bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptoms of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in pregnancy: a cross‐sectional, community‐based survey
Authors: Bourne Kate M. , Nerenberg Kara A. , Stiles Lauren E. , Shibao Cyndya A. , Okamoto Luis E. , Garland Emily M. , Gamboa Alfredo , Peltier Amanda , Diedrich André , Biaggioni Italo , Sheldon Robert S. , Gibson Paul S. , Kealey Angela J. , Raj Satish R.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and pregnancy.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

International.

Sample

A total of 8941 female patients with a diagnosis of POTS.

Methods

Data from the survey were analysed using descriptive measures and stratified for comparisons.

Main outcome measures

Symptom course of POTS during pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included pregnancy loss, POTS onset during pregnancy and the impacts of a comorbid diagnosis of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome or an autoimmune disorder on symptoms during pregnancy.

Results

Overall, 40.8% (n = 3652) of participants reported one or more pregnancies. Most participants experienced worsening of symptoms in the first (62.6%) and third (58.9%) trimesters and 3 months after pregnancy (58.7%), and 81.1% experienced worsening symptoms at any point in their pregnancy. Most participants with worsening symptoms in the first trimester also experienced worsening symptoms in the second (61.6%) and third (68.1%) trimesters, but if they improved in the first trimester then this improvement persisted in the second and third trimesters. Of participants who reported that POTS was triggered by a specific event (41.3%), 8.1% reported pregnancy as the trigger for the onset.

Conclusions

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy may help predict symptom course throughout the duration of pregnancy. Some individuals may experience an initial onset of POTS during pregnancy. This novel information may guide clinicians in counselling patients with POTS who are planning pregnancy.
Engineering resource allocation in artificially minimized cells: Is genome reduction the best strategy?
Authors: Marquez‐Zavala Elisa , Utrilla Jose
Published: February 2023

The elimination of the expression of cellular functions that are not needed in a certain well‐defined artificial environment, such as those used in industrial production facilities, has been the goal of many cellular minimization projects. The generation of a minimal cell with reduced burden and less host‐function interactions has been pursued as a tool to improve microbial production strains. In this work, we analysed two cellular complexity reduction strategies: genome and proteome reduction. With the aid of an absolute proteomics data set and a genome‐scale model of metabolism and protein expression (ME‐model), we quantitatively assessed the difference of reducing genome to the correspondence of reducing proteome. We compare the approaches in terms of energy consumption, defined in ATP equivalents. We aim to show what is the best strategy for improving resource allocation in minimized cells. Our results show that genome reduction by length is not proportional to reducing resource use. When we normalize calculated energy savings, we show that strains with the larger calculated proteome reduction show the largest resource use reduction. Furthermore, we propose that reducing highly expressed proteins should be the target as the translation of a gene uses most of the energy. The strategies proposed here should guide cell design when the aim of a project is to reduce the maximum amount or cellular resources.
Microbe–Anode Interactions: Comparing the impact of genetic and material engineering approaches to improve the performance of microbial electrochemical systems (MES)
Authors: Klein Edina M. , Knoll Melanie T. , Gescher Johannes
Published: February 2023

Microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) are a highly versatile platform technology with a particular focus on power or energy production. Often, they are used in combination with substrate conversion (e.g., wastewater treatment) and production of value‐added compounds via electrode‐assisted fermentation. This rapidly evolving field has seen great improvements both technically and biologically, but this interdisciplinarity sometimes hampers overseeing strategies to increase process efficiency. In this review, we first briefly summarize the terminology of the technology and outline the biological background that is essential for understanding and thus improving MES technology. Thereafter, recent research on improvements at the biofilm–electrode interface will be summarized and discussed, distinguishing between biotic and abiotic approaches. The two approaches are then compared, and resulting future directions are discussed. This mini‐review therefore provides basic knowledge of MES technology and the underlying microbiology in general and reviews recent improvements at the bacteria–electrode interface.
Performance of systemic lupus erythematosus responder index for detecting clinician‐rated responders in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Leosuthamas Pornsawan , Narongroeknawin Pongthorn , Chaiamnuay Sumapa , Asavatanabodee Paijit , Pakchotanon Rattapol
Published: February 2023

Objective

Disease activity measures in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are critical tools for trial endpoints. We aimed to evaluate the performance of current treatment outcome measures in SLE.

