bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing top-down microcircuitry of complex human behavior across different levels of the visual hierarchy
Authors: Dowdle Logan , Ghose Geoffrey , Moeller Steen , Ugurbil Kamil , Yacoub Essa , Vizioli Luca
Published: December 2022

FMRI has become a key tool for human neuroscience. At ultra-high field (=> 7 Tesla) it is possible to acquire images with submillimeter spatial precision, which allows examinations of mesoscale functional organization. Studying the brain at this scale does not come without its challenges, however. To tackle some of these challenges, we propose an approach that builds upon task modulations to identical visual stimuli and the simultaneous imaging of distal areas of varying complexity across the cortical hierarchy. Specifically, we record BOLD responses elicited by face stimuli during a stimulus relevant and a stimulus irrelevant task across cortical depths in V1, Occipital Face (OFA) and Fusiform Face area (FFA). We observed that task-related top-down modulations were larger in the inner compared to the outer layers of V1; and in the outer compared to the inner layers in the FFA. Our findings are consistent with animal reports of feedback exchange between deeper and superficial layers and with the notion of apical dendritic amplification as a key mechanism of conscious perception. Our approach showcases the potential of “laminar-fMRI” to explore large scale network activity and represents a promising step towards characterizing laminar functional profiles in humans for complex, cognitively meaningful, and socially relevant stimuli such as faces.
Cultural signatures of punctuated environmental change: measuring the effects of population-wide stress on song distribution in dark-eyed juncos and song sparrows
Authors: Snyder Kate T. , Sellers Maria L. , Creanza Nicole
Published: December 2022

Severe weather events can dramatically alter a species’ evolutionary trajectory. Previous landmark studies on populations in transiently hostile environments have measured traits that are under direct selection during those events. However, phenotype shifts that are not inherently adaptive to the fluctuating environment may also occur. Stress, especially during development, can cause important phenotypic changes in individuals, including impaired learning. Thus, learned behaviors, such as birdsong, may exhibit unique evolutionary dynamics as a result of widespread environmental stress. We hypothesize that ecosystem-level stressors may cause population-level changes to birdsong as entire cohorts experience developmental stress, learn songs imperfectly, and become the song tutors for future generations. In 2016, an unprecedented drought affected western New York State, a hotspot for community-science-generated birdsong recordings, and presented a unique opportunity to test our hypothesis through a natural experiment. We analyzed publicly available community-science birdsong recordings of two species,Junco hyemalisandMelospiza melodia, recorded between 2006-2020 in the drought-affected region and two control regions. We found that population-level song features had changed in the species with more complex songs (song sparrow) in the drought area after 2016, but not in the control area or in the species with a simple song (dark-eyed junco), implying that stress-induced deficits may disproportionately affect song traits that are more difficult to learn. These results demonstrate that environmental events can drive population-level trait evolution due to disruption in learning, with potentially important implications for speciation.
Apixaban following discharge in hospitalised adults with COVID-19: Preliminary results from a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled platform clinical trial
Authors: Toshner Mark R , Gamble Carrol , Baillie J Kenneth , Best Ashley , Bedson Emma , Bradley Judy , Calvert Melanie , Davies Elin Haf , Docherty Annemarie B , Gkioni Efstathia , Hughes Dyfrig A , Jaki Thomas , Jenkins R Gisli , Jones Ashley , Landray Martin J , Mant Jonathan , McAuley Daniel F , Openshaw Peter JM , Richards Duncan , Wicks Paul ,   HEAL-COVID Collaboration, Summers Charlotte
Published: December 2022

Background

The role of thromboprophylaxis in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 is uncertain due to conflicting results from randomised controlled trials and observational studies. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of post-hospital apixaban in reducing the rate of death and hospital readmission of hospitalised adults with COVID-19.

