exos suppress epithelial cell death, which is responsible for promoting salivary secretion. SHED‐exos inhibited inflammation‐triggered epithelial cell apoptosis by suppressing p‐ERK1/2 activation, which is involved in these effects.
Metabolism of serine/glycine lipids by human gingival cells in culture
Authors: Guido Tyler M. , Ratcliffe Samuel D. , Rahmlow Amanda , Zambrello Matthew A. , Provates Anthony A. , Clark Robert B. , Smith Michael B. , Nichols Frank C.
Published: October 2023

Porphyromonas gingivalis produces five classes of serine/glycine lipids that are recovered in lipid extracts from periodontitis‐afflicted teeth and diseased gingival tissues, particularly at sites of periodontitis. Because these lipids are recovered in diseased gingival tissues, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the capacity of cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), keratinocytes, and macrophages to hydrolyze these lipids. We hypothesize that one or more of these cell types will hydrolyze the serine/glycine lipids. The primary aim was to treat these cell types for increasing time in culture with individual highly enriched serine/glycine lipid preparations. At specified times, cells and culture media samples were harvested and extracted for hydrolysis products. The serine/glycine lipids and hydrolysis products were quantified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and free fatty acids were quantified using gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer. LC–MS analysis used two different mass spectrometric methods. This study revealed that treatment of HGF or macrophage (THP1) cells with lipid (L) 654 resulted in breakdown to L342 and subsequent release into culture medium. However, L654 was converted only to L567 in gingival keratinocytes. By contrast, L1256 was converted to L654 by fibroblasts and macrophages but no further hydrolysis or release into medium was observed. Gingival keratinocytes showed no hydrolysis of L1256 to smaller lipid products but because L1256 was not recovered in these cells, it is not clear what hydrolysis products are produced from L1256. Although primary cultures of gingival fibroblasts and macrophages are capable of hydrolyzing specific serine/glycine lipids, prior analysis of lipid extracts from diseased gingival tissues revealed significantly elevated levels of L1256 in diseased tissues. These results suggest that the hydrolysis of bacterial lipids in gingival tissues may reduce the levels of specific lipids, but the hydrolysis of L1256 is not sufficiently rapid to prevent significant accumulation at periodontal disease sites.
Quantifying the gastral mass in Early Cretaceous ornithuromorphs (Aves, Ornithothoraces) from the Jehol avifauna
Authors: Liu Shumin , Li Zhiheng , Liu Di , O'Connor Jingmai K.
Published: October 2023

Some birds intentionally ingest stones to facilitate digestion of hard foodstuffs, a behaviour inherited from non‐avian dinosaurs and present in some of the earliest birds, as evidenced by clusters of gastroliths preserved within the abdominal cavity of a wide range of dinosaurs and Cretaceous birds. For the first time, high‐resolution computed laminographic and computed tomographic scans were used to reconstruct the gastral mass in two species of non‐neornithine ornithuromorph birds from the Lower Cretaceous Jehol Group. Four specimens of each taxon were analysed. Preservation of the gastral mass in most of these specimens is in situ and regarded as complete or nearly so. The number of gastroliths, their total volume, and their total mass relative to the estimated body mass were calculated for each specimen. The resultant gastral mass to body mass ratios fall within the range observed in extant birds, supporting previous inferences that the digestive system in non‐neornithine ornithuromorphs was comparable to that of extant taxa. Compared to available data for non‐volant non‐avian theropods, the gastral mass is proportionately smaller in birds suggesting that the evolution of flight constrained gastral mass size in the theropod lineage. Currently available data on gastral mass characteristics suggests that Iteravis ate larger food particles compared to Archaeorhynchus but cannot be used to determine diet more precisely. Better understanding of the relationship between gastral mass characteristics and food items across a broader range of extant taxa may provide an indirect but important method through which to infer diet and digestive function in archosaurs.
Molecular and morphological characterization of three novel Minorisa species (Chlorarachnea) and proposal for an emended description of the Minorisa minuta
Authors: Shiratori Takashi , Kato Yuta , Ishida Ken‐ichiro
Published: October 2023

Minorisa is a group of tiny uniflagellates belonging to the Cercozoa. These flagellates are the closest heterotrophic relatives of photosynthetic chlorarachniophytes and are one of the most abundant bacterivorous eukaryotes in coastal marine environments. Despite their evolutionary and ecological importance, taxonomic studies on Minorisa have not been conducted since the original description. In the present study, we isolated five Minorisa strains and performed molecular phylogenetic and microscopic analyses. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences indicated that the strains form four different subclades in Minorisa. Microscopic observations revealed that these Minorisa strains possess an amoeboid stage that lacks a flagellum. In the amoeboid stage, cells possess lobose and/or extrusive pseudopodia. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and morphological observations, we revised the description of Minorisa and described the following three novel Minorisa species: Minorisa fusiformis sp. nov., Minorisa magna sp. nov. and Minorisa megafusiformis sp. nov.
Transculturality, Anti‐Asian Racism and Student Mobility: A Case Study of Chinese International Student Experiences during the COVID‐19 Pandemic1
Authors: Kwak Min‐Jung , Kwon Eugena , Lo Lucia , Jung Gowoon
Published: October 2023