Methods

Individuals with active SLE with a clinical SLE Disease Activity Index‐2000 (SLEDAI‐2K) score of at least 4 were followed up for two or more visits and classified as responders and non‐responders based on a physician's judgment of improvement. The treatment outcome measures including SLEDAI‐2K responder index‐50 (SRI‐50), SLE responder index‐4 (SRI‐4), substituting SLEDAI‐2K with SRI‐50 in SRI‐4 (SRI‐4(50)), SLE Disease Activity Score (SLE‐DAS) responder index (Δ ≥ 1.72) and the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG)‐based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) were tested. The performance of those measures was shown by sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, accuracy, and agreement against a physician‐rated improvement.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients with active SLE were followed. The total cumulative pair of visits (baseline and follow up) was 48. The overall accuracies (95% confidence interval [CI]) of SRI‐50, SRI‐4, SRI‐4(50), SLE‐DAS, and BICLA for detecting responders in all patients were 72.9 (58.2‐84.7), 75.0 (60.4‐86.4), 72.9 (58.2‐84.7), 75.0 (60.4‐86.4), and 64.6 (49.5‐77.8), respectively. Subgroup analyses of lupus nephritis (23 patients had a pair of visits) found the accuracies (95% CI) of SRI‐50, SRI‐4, SRI‐4(50), SLE‐DAS, and BICLA were 82.6 (61.2‐95.0), 73.9 (51.6‐89.8), 82.6 (61.2‐95.0), 82.6 (61.2‐95.0), and 78.3 (56.3‐92.5), respectively. However, there were no significant differences between the groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

SRI‐4, SRI‐50, SRI‐4(50), SLE‐DAS responder index, and BICLA demonstrated comparable abilities to identify clinician‐rated responders in patients with active SLE and lupus nephritis.
Focal 18F‐FDG uptake predicts progression of pre‐invasive squamous bronchial lesions to invasive cancers
Authors: Smesseim Illaa , van Boerdonk Robert A. , Dickhoff Chris , Heineman David J. , Dahele Max R. , Radonic Teodora , Bahce Idris , Rauh Simone P. , Comans Emile F. I. , Daniels Hans (J. M. A.)
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Pre‐invasive squamous lesions of the central airways can progress into invasive lung cancers. Identifying these high‐risk patients could enable detection of invasive lung cancers at an early stage. In this study, we investigated the value of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scans in predicting progression in patients with pre‐invasive squamous endobronchial lesions.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients with pre‐invasive endobronchial lesions, who underwent an 18F‐FDG PET scan at the VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, between January 2000 and December 2016, were included. Autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) was used for tissue sampling and was repeated every 3 months. The minimum and median follow‐up was 3 and 46.5 months. Study endpoints were the occurrence of biopsy proven invasive carcinoma, time‐to‐progression and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total number of 40 of 225 patients met the inclusion criteria of which 17 (42.5%) patients had a positive baseline 18F‐FDG PET scan. A total of 13 of 17 (76.5%) developed invasive lung carcinoma during follow‐up, with a median time to progression of 5.0 months (range, 3.0–25.0). In 23 (57.5%) patients with a negative 18F‐FDG PET scan at baseline, 6 (26%) developed lung cancer, with a median time to progression of 34.0 months (range, 14.0–42.0 months, p < 0.002). With a median OS of 56.0 months (range, 9.0–60.0 months) versus 49.0 months (range, 6.0–60.0 months) (p = 0.876) for the 18F‐FDG PET positive and negative groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with pre‐invasive endobronchial squamous lesions and a positive baseline 18F‐FDG PET scan were at high‐risk for developing lung carcinoma, highlighting that this patient group requires early radical treatment.
Type I IFN stimulates lymph node stromal cells from adult and old mice during a West Nile virus infection
Authors: Bennett Allison K. , Richner Michelle , Mun Madeline D. , Richner Justin M.
Published: February 2023

Advanced age is a significant risk factor during viral infection due to an age‐associated decline in the immune response. Older individuals are especially susceptible to severe neuroinvasive disease after West Nile virus (WNV) infection. Previous studies have characterized age‐associated defects in hematopoietic immune cells during WNV infection that culminate in diminished antiviral immunity. Situated amongst immune cells in the draining lymph node (DLN) are structural networks of nonhematopoietic lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs). LNSCs are comprised of numerous, diverse subsets, with critical roles in the coordination of robust immune responses. The contributions of LNSCs to WNV immunity and immune senescence are unclear. Here, we examine LNSC responses to WNV within adult and old DLNs. Acute WNV infection triggered cellular infiltration and LNSC expansion in adults. Comparatively, aged DLNs exhibited diminished leukocyte accumulation, delayed LNSC expansion, and altered fibroblast and endothelial cell subset composition, signified by fewer LECs. We established an ex vivo culture system to probe LNSC function. Adult and old LNSCs both recognized an ongoing viral infection primarily through type I IFN signaling. Gene expression signatures were similar between adult and old LNSCs. Aged LNSCs were found to constitutively upregulate immediate early response genes. Collectively, these data suggest LNSCs uniquely respond to WNV infection. We are the first to report age‐associated differences in LNSCs on the population and gene expression level during WNV infection. These changes may compromise antiviral immunity, leading to increased WNV disease in older individuals.
The role of effortful control in mitigating negative consequences associated with emerging adult drinking
Authors: Paige Katie J. , Shaw Rachael J. , Colder Craig R.
Published: February 2023

Background

Identifying factors that protect against alcohol‐related negative consequences associated with emerging adult drinking is a critical public health issue. It has been proposed that high levels of self‐regulation moderate risks associated with drinking, decreasing alcohol‐related negative consequences. Past research testing this possibility is limited by a lack of advanced methodology for testing moderation and failure to consider facets of self‐regulation. This study addressed these limitations.