Methods

HEAL COVID is an adaptive randomised open label multicentre platform trial recruiting participants from National Health Service Hospitals in the United Kingdom. Here we report the preliminary results of apixaban comparison of HEAL-COVID. Participants with a hospital admission related to confirmed COVID-19 and an expected date of discharge in the subsequent five days were randomised to either apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily or standard care (no anticoagulation) for 14 days. The primary outcome was hospital free survival at 12 months obtained through routine data sources. The trial was prospectively registered with ISRCTN (15851697) andClincialtrials.gov(NCT04801940).

Findings

Between 19 May 2021 and 21 November 2022, 402 participants from 109 sites were randomised to apixaban and 399 to standard care. Seven participants withdrew from the apixaban group and one from the standard care group. Analysis was undertaken on an intention-to-treat basis.

The apixaban arm was stopped on the recommendation of the oversight committees following an interim analysis due to no indication of benefit. Of the 402 participants randomised to apixaban, 117 experienced death or rehospitalisation during a median follow-up of 344·5 days (IQR 125 to 365), and 123 participants receiving standard care experienced death or rehospitalisation during a median follow-up of 349 days (IQR 124 to 365). There was no statistical difference in the rate of death and rehospitalisation (HR: 0·96 99%CI 0·69-1·34; p=0·75). Three participants in the apixaban arm experienced clinically significant bleeding during treatment.

Interpretation

Fourteen days of post-hospital anticoagulation with the direct oral anticoagulant apixaban did not reduce the rate of death or rehospitalisation of adults hospitalised with COVID-19. These data do not support the use of prophylactic post-hospital anticoagulation in adults with COVID-19.

Funding

HEAL-COVID is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research [NIHR133788] and the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre [BRC-1215-20014*].
What counts, safety and security or hygiene? Suggestions on the reopening of major events under pandemic conditions in Germany
Authors: Schütte Patricia Magdalena , Schönefeld Malte , Schulte Yannic , Fiedrich Frank
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Between 2020 and spring 2022, health safety was the new pressing concern among the risks at major events. It seemed that it – respectively hygiene as part of infection control – was as important as event safety if an event in Germany was to be approved. Problems aroused in terms of an equal implementation in practice. This article therefore addresses how safety and hygiene aspects interacted during event planning and implementation phases.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on qualitative data from a German research project. They use results from eleven semi-structured expert interviews and four field observations at major events. One guiding assumption in the content analysis is that there are major interrelations between event and health safety concepts, which become visible during planning and the implementation of event-related technical, organisational and personal measures.

Findings

The empirical data shows that hygiene is not perceived as an integral part of event safety, but rather as a disconnected pillar beside the “classical” event safety. This is reflected in an imbalanced attention as well as in separate, disintegrated concepts. This disconnectedness leaves room for unwanted interplays between event and health safety as well as potential legitimacy facades.

Originality/value

Most studies to date focus on the effectiveness of hygiene concepts and impacts of COVID-19 on the event sector in general without taking a closer look at interactions between event safety and health safety.
Do populist parties in government produce unconstitutional policies? Evidence from Austria, 1980–2021
Authors: KÖNIG JASMIN SARAH , SWALVE TILKO
Published: December 2022

In a rising number of countries, populist parties participate in coalition governments. While there exists a consensus that populism is incompatible with core tenets of liberal democracy on a conceptual level, we know much less about whether or not the participation of populist parties in government constitutes a threat to liberal democracy in practice. We study the impact of populist parties in coalition governments using a novel dataset of more than 2000 laws that were under review at the Austrian Constitutional Court between 1980 and 2021. We provide evidence that the court did not find laws passed by governments that included a populist party unconstitutional more often than those passed by non‐populist governments. Our findings indicate that the Austrian Freedom Party did moderate its policy while in office. The results imply that it is necessary to distinguish policy positions in party manifestos and party rhetoric from policies actually implemented by governments.
Inhibition of spoilage bacteria on marinated chicken by essential oils under aerobic and vacuum packaging
Authors: Osaili Tareq M. , Al‐Nabulsi Anas A. , Hasan Fayeza , Dhanasekaran Dinesh K. , Ismail Leila Cheikh , Hashim Mona , Hasan Hayder , Ayyash Mutamed , Olaimat Amin , Hussain Ayman Z. S. , Darra Nada El , Savvaidis Ioannis N. , Obaid Reyad S. , Holley Richard
Published: December 2022