The breakout and spread of the SARS‐COV‐2/COVID‐19 virus in early 2020 caused a drastic increase in blatant racism and microaggressions against Asians/people of Asian descent. The rise of anti‐Asian racism can be viewed as a repeat of a century‐long narrative of Yellow Peril against Asian newcomers in western societies. While some reports/studies explained the phenomenon with the hegemony of race relations, it is imperative to examine the experiences of anti‐Asian racism in the context of the fast‐changing geopolitical economy and transcultural relations. Using the conceptual frameworks of Intellectual Migration and transculturalism, this study examines how the rise of anti‐Asian racism during the COVID‐19 pandemic affected Chinese international students in Nova Scotia and if their experience of racialization was critical enough to change their post‐graduation plan of staying in Canada or not. In order to provide an overview of international student experiences in Nova Scotia and to assess the significance of ethnicity and racism as factors in student mobility, we analyzed the data from two research projects. First, survey and individual interview data from the IM (Intellectual Migration) Halifax project provided detailed insights on Chinese international students' study and living experiences during the pandemic and their post‐graduation plans. Second, survey and focus group data from the NSIS (Nova Scotia International Students) project allowed a comparison of pandemic experiences between Chinese and other international students in the province of Nova Scotia. This case study aimed to examine the experiences of racialization among Chinese international students in Nova Scotia and assess the extent to which their post‐graduation mobility is shaped by racialization.
Does my work matter? Reduced sense of mattering as a source of gender disparities
Authors: Lombard Ella J. , Cheryan Sapna
Published: October 2023

Women may experience lower rates of entry and success into certain academic and professional spaces because of their observations that their work contributions are less valued than men's. We introduce sense of mattering as a mechanism that may help explain women's underrepresentation in male‐dominated fields and leadership roles, distinguish it from related constructs, and advance a theoretical framework for how sense of mattering may shape gender disparities. Women's professional contributions are often undervalued, and women perceive and anticipate this unfair disadvantage, which may in turn limit their success, retention, and representation in stereotypically masculine spaces and roles. Attending to sense of mattering has the potential to improve upon past attempts to reduce gender disparities by emphasizing the importance of increasing the extent to which women's contributions are recognized and valued.
Skin surface biomarkers are associated with future development of atopic dermatitis in children with family history of allergic disease
Authors: Sato Takahiro , Nikolovski Janet , Gould Russell , Lboukili Imane , Roux Pierre‐Francois , Al‐Ghalith Gabriel , Orie Jeremy , Insel Richard , Stamatas Georgios N.
Published: October 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common childhood chronic inflammatory skin disorder that can significantly impact quality of life and has been linked to the subsequent development of food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, an association known as the “atopic march.”

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers collected non‐invasively from the skin surface in order to predict AD before diagnosis across a broad age range of children.

Methods

Non‐invasive skin surface measures and biomarkers were collected from 160 children (3–48 months of age) of three groups: (A) healthy with no family history of allergic disease, (B) healthy with family history of allergic disease, and (C) diagnosed AD.

Results

Eleven of 101 children in group B reported AD diagnosis in the subsequent 12 months following the measurements. The children who developed AD had increased skin immune markers before disease onset, compared to those who did not develop AD in the same group and to the control group. In those enrolled with AD, lesional skin was characterized by increased concentrations of certain immune markers and transepidermal water loss, and decreased skin surface hydration.

Conclusions

Defining risk susceptibility before onset of AD through non‐invasive methods may help identify children who may benefit from early preventative interventions.
“My noticing lens disrupts this narrative”: Preservice mathematics teachers' awareness of the self as noticer
Authors: Rubin Ethan , van Es Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2023

Teacher noticing has been identified as central to enacting responsive and equitable mathematics instruction. Mathematics teachers' noticing is shaped by institutional and sociopolitical narratives and ideologies that persistently marginalize culturally, socially, linguistically, and neuro‐diverse learners. Gaining insight into how one's noticing is related to these narratives can enable a teacher to identify and reflect on how they frame, attend to, and interpret classroom activity, and how that in turn can perpetuate or disrupt inequitable mathematics instruction. We conjectured that learning to systematically analyze and reflect on their own noticing can enable preservice mathematics teachers to develop their awareness of themselves as noticers to support more responsive and equitable instructional practice. Using data from summative assignments in a course focused on learning from teaching, we investigate whether and how preservice teachers (PSTs) take up frameworks for responsive and equitable teaching to narrate their noticing, and examine what their narrations reveal about how they frame mathematics instruction. Analysis reveals PSTs problematized instruction to adopt aspirational frames for equitable practice, while also re‐narrating classroom interactions from dominant perspectives. These findings have implications for PSTs' learning to notice for equity and for designing teacher education experiences for this purpose.
Fifty novel HLA‐DPB1 alleles identified in a UK cohort of unrelated hematopoietic cell donors and recipients
Authors: Cambridge Charlotte A. , Turner Thomas R. , Georgiou Xenia , Robinson James , Mayor Neema P. , Marsh Steven G. E.
Published: October 2023

HLA‐DPB1 is the classical HLA class II genes with the least recorded variation on the IPD‐IMGT/HLA Database, suggesting the full extent of its diversity is perhaps yet to be characterized. Here, a full‐gene typing strategy was employed to genotype a UK cohort of 1470 HCT recipients (n = 744) and donors (n = 726). In total, 2940 full‐length HLA‐DPB1 sequences were generated, comprising 193 distinct alleles. Of these, 107 sequences contained novel variation, totaling 49 unique intronic HLA‐DPB1 alleles, and one coding variant (HLA‐DPB1*1188:01). Full‐gene sequencing resulted in zygosity changes for 129 individuals by identifying two distinct intronic variants of the same coding allele. We verified the existence of nine unconfirmed alleles and extended the sequence of two existing alleles on the IPD‐IMGT/HLA Database.