Methods

Three hundred fifty‐four community emerging adults (56% female; predominantly non‐Hispanic Caucasian (83%) or African American (9%)) were assessed annually for 3 years. Moderational hypotheses were tested using multilevel models and the Johnson‐Neyman technique was used to examine simple slopes. Data were organized such that repeated measures (level 1) were nested within participants (level 2) to test cross‐sectional associations. Self‐regulation was operationalized as effortful control and its facets (attentional, inhibitory, and activation control).

Results

We found evidence of moderation. The association between alcohol use during a heavy drinking week and consequences weakened as effortful control increased. This pattern was supported for two facets (attentional and activation control), but not for inhibitory control. Regions of significance results revealed that this protective effect was only evident at very high levels of self‐regulation.

Conclusions

The results provide some evidence that very high levels of attentional and activation control protect against alcohol‐related negative consequences associated with drinking. Emerging adults who are very high in attentional and activation control are likely better able to control their attention and engage in goal‐directed behavior, like leaving a party at a reasonable hour, or attending school and/or work when experiencing the punishing effects of a hangover. Results emphasize the importance of distinguishing facets of self‐regulation when testing self‐regulation models.
From natural language to accounting entries using a natural language processing method
Authors: Chen Yasheng , Huang Xian , Wu Zhuojun
Published: February 2023

Bookkeeping is crucial in both accounting and auditing. However, a substantial quantity of accounting information initially recorded using unstructured natural language, which restricts the efficiency and accuracy of bookkeeping. In this study, we exploit proprietary transaction data from three firms to demonstrate the capacity of a word embedding approach based on a neural network model (i.e., Word2vec) for processing transaction‐related natural language and automating bookkeeping practice. Our study contributes to accounting practice and literature by demonstrating a practical application of Word2vec to the construction of an automated bookkeeping system.
Advertising and general dental practice: how compliant are practice websites in Australia with legal requirements?
Authors: Jensen ED , Sethi S , Poirier BF , Meade MJ
Published: February 2023

Background

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) requires general dental practitioners (GDPs) to agree to regulatory advertising guidelines on initial registration and annual renewal. The aim of this study was to determine the compliance of GDPs websites to these requirements.

Methods

A representative sample of GDPs websites from each state and territory in Australia was based on the total AHPRA registrant distribution. Assessment of compliance was used across five domains consisting of 17 criteria related to AHPRA's advertising of regulated health services guidelines, as well as section 133 of the National Law. Inter‐rater reliability was estimated using Fleiss's Kappa.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐two GDPs websites were reviewed with 85% non‐compliant with at least one of the legal and regulatory requirements relating to advertising. Of these websites, 52% displayed false and misleading information, 12.8% had offers and inducement without clear terms and conditions, 11.5% used written testimonials, 33.9% created unrealistic expectation of benefit and 39.6% encouraged indiscriminate and unnecessary use of health services.

Conclusions

More than 85% of GDP websites in Australia did not comply with legal and regulatory requirements related to advertising. A multi‐stakeholder approach involving AHPRA, professional dental bodies and dental registrants is necessary to improve compliance.
Efficacy of different irrigation agitation systems in the removal of root canal sealers from artificial standardised grooves
Authors: Düzgün Salih , Topçuoğlu Hüseyin Sinan , Kahraman Ömür , Eminsoy Ayşe Tuğba
Published: February 2023

The present study aims to assess the efficacy of different irrigation agitation systems in removing calcium silicate‐based sealers from artificial standardised apical grooves. After the root canal instrumentation of 96 teeth, artificial apical grooves were created in half of each root. The samples were divided into two main groups according to the sealer type (AH Plus Jet [APJ] and Sure‐Seal Root™ [SSR]) (n = 48). The root halves were then reassembled and divided into four experimental groups based on the final irrigation technique used: Conventional Syringe Irrigation (CSI), Ultrasonic Irrigant Agitation (UIA), Sonic Agitation (SA) and Manual Dynamic Agitation (MDA). The roots were then dissembled to assess the amount of root canal sealer. UIA significantly removed more of SSR sealer than CSI, MDA and SA while there was no statistical difference between CSI, MDA, SA and UIA groups in the APJ group. None of the irrigation agitation systems used had completely removed the APJ and SSR sealers. However, UIA was more effective in removing SSR sealer from the standardised apical groove than were CSI, MDA and SA.
Gene‐edited or genetically modified food? The impacts of risk and ambiguity on Chinese consumers' willingness to pay
Authors: Ding Yulian , Yu Jianyu , Sun Yangyang , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Liu Yunyun
Published: February 2023