“Chicken tawook” is a marinated boneless chicken entrée consumed in the Middle East. The aim of this study was to determine whether bioactive essential oil (EO) components carvacrol (CA), cinnamaldehyde (CI), and thymol (TH) would delay the growth of microorganisms causing tawook spoilage during aerobic (AP) or vacuum (VP) packed storage. The EOs at 1% and 2% were mixed individually with the marinade. The samples (10 g of chicken cubes with 1.2 g of marinade – with or without EOs) were stored in bags under AP and VP (Geryon®) for 7 days at 4 ± 1°C and abusive conditions (10 ± 1°C). Two control samples consisting of meat chunks and tawook without EO were used. The microflora numbers were greater at 10°C than at 4°C, and the marinade worked additively with AP against anaerobes, yeast and mold (Y & M) and lactic acid bacteria. It also worked additively with VP against aerobic bacteria recovered as Pseudomonas and the total plate count. EO components were observed to decrease microbial populations by a maximum of 4 to 6 log colony‐forming unit (CFU)/g depending on the type of microorganism. The combined mixture of marinade and 2% EO (CA, CI, and TH) resulted in the greatest reductions of all spoilage microorganisms at 10°C under AP on the last day of storage. Overall, VP was more effective (p < 0.05) than AP in controlling microorganisms at both 4 and 10°C. This study provides an affordable and natural alternative for extending product life.

Practical Application

The use of EOs in marinated chicken (tawook) is expected to help producers reduce spoilage and extend shelf‐life of the product when stored at refrigeration temperatures. EOs provide a cheaper alternative and are naturally sourced. Vacuum packaging will increase the shelf‐life of marinated chicken tawook and facilitate its storage and transportation.
Optimization of spray drying conditions for improved physical properties in the production of enzyme‐modified cheese powder
Authors: Salum Pelin , Berktas Serap , Bas Deniz , Cam Mustafa , Erbay Zafer
Published: December 2022

Enzyme‐modified cheese (EMC), a cheese flavor additive with high‐fat content, is preferably produced in powder form because of its long shelf‐life and high industrial applicability. The physical properties of additives, especially with high‐fat contents, are very important for their industrial usage, and the spray drying process conditions substantially determine the physical properties of powders. In this study, optimization of the spray drying process during the production of EMC powder was performed to improve the powder physical properties. The process factors were inlet temperature, feed flow rate, and aspiration rate, while the responses were selected as drying yield, Carr index (CI), wettability, surface fat content, and browning index (BI). The optimum spray drying conditions were calculated as 150°C, 9.1 mL/min, and 28.4 m3/h for inlet temperature, feed flow rate, and aspiration rate, respectively. It has been determined that the spray drying conditions at low inlet temperature, medium feed flow, and aspiration rates in order to obtain improved powder physical properties should be preferred.

Practical Application: Enzyme‐modified cheese (EMC) is a widely used product in the development of foods with cheese flavor, and EMC in powder form offers various advantages for industrial applications such as ease in storage and transportation, long shelf‐life, and product applicability, which mainly depend on powder physical properties. In powder production, spray drying is the principle process determining the powder physical properties, and optimization is essential for the desired physical properties. In this study, laboratory‐scale optimization of EMC powder production was carried out, data was provided for scale‐up studies, and the effects of processing conditions on powder physical properties were evaluated.
Synergistic effect of probiotic and postbiotic on attenuation of PM2.5‐induced lung damage and allergic response
Authors: Chiu Yi‐Heng , Chiu Hung‐Pin , Lin Meei‐Yn
Published: December 2022

To date, few studies have been conducted on the relationship between postbiotics and air pollution, and there is limited knowledge if postbiotic and probiotic have synergistic effects. Therefore, we created a PM‐induced lung inflammation mice model and demonstrated the effect of probiotic, postbiotic, and their combination treatment on attenuation of PM2.5‐induced lung damage and allergic response. The mice were intratracheally given PM2.5 triggering conditions of acute lung damage and allergic response. Our results showed that individual treatment of probiotic and postbiotic reduced body weight loss by 47.1% and 48.9%, but the results did not show any effect on polarizing IFN‐γ/IL‐4 ratio. In addition, PM2.5‐induced overactive expression of IgE treated by probiotic and postbiotic was reduced by 33.2% and 30.4%, respectively. While combination treatment of probiotic and postbiotic exerted a synergistic effect, especially considerably on improving IgE reduction by 57.1%, body weight loss by 78.3%, and IFN‐γ/IL‐4 ratio boost by 87.5%. To sum up the above functionality, these research findings may help establish a novel platform for postbiotic application, formulation, and mechanistic selection with regard to PM2.5‐induced lung injury.

Practical Application

Allergic inflammation caused by PM2.5 is not like common allergens (ex. Pollens, ovalbumin, dust mites), which simply skewing Th1/Th2 polarization to Th2. Thus using probiotics screened by Th1‐skewing criteria might not be the best choice to treat on PM2.5‐induced symptoms. This research proposed a combination of probiotics and postbiotics on modulating immunity homeostasis, and consequently attenuating complications of PM2.5‐induced lung damage. These research findings may help establish a novel platform for postbiotic application, formulation and mechanistic selection with regard to PM2.5‐induced lung injury.
Microwave heating process of moderate‐minced surimi based on multiphase porous media model
Authors: Yan Bowen , Meng Linglu , Yang Huayu , Du Lin , Jiao Xidong , Zhang Nana , Huang Jianlian , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Fan Daming
Published: December 2022

Moderately processed surimi products exhibit better nutrient retention and enhanced gels, and the great potential of microwaves application and changes in the way of chopping meat has been reported by previous research. In this study, a systematic analysis of the novel surimi product was made to explore the heat and mass transfer characteristics. A porous media model combining electromagnetic heat and hygroscopic expansion was developed to evaluate this process, and its accuracy has been verified experimentally. It was found that the dielectric characterization of multiphase mixture system has great influence on the results, the complex refractive index mixture equation was used due to its lowest root‐mean‐square error value. In addition, the effect of moderate processing on microwave heating was examined in terms of porosity changes. However, nonuniform temperature distributions were found in the higher porous samples, especially when the porosity is greater than 0.81. Moreover, the developed model was coupled with the evaluation for gel properties and the results showed the significant effect of moderate crushing on the gel quality during the microwave heating process.
Alcohol use contexts (social settings, drinking games/specials, and locations) as predictors of high‐intensity drinking on a given day among U.S. young adults
Authors: Terry‐McElrath Yvonne M. , Arterberry Brooke J. , Patrick Megan E.
Published: December 2022

Background

This study examined whether variability in young adult drinking social settings, drinking games/drink price specials, and locations differentiated daily high‐intensity drinking (HID) likelihood; whether contexts varied by legal drinking age and college status (attending a 4‐year college full‐time); and whether legal drinking age and college status moderated drinking context/intensity associations.

Methods

Participants (n = 818 people, 46.3% female) were part of the Young Adult Daily Life Study in 2019 to 2022. They were originally selected because they were past 30‐day drinkers from the 2018 U.S. national probability Monitoring the Future 12th grade sample and because they reported one or more days of alcohol use during 14‐day data collection bursts across the following 4 years (n = 5080 drinking days). Weighted multilevel modeling was used to estimate drinking context/intensity associations. Drinking intensity was defined as moderate (females 1 to 3, males 1 to 4 drinks), binge (4 to 7, 5 to 9 drinks), or HID (8+, 10+ drinks). Models controlled for other within‐person (weekend, historical time period) and between‐person (sex and race/ethnicity) covariates.