This study investigates consumer preferences for newly introduced gene‐edited (GE) food. We focus on how risk and ambiguity aversion affect consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) to avoid genetically modified (GM) food or GE food and whether the impacts of risk and ambiguity aversion differ between GM and GE food. We collected the data in 2020 through a nationwide online survey in China. The multiple price list method is used to estimate the premiums that consumers are willing to pay for conventional rice to avoid GM/GE rice. Our results show that Chinese urban consumers are more concerned about the health, environmental, and ethical impacts of genetic modification than gene editing technology. They are willing to pay lower premiums when the alternative is GE rice than when it is GM rice. We further find that both risk aversion and ambiguity aversion have significant negative impacts on respondents’ WTP for food derived from gene technologies, with ambiguity aversion being more influential than risk aversion for both GM and GE rice. However, there is no significant difference in how risk aversion and ambiguity aversion affect the respondents’ WTP to avoid GM or GE rice.
The effects of the invasive species, Lantana camara, on regeneration of an African rainforest
Authors: Barahukwa Anke , Chapman Colin A. , Namaganda Mary , Eilu Gerald , Omeja Patrick A. , Lawes Michael J.
Published: February 2023

Invasive plants adversely affect native communities by altering ecosystem function and disrupting natural regeneration. We investigate the effect of invasive Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) on forest regeneration in Kibale National Park, Uganda. We appraise the efficacy of cutting and uprooting Lantana for promoting native tree recruitment. Sample plots comprised three types: (i) currently invaded by Lantana; (ii) cleared of Lantana and now managed; and (iii) forest reference plots uninvaded by Lantana. Tree species numbering 51, 19 shrubs, and 17 herb species were identified. Lantana reduced tree, shrub, and herb cover and diversity, and suppressed tree regeneration. The short‐term management of Lantana did not promote tree establishment. The tree community in cleared areas was not converging on uninvaded adjacent forest. Lantana is known to allelopathically suppress tree seedling establishment, but even at sites cleared of Lantana, tree species recruitment was poor. While insufficient time may have passed for tree recruitment, we argue that an increase in shrub and herb cover and diversity arrested forest tree regeneration. Sustained follow‐up clearing of dense secondary shrubs and herbs and resprouted L. camara in cleared areas is key to ensuring long‐term recovery of the forest tree community.
Bacterial resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics was rare among children hospitalised for clinical dysentery
Authors: Goldshtein Regina , Sharon Nechama , Yana Moshe , Rubinstein Uri , Amir Achiya Z.
Published: February 2023

Aim

Temporal changes in common pathogens that cause clinical dysentery have been described in Europe. We aimed to describe the distribution of pathogens and their antibiotic resistance in hospitalised Israeli children.

Methods

This study retrospectively studied children hospitalised for clinical dysentery, with or without a positive stool culture, from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019.

Results

We diagnosed 137 patients (65% males), with clinical dysentery at a median age of 3.7 (interquartile range 1.5–8.2) years. Stools were cultured in 135 patients (99%), and the results were positive in 101 (76%). These comprised Campylobacter (44%), Shigella sonnei (27%), non‐typhoid Salmonella (18%) and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (12%). Only one of the 44 Campylobacter cultures was resistant to erythromycin and one of the 12 enteropathogenic Escherichia coli cultures was resistant to ceftriaxone. None of the Salmonella and Shigella cultures were resistant to ceftriaxone or erythromycin. We did not find any pathogens that were associated with a typical clinical presentation or laboratory results on admission.

Conclusion

The most common pathogen was Campylobacter, in line with recent European trends. Bacterial resistance for commonly prescribed antibiotics was rare, and these findings support the current European recommendations.
Reduced phosphatidylcholine level in the intestinal mucus layer of prediabetic NOD mice
Authors: Mønsted Mia Øgaard , Bilgin Mesut , Kuzma Marek , Pelantová Helena , Pedersen Kristina , Tomášová Petra , Nazmutdinova Anastasiia , Šedivá Blanka , Funda David , Castro‐Mejía Josué L. , Holm Laurits Juulskov , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Haupt‐Jorgensen Martin
Published: February 2023

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease with rising incidence. Pre‐ and manifest T1D is associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction, skewed microbiota composition, and serum dyslipidemia. The intestinal mucus layer protects against pathogens and its structure and phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipid composition may be compromised in T1D, potentially contributing to barrier dysfunction. This study compared prediabetic Non‐Obese Diabetic (NOD) mice to healthy C57BL/6 mice by analyzing the intestinal mucus PC profile by shotgun lipidomics, plasma metabolomics by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, intestinal mucus production by histology, and cecal microbiota composition by 16 S rRNA sequencing. Jejunal mucus PC class levels were decreased in early prediabetic NOD vs C57BL/6 mice. In colonic mucus of NOD mice, the level of several PC species was reduced throughout prediabetes. In plasma, similar reductions of PC species were observed in early prediabetic NOD mice, where also increased beta‐oxidation was prominent. No histological alterations were found in jejunal nor colonic mucus between the mouse strains. However, the β‐diversity of the cecal microbiota composition differed between prediabetic NOD and C57BL/6 mice, and the bacterial species driving this difference were related to decreased short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA)‐production in the NOD mice. This study reports reduced levels of PCs in the intestinal mucus layer and plasma of prediabetic NOD mice as well as reduced proportions of SCFA‐producing bacteria in cecal content at early prediabetes, possibly contributing to intestinal barrier dysfunction and T1D.
Evaluation of the effect of ritlecitinib on the pharmacokinetics of caffeine in healthy participants
Authors: Liu Jian , Solan Rohit , Wolk Robert , Plotka Anna , O'Gorman Melissa T. , Winton Jennifer A. , Kaplan Julia , Purohit Vivek S.
Published: February 2023

Aims

This clinical study was conducted to evaluate the impact of ritlecitinib on the pharmacokinetics of caffeine, a cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrate.