Results

Contexts differentiating HID and binge drinking days included drinking with large groups, strangers, pregaming, drinking games, and more drinking locations. Legal drinking age was associated with lower odds of free drinks but greater odds of drinking at bars/restaurants. College status was associated with lower odds of drinking alone or free drinks, but greater odds of drinking with friends, large groups, pregaming, drinking games, discounted price drinks, and at bars/restaurants, parties, and more drinking locations. Legal drinking age and college status moderated some context‐intensity associations.

Conclusions

Social settings, pregaming, drinking games, and drinking at more locations were associated with increased risk of HID on a given day. Legal drinking age and college status were associated with specific drinking contexts and moderated some context/intensity associations. Incorporating the contexts associated with HID into interventions may help to reduce HID and related consequences in young adults.
Adolescent‐ and adult‐initiated alcohol exposure in mice differentially promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis of breast cancer
Authors: Xu Mei , Li Hui , Chen Danlei , Wu Huaxun , Wen Wen , Xu Hong , Frank Jacqueline , Chen Gang , Luo Jia
Published: December 2022

Background

Alcohol exposure increases the risk of breast cancer. Alcohol consumption by adolescents is a serious social and public health issue. This study investigated the impact of adolescent alcohol consumption on mammary tumorigenesis and progression and compared it to that of adult alcohol exposure in animal models.

Methods

Female adolescent (5 weeks) and adult (8 weeks) MMTV‐Wnt1 mice were exposed to alcohol either chronically or acutely. For chronic alcohol exposure, animals were fed a liquid diet containing 6.7% ethanol for 23 weeks. For acute exposure, animals were treated with ethanol (2.5 g/kg, 25% w/v) via intraperitoneal (IP) injection for 15 days.

Results

In control animals, the tumor latency was 18.5 to 22 weeks. Both chronic and acute alcohol exposure in adolescent mice significantly shortened the tumor latency to 9.5 and 8.4 weeks, respectively. However, adult‐initiated alcohol exposure had little effect on the tumor latency. Both adolescent‐ and adult‐initiated alcohol exposure significantly increased lung metastasis. Adolescent‐initiated alcohol exposure but not adult‐initiated alcohol exposure increased the breast cancer stem cell population. Adolescent‐initiated alcohol exposure significantly altered the proliferation of mammary epithelial cells, ductal growth, and the formation of terminal end buds in the mammary glands. Adolescent‐initiated alcohol exposure but not adult‐initiated alcohol exposure increased estradiol levels in the blood. Acute adolescent alcohol exposure also significantly increased blood progesterone levels. Furthermore, adolescent‐initiated alcohol exposure activated PAK1 and p38γ MAPK, critical regulators of mammary tumorigenesis and aggressiveness, respectively, while adult‐initiated alcohol exposure activated only p38γ MAPK. In addition, both adolescent and adult alcohol exposure significantly decreased the levels of a prognostic marker miR200b.

Conclusions

Adolescent‐initiated alcohol exposure enhanced both tumorigenesis and aggressiveness of mammary tumors, while adult‐initiated alcohol exposure mainly promoted tumor metastasis. Thus, adolescent mice were more sensitive than adult mice in response to alcohol‐induced tumor promotion.
Influence of early‐life adversity on responses to acute and chronic ethanol in female mice
Authors: Okhuarobo Agbonlahor , Angelo Maggie , Bolton Jessica L. , Lopez Catherine , Igbe Ighodaro , Baram Tallie Z. , Contet Candice
Published: December 2022

Background

Stressful early‐life experiences increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. We previously found that male C57BL/6J mice reared under limited bedding and nesting (LBN) conditions, a model of early‐life adversity, escalate their ethanol intake in limited‐access two‐bottle choice (2BC) sessions faster than control (CTL)‐reared counterparts when exposed to chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor inhalation. However, the alcohol consumption of female littermates was not affected by LBN or CIE. In the present study, we sought to determine whether this phenotype reflected a general insensitivity of female mice to the influence of early‐life stress on alcohol responses.

Methods

In a first experiment, CTL and LBN females with a history of 2BC combined or not with CIE were tested in affective and nociceptive assays during withdrawal. In a second group of CTL and LBN females, we examined ethanol‐induced antinociception, sedation, plasma clearance, and c‐Fos induction.

Results

In females withdrawn from chronic 2BC, CIE increased digging, reduced grooming, and increased immobility in the tail suspension test regardless of early‐life history. In contrast, LBN rearing lowered mechanical nociceptive thresholds regardless of CIE exposure. In females acutely treated with ethanol, LBN rearing facilitated antinociception and delayed the onset of sedation without influencing ethanol clearance rate or c‐Fos induction in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, central nucleus of the amygdala, or auditory cortex.

Conclusion

CIE withdrawal produced multiple indices of negative affect in C57BL/6J females, suggesting that their motivation to consume alcohol may differ from air‐exposed counterparts despite equivalent intake. Contrasted with our previous findings in males, LBN‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia in chronic alcohol drinkers was specific to females. Lower nociceptive thresholds combined with increased sensitivity to the acute antinociceptive effect of ethanol may contribute to reinforcing ethanol consumption in LBN females but are not sufficient to increase their intake.
Intravenous immunoglobulins, cyclosporine, and best supportive care in epidermal necrolysis: Diverse effects on systemic inflammation
Authors: Schmidt Veronika , Lalevée Sophie , Traidl Stephan , Ameri Milad , Ziadlou Reihane , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro Saskia , Barau Caroline , de Prost Nicolas , Nägeli Mirjam , Mitamura Yasutaka , Meier‐Schiesser Barbara , Navarini Alexander A. , French Lars E. , Contassot Emmanuel , Brüggen Marie‐Charlotte
Published: December 2022

Background

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare but potentially life‐threatening cutaneous adverse reactions. There is still no consensus on adjuvant treatments, and little is known about their effects on systemic inflammation in SJS/TEN. Our aim was to characterize the systemic and cutaneous immune profiles of SJS/TEN patients and to investigate whether/how intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), cyclosporine A (CSA), and best supportive care only (BSCO) affected the systemic immune signature and clinical outcome (6 week‐mortality, complications, hospitalization stay).

Methods

We included 16 patients with SJS/TEN, treated with high‐dose IVIG (n = 8), CSA (n = 4) or BSCO (n = 4). Serial serum samples were obtained prior‐, 5–7 days, and 21 days after treatment onset. Serum levels of inflammation−/immune response‐associated proteins were measured by high‐throughput proteomics assay (OLINK) and cytotoxic molecules by ELISA. RNA extracted from skin biopsies collected prior treatment was analyzed by Nanostring.

Results

Serum inflammatory profiles in SJS/TEN patients were notably characterized by massive upregulation of type 1 immune response and proinflammatory markers. Surprisingly, there was limited overlap between cutaneous and serum immune profiles. Serial serological measurements of immune response markers showed very diverse dynamics between the different treatment groups. IVIG‐treated patients showed completely different dynamics and most significant proteomic changes in an early phase (Day 5–7). In all treatment groups, type 1−/inflammatory response markers were dampened at day 21. Clinically, there were no outcome differences.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that BSCO, CSA, and IVIG have very diverse biological effects on the systemic inflammatory response in SJS/TEN, which may not correlate with clinical outcome differences.
Sounding the alarmins—The role of alarmin cytokines in asthma
Authors: Gauvreau Gail M. , Bergeron Celine , Boulet Louis‐Philippe , Cockcroft Donald W. , Côté Andréanne , Davis Beth E. , Leigh Richard , Myers Irvin , O'Byrne Paul M. , Sehmi Roma
Published: December 2022