Methods

In this single‐centre, single‐arm, open‐label, fixed‐sequence study, healthy participants received a single 100‐mg dose of caffeine on 2 separate occasions: on Day 1 of Period 1 as monotherapy and on Day 8 of Period 2 after oral administration of ritlecitinib 200 mg once daily for 8 days. Serial blood samples were collected and analysed using a validated liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by using a noncompartmental method. Safety was monitored by physical examination, vital signs, electrocardiograms and laboratory assessments.

Results

Twelve participants were enrolled and completed the study. Coadministration of caffeine 100 mg in the presence of steady‐state levels of ritlecitinib (200 mg once daily) increased caffeine exposure compared with caffeine given alone. Area under the curve to infinity and maximum concentration of caffeine increased by approximately 165 and 10%, respectively, when coadministered with ritlecitinib. The ratios of the adjusted geometric means (90% confidence interval) for caffeine area under the curve to infinity and maximum concentration were 265.14% (234.12–300.26%) and 109.74% (103.90–15.91%), respectively, when caffeine was coadministered with steady‐state ritlecitinib (test) compared with its administration alone (reference). Multiple doses of ritlecitinib when coadministered with a single dose of caffeine were generally safe and well tolerated in healthy participants.

Conclusion

Ritlecitinib is a moderate inhibitor of CYP1A2 and can increase systemic exposures of CYP1A2 substrates.
Individualized Causal Discovery with Latent Trajectory Embedded Bayesian Networks
Authors: Zhou Fangting , He Kejun , Ni Yang
Published: February 2023

Bayesian networks have been widely used to generate causal hypotheses from multivariate data. Despite their popularity, the vast majority of existing causal discovery approaches make the strong assumption of a (partially) homogeneous sampling scheme. However, such assumption can be seriously violated, causing significant biases when the underlying population is inherently heterogeneous. To this end, we propose a novel causal Bayesian network model, termed BN-LTE, that embeds heterogeneous samples onto a low-dimensional manifold and builds Bayesian networks conditional on the embedding. This new framework allows for more precise network inference by improving the estimation resolution from the population level to the observation level. Moreover, while causal Bayesian networks are in general not identifiable with purely observational, cross-sectional data due to Markov equivalence, with the blessing of causal effect heterogeneity, we prove that the proposed BN-LTE is uniquely identifiable under relatively mild assumptions. Through extensive experiments, we demonstrate the superior performance of BN-LTE in causal structure learning as well as inferring observation-specific gene regulatory networks from observational data.
Greater expectations or less sugar‐coating? Perceptual underpinnings of constructive patriotism
Authors: Sekerdej Maciej , Rupar Mirjana , Jamróz‐Dolińska Katarzyna , Kołeczek Maryna
Published: February 2023

In order to clarify the perceptual underpinnings of critical national attachment, we examined the links between constructive (critical) and conventional patriotism, and evaluations of the actual and ideal representations of the country. Across four studies conducted on US and Polish samples (total N = 3457), perception of a discrepancy between the actual and the ideal representations of the country was positively linked to constructive but negatively to conventional patriotism. Moreover, constructive patriotism was linked positively and conventional patriotism negatively with being critical of the actual functioning of the country. However, both constructive and conventional patriotisms were positively linked with the height of expectations of how the country should function. Additionally, we showed that discrepancy may motivate constructive patriots to be civically engaged (Study 4). Overall, the findings suggest that the difference between constructive and conventional patriots lies principally in how they evaluate the actual state of the country rather than in the degree to which they set high expectations or standards for the country.
Decellularised spinal cord matrix manipulates glial niche into repairing phase via serglycin‐mediated signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Zhai Man , Xu Yiwei , Han Jiandong , Chen Jiaxin , Xiong Yucui , Pan Shihua , Wang Qizheng , Yu Chunlai , Rao Zilong , Sun Qi , Sui Yufei , Fan Ke , Li Heying , Guo Wenjing , Liu Cuicui , Bai Ying , Zhou Jing , Quan Daping , Zhang Xiao
Published: February 2023