The alarmin cytokines thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)‐33, and IL‐25 are epithelial cell‐derived mediators that contribute to the pathobiology and pathophysiology of asthma. Released from airway epithelial cells exposed to environmental triggers, the alarmins drive airway inflammation through the release of predominantly T2 cytokines from multiple effector cells. The upstream positioning of the alarmins is an attractive pharmacological target to block multiple T2 pathways important in asthma. Blocking the function of TSLP inhibits allergen‐induced responses including bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation, and subsequent clinical trials of an anti‐TSLP monoclonal antibody, tezepelumab, in asthma patients demonstrated improvements in lung function, airway responsiveness, inflammation, and importantly, a reduction in the rate of exacerbations. Notably, these improvements were observed in patients with T2‐high and with T2‐low asthma. Clinical trials blocking IL‐33 and its receptor ST2 have also shown improvements in lung function and exacerbation rates; however, the impact of blocking the IL‐33/ST2 axis in T2‐high versus T2‐low asthma is unclear. To date, there is no evidence that IL‐25 blockade is beneficial in asthma. Despite the considerable overlap in the cellular functions of IL‐25, IL‐33, and TSLP, they appear to have distinct roles in the immunopathology of asthma.
Urine collection methods in precontinent children treated at the paediatric emergency department
Authors: Herreros María Luisa , Barrios Ana , Sánchez Aida , del Valle Rut , Pacheco Mónica , Gili Pablo
Published: December 2022

Aim

To describe the urine collection methods used in precontinent children presenting at the Paediatric Emergency Department (PED) and compare results and contamination rates.

Methods

Retrospective observational cohort study that included 1678 urine cultures collected in infants <24 months of age between January 2016 and December 2019. Urine cultures were compared based on collection technique, sex and patient age.

Results

In total, 60.4% of samples were collected by clean‐catch urine collection (CCUC), 26.4% by urethral catheterisation (UC) and 13.2% by urine bag (UB). Contamination rates were 2.9% (95% CI 1.3, 4.4) for UC, 11.3% (95% CI 9.3, 13.2) for CCUC and 23.4% (95% CI 17.8, 29.0) for UB. Significant differences in contamination rates were found between UC and CCUC in the 6–12‐month age group (1.9% [95% CI 0.0–4.0] versus 12.0% [95% CI 7.2–16.8] [p < 0.0009]), and between UC and UB for all ages.

Conclusions

CCUC is the most common method for urine culture collection in infants <24 months of age at the PED in our centre. UC has the lowest contamination rates, but significant differences were only observed between CCUC and UC in the 6–12‐month age group. CCUC is a non‐invasive alternative for urine collection in infants.
Mapping physical characteristics in face images to social judgements
Authors: Jones Benedict C. , Jones Alex L. , Shiramizu Victor
Published: December 2022

Sutherland and Young (Br. J. Psychol., 113, 2022, 1056) provide a comprehensive and timely overview of recent developments in research on social judgements of faces, emphasizing the utility of data‐driven approaches. Here, we expand on this theme, focusing on how data‐driven approaches can provide new insights into the physical characteristics in face images that best predict social judgements.
Can physical exercise assist in controlling and reducing the severity of exercise‐induced bronchospasm in children and adolescents? A systematic review
Authors: Souza Silva Bruno Rafael Vieira , da Silva Gerlayne Alessandra Soares , de Albuquerque Rodrigues Filho Edil , Peixoto Décio Medeiros , de Almeida Santos Camila Matias , Quirino Polyanna Guerra Chaves , Rizzo José Ângelo , de Valois Correia Junior Marco Aurélio
Published: December 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze whether physical exercise can contribute to improving the control and severity of exercise‐induced bronchospasm (EIB) in children and adolescents.

Method

This is a systematic review that used PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases as a search source, and using descriptors indexed to DeCS/Mesh. The articles were analyzed in three stages in the selection process. Methodological quality was assessed using the TESTEX scale.