Astrocytes are the most abundant and widespread glial cells in the central nervous system. The heterogeneity of astrocytes plays an essential role in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. Decellularised spinal cord matrix (DSCM) is advantageous for repairing SCI, but little is known regarding the exact mechanisms and niche alterations. Here, we investigated the DSCM regulatory mechanism of glial niche in the neuro‐glial‐vascular unit using single‐cell RNA sequencing. Our single cell sequencing, molecular and biochemical experiments validated that DSCM facilitated the differentiation of neural progenitor cells through increasing the number of immature astrocytes. Upregulation of mesenchyme‐related genes, which maintained astrocyte immaturity, causing insensitivity to inflammatory stimuli. Subsequently, we identified serglycin (SRGN) as a functional component of DSCM, which involves inducing CD44–AKT signalling to trigger human spinal cord‐derived primary astrocytes (hspASCs) proliferation and upregulation of genes related to epithelial–mesenchymal transition, thus impeding astrocyte maturation. Finally, we verified that SRGN‐COLI and DSCM had similar functions in the human primary cell co‐culture system to mimic the glia niche. In conclusion, our work revealed that DSCM reverted astrocyte maturation and altered the glia niche into the repairing phase through the SRGN‐mediated signalling pathway.
Letting Tourette's be: The importance of understanding lived experience in research and the clinic
Authors: Bervoets Jo , Beljaars Diana , De Jaegher Hanne
Published: February 2023

The most common clinical research question regarding Tourette syndrome focuses on tic reduction, which follows from classical ‘lack of inhibition’ models. Rooted in views about brain deficits, this model suggests that with higher severity and frequency, tics are necessarily disruptive and should therefore be inhibited. However, emerging calls from people with lived experience of Tourette syndrome suggest that this is too narrow a definition. This narrative literature review analyses issues with brain deficit views and qualitative research on tic context and feelings of compulsion. The results suggest the need for a more positive and encompassing theoretical and ethical position on Tourette's. The article puts forward an enactive analytical approach of ‘letting be’, that is, approaching a phenomenon without forcing preconceived reference structures onto it. We suggest using the identity‐first term ‘Tourettic’. Prioritizing the perspective of the ‘Tourettic patient’, it urges attentiveness to the everyday issues diagnosed people encounter and how these are embedded in further life. This approach highlights the strong relationship between the Tourettic persons' felt impairment, their adoption of an outsider's perspective, and feeling under constant scrutiny. It suggests that this felt impairment of tics can be reduced by creating a physical and social environment in which the person is ‘let be’ but not ‘let go of’.

What this paper adds

Its theoretical position allows a more holistic view of Tourette's, integrating tics with oft‐overlooked complex compulsions.

The ‘letting be’ position also allows us to view why the presentation of Tourette's is likely to vary with gender and age of onset.

‘Letting be’ is a promising approach to improve a clinical understanding of Tourettic well‐being over and above tic severity and frequency.

It integrates quantitative research on Tourette syndrome in the neurosciences with qualitative neurodiversity literature in the medical humanities.

It integrates ethical frameworks as developed in enactive philosophy with the conceptualization and treatment of tics and compulsions.
Fetal anomaly diagnosis and therapeutic termination of pregnancy: A Nigerian perspective
Authors: Akinmoladun Janet
Published: February 2023

This letter to the editor is on the Invited Review by Graf et al. on pages 900–907 of this issue.
Effectiveness of educational and behavioural interventions for reducing fear of hypoglycaemia among adults with type 1 diabetes: Systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: Chatwin Hannah , Broadley Melanie , de Galan Bastiaan , Bazelmans Ellen , Speight Jane , Pouwer Frans , Nefs Giesje
Published: February 2023

Aims

To summarize and critically appraise evidence regarding the effectiveness of educational and/or behavioural interventions in reducing fear of hypoglycaemia among adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Systematic searches of medical and psychology databases were conducted. Risk‐of‐bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Data were synthesized using random‐effects meta‐analyses for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and narrative synthesis for observational studies.

Results

Five RCTs (N = 682) and seven observational studies (N = 1519) met the inclusion criteria, reporting on behavioural, structured education and cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions. Most studies assessed fear of hypoglycaemia using the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey Worry (HFS‐W) and Behaviour (HFS‐B) subscales. Mean fear of hypoglycaemia at baseline was relatively low across studies. Meta‐analyses showed a significant effect of interventions on HFS‐W (SMD = −0.17, p = 0.032) but not on HFS‐B scores (SMD = −0.34, p = 0.113). Across RCTs, Blood Glucose Awareness Training (BGAT) had the largest effect on HFS‐W and HFS‐B scores, and one CBT‐based program was as effective as BGAT in reducing HFS‐B scores. Observational studies showed that Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) was associated with significant fear of hypoglycaemia reductions.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests that educational and behavioural interventions can reduce fear of hypoglycaemia. However, no study to date has examined these interventions among people with high fear of hypoglycaemia.
Insight into the causality between basal metabolic rate and endometrial and ovarian cancers: Analysis utilizing systematic Mendelian randomization and genetic association data from over 331,000 UK biobank participants
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Qiu Junlan , Meng Fang , Shu Xiaochen
Published: February 2023

Background

Observational studies have demonstrated that basal metabolic rate (BMR) is associated with the risk of endometrial cancer (EC) and ovarian cancer (OC). However, it is unclear whether these associations reflect a causal relationship.

Objective

To reveal the causality between BMR and EC and OC, we performed the first comprehensive two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Methods

Genetic variants were used as proxies of BMR. GWAS summary statistics of BMR, EC and OC were obtained from the UK Biobank Consortium, Endometrial Cancer Association Consortium and Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium respectively. The inverse variance weighted method was employed as the main approach for MR analysis. A series of sensitivity analyses were implemented to validate the robustness and reliability of the results.

Results

BMR was significantly related to an increased risk of EC (ORSD = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.29–1.72; p‐Value < .001) and OC (ORSD = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.08–1.35; p‐Value < .001). Furthermore, the stratified analysis indicated that BMR was positively associated with endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) (ORSD = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.23–1.70; p‐Value < .001), clear cell ovarian cancer(CCOC) (ORSD = 1.89; 95% CI:1.35–2.64; p‐Value < .001) and endometrioid ovarian cancer risk (EOC) (ORSD = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.12–1.88; p‐Value = .005). However, there were no significant associations of BMR with invasive mucinous ovarian cancer (IMOC), high‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and low‐grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). The robustness of the above results was further verified in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

The MR study provided etiological evidence for the positive association of BMR with the risk of EC, EEC, OC, CCOC and EOC. But this study did not provide enough evidence suggesting the causal associations of BMR with IMOC, HGSOC and LGSOC.
EDL‐NSGA‐II: Ensemble deep learning framework with NSGA‐II feature selection for heart disease prediction
Authors: Gupta Aditya , Singh Amritpal
Published: February 2023

With the onset of pandemics and accrescent stress among people, heart disease has become one of the leading contributors to premature deaths worldwide. Early prognosis of this disorder is the most viable strategy for increasing the prospects of individuals' survival. Numerous methods exploiting machine learning algorithms for heart disease prediction have been reported in the literature, but they all suffer from overfitting problems. Conspicuously, to improve the prediction accuracy, in this research work, an efficient meta‐heuristic‐based feature selection technique, namely NSGA‐II, is employed. The proposed solution aims to reduce the feature set and thus improve the prediction accuracy supported by intelligent machine learning models. The presented classifier is trained and validated using a comprehensive heart disease dataset by utilizing NSGA‐II selected features with 10‐fold cross‐validation. For performance validation, the results of the proposed model are compared with the state‐of‐the‐art machine learning algorithms, such as a k‐nearest neighbour, support vector machine, Bayesian belief networks, random forest, and naive bayes. The simulation results highlight the improved performance of the proposed model with NSGA‐II and achieve a high prediction accuracy of 97.32%. Furthermore, results of sensitivity (92.84%), specificity (92.60%), precision (91.25%), and F‐measure (92.17%) prove the utility of the proposed approach for heart disease prediction over all other variants.
Recruitment and retention of diverse couples in relationship education with integrated economic services
Authors: Williamson Hannah C. , D'Angelo Angela V. , Warren Stephanie
Published: February 2023

Compared to higher income couples, those with low incomes experience a host of challenges and disparities in their intimate relationships, including lower levels of relationship satisfaction, higher rates of breakup of cohabiting relationships, and higher rates of divorce. In recognition of these disparities, a number of interventions targeting couples with low incomes have been developed. These interventions historically focused primarily on improving relationship skills through relationship education, but in recent years a new approach that integrates economic‐focused interventions alongside relationship education has emerged. This integrated approach is intended to better address the challenges facing couples with low incomes, but the theory‐driven, top‐down approach to intervention development leaves open the question of whether couples with low incomes are interested in participating in a program that combines these two disparate components. The current study draws from a large randomized controlled trial of one such program (N = 879 couples) to provide descriptive information about the recruitment and retention of couples with low incomes in a study of relationship education with integrated economic services. Results indicate that it is possible to recruit a large, linguistically, and racially diverse sample of couples living with low income to participate in an integrated intervention, but the uptake of relationship‐focused services was higher than the uptake of economic‐focused services. Additionally, attrition over a 1‐year follow‐up data collection period was low but required labor‐intensive efforts to reach participants for the survey. We highlight successful strategies for the recruitment and retention of diverse couples and discuss implications for future intervention efforts.
Conditioned place avoidance is associated with a distinct hippocampal phenotype, partly preserved pattern separation, and reduced reactive oxygen species production after stress
Authors: Kelley D. Parker , Albrechet‐Souza Lucas , Cruise Shealan , Maiya Rajani , Destouni Aspasia , Sakamuri Siva S. V. P. , Duplooy Alexander , Hibicke Meghan , Nichols Charles , Katakam Prasad V. G. , Gilpin Nicholas W. , Francis Joseph
Published: February 2023

Stress is associated with contextual memory deficits, which may mediate avoidance of trauma‐associated contexts in posttraumatic stress disorder. These deficits may emerge from impaired pattern separation, the independent representation of similar experiences by the dentate gyrus‐Cornu Ammonis 3 (DG‐CA3) circuit of the dorsal hippocampus, which allows for appropriate behavioral responses to specific environmental stimuli. Neurogenesis in the DG is controlled by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and may contribute to pattern separation. In Experiment 1, we performed RNA sequencing of the dorsal hippocampus 16 days after stress in rats that either develop conditioned place avoidance to a predator urine‐associated context (Avoiders), or do not (Non‐Avoiders). Weighted genome correlational network analysis showed that increased expression of oxidative phosphorylation‐associated gene transcripts and decreased expression of gene transcripts for axon guidance and insulin signaling were associated with avoidance behavior. Based on these data, in Experiment 2, we hypothesized that Avoiders would exhibit elevated hippocampal (HPC) ROS production and degraded object pattern separation (OPS) compared with Nonavoiders. Stress impaired pattern separation performance in Non‐Avoider and Avoider rats compared with nonstressed Controls, but surprisingly, Avoiders exhibited partly preserved pattern separation performance and significantly lower ROS production compared with Non‐Avoiders. Lower ROS production was associated with better OPS performance in Stressed rats, but ROS production was not associated with OPS performance in Controls. These results suggest a strong negative association between HPC ROS production and pattern separation after stress, and that stress effects on these outcome variables may be associated with avoidance of a stress‐paired context.
The role of ecosystem transpiration in creating alternate moisture regimes by influencing atmospheric moisture convergence
Authors: Makarieva Anastassia M. , Nefiodov Andrei V. , Nobre Antonio Donato , Baudena Mara , Bardi Ugo , Sheil Douglas , Saleska Scott R. , Molina Ruben D. , Rammig Anja
Published: February 2023

The terrestrial water cycle links the soil and atmosphere moisture reservoirs through four fluxes: precipitation, evaporation, runoff, and atmospheric moisture convergence (net import of water vapor to balance runoff). Each of these processes is essential for sustaining human and ecosystem well‐being. Predicting how the water cycle responds to changes in vegetation cover remains a challenge. Recently, changes in plant transpiration across the Amazon basin were shown to be associated disproportionately with changes in rainfall, suggesting that even small declines in transpiration (e.g., from deforestation) would lead to much larger declines in rainfall. Here, constraining these findings by the law of mass conservation, we show that in a sufficiently wet atmosphere, forest transpiration can control atmospheric moisture convergence such that increased transpiration enhances atmospheric moisture import and results in water yield. Conversely, in a sufficiently dry atmosphere increased transpiration reduces atmospheric moisture convergence and water yield. This previously unrecognized dichotomy can explain the otherwise mixed observations of how water yield responds to re‐greening, as we illustrate with examples from China's Loess Plateau. Our analysis indicates that any additional precipitation recycling due to additional vegetation increases precipitation but decreases local water yield and steady‐state runoff. Therefore, in the drier regions/periods and early stages of ecological restoration, the role of vegetation can be confined to precipitation recycling, while once a wetter stage is achieved, additional vegetation enhances atmospheric moisture convergence and water yield. Recent analyses indicate that the latter regime dominates the global response of the terrestrial water cycle to re‐greening. Evaluating the transition between regimes, and recognizing the potential of vegetation for enhancing moisture convergence, are crucial for characterizing the consequences of deforestation as well as for motivating and guiding ecological restoration.
Enterprising refugee women: Analyzing postfeminist governmentality in an organizational context
Authors: Dlaske Kati , Schilling Katharina
Published: February 2023

This study examines a model project initiated by a German Federal Ministry in the middle of the vast increase in forced migration to Germany after 2015. The project aimed at facilitating the integration of female refugees into German society by way of ‘empowering’ them to become self‐employed. A business counseling agency with a feminist orientation was commissioned to design and run the project. Interpellating refugee women as subjects of entrepreneurial self‐actualization to enact gender equality, the project embodies a tangible example of postfeminist governmentality. Combining recent research on postfeminism with analytics of governmentality, the study directs its analytical gaze to the work of governing. This opens up a twofold perspective: it enables us to investigate the operation of governmental power in relation to its envisioned subjects, and how this power acts upon the subjects tasked with the work of governing in the contemporary organizational context. Drawing on qualitative interviews and documentary materials within an “ethnographic imaginary”, we examine, first, the assemblage of elements that made up the fabric of postfeminist governmentality in the governmental intervention at hand and what happened when the governmental attempts “hit the ground” met—and failed to meet—the diverse bodies of the envisioned participants. This perspective illustrates how the logic of postfeminist governmentality radically failed when it came to differences deriving from the structural positioning of the women, but also indicates moments of agency and resistance and the perspectives for those who were able and willing to access the offered subject position. Second, the analysis shows how this failure affected the women involved less than the female project manager who was to bear the consequences. In this respect, the analysis sheds light on the amount of practical and emotional work that the task of rendering the project nevertheless ‘a success’ required, the “hidden injuries” this work involved, and how this work ultimately led to a reaffirmation of the logic of postfeminist governmentality. The study contributes to understandings of the gendered operation of governmental power in and through contemporary organizations and in the organization of labor.