Result and discussion

A total of 5867 articles were filtered in the initial search; however, only eight of these were included after the eligibility criteria. All presented improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. Only two followed the international EIB diagnostic guidelines. Of these, only one described a reduction in FEV1 and considered that this improvement may influence the EIB response in children and adolescent athletes with a non‐asthmatic sample.

Conclusion

The studies analyzed in this review did not enable drawing a conclusion regarding the influence of physical exercise on EIB in asthmatics. The lack of clinical trials on EIB and physical exercise, as well as the difficulty in methodological standardization for EIB diagnosis evidence the lack of scientific knowledge in this area, serving as a stimulus for researchers to find more consolidated answers.
Supported‐standing interventions for children and young adults with non‐ambulant cerebral palsy: A scoping review
Authors: McLean Lynore J. , Paleg Ginny S. , Livingstone Roslyn W.
Published: December 2022

Aim

To describe the evidence, outcomes, and lived experience of supported standing for children and young adults with cerebral palsy aged 25 years or younger, classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V.

Method

This scoping review included searches in eight electronic databases and manual searching from database inception to May 2020 and updated on 21st February 2022. Two of three reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and extracted and appraised data. Methodological quality and risk of bias were appraised using tools appropriate to study type. Content analysis and frequency effect sizes were calculated for qualitative and descriptive evidence.

Results

From 126 full‐text references, 59 citations (one study was reported over two citations) were included: 16 systematic reviews, 17 intervention studies reporting over 18 citations, eight analytical cross‐sectional studies, five descriptive cross‐sectional/survey studies, five qualitative studies, and one mixed‐methods study were identified, along with six clinical guidelines. Maintenance of bone mineral density and contracture prevention outcomes were supported by the most experimental studies and evidence syntheses, while evidence supporting other outcomes was primarily quasi‐experimental or descriptive. Qualitative evidence suggests that programmes are influenced by attitudes, device, child, and environmental factors.

Interpretation

Individualized assessment and prescription are essential to match personal and environmental needs. Although experimental evidence is limited due to many factors, lived‐experience and cohort data suggest that successful integration of standing programmes into age‐appropriate and meaningful activities may enhance function, participation, and overall health.

What this paper adds

Supported‐standing interventions may provide an important psychosocial and physical change of position.

Supported standing is not passive for those classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV or V.

Supported standing may enhance social participation, functional abilities, and fitness.

Children need choice in where and when to stand.
Proceed with caution: Benefits and drawbacks of modern clinimetric analysis
Authors: Hamadeh Tatiana , Merkies Ingemar S. J.
Published: December 2022

This commentary is on the original article by Vanmechelen et al. on pages 683–690 of this issue.
Experiences surrounding the diagnostic process and care among parents of children diagnosed with Phelan–McDermid syndrome: A qualitative study
Authors: García‐Bravo Cristina , Martínez‐Piédrola Rosa M , García‐Bravo Sara , Huertas‐Hoyas Elisabet , Pérez‐De‐Heredia‐Torres Marta , Palacios‐Ceña Domingo
Published: December 2022

Aim

To explore the experience of parents of children diagnosed with Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMS) with regard to the diagnostic process, treatment, and medical care.

Method

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Participants were recruited using non‐probabilistic purposeful sampling. In total, 32 parents with children with PMS were included. In‐depth interviews and researcher field notes were used. An inductive thematic analysis was performed.

Results

Five themes were identified: (1) the ‘diagnostic process’ describes the diagnostic process and how it is communicated to the parents; (2) ‘treatment and expectations’ describes the expectations and hopes placed on future treatment; (3) ‘family planning’ describes how parents deal with genetic counselling when planning to have more children after a diagnosis of PMS; (4) ‘the world of disability’ describes the entry of parents into an environment of dependency and disability after the diagnosis; (5) ‘family's financial situation’ highlights the financial difficulties due to the high cost of therapies and daily care products.

Interpretation

Our results provide insight on how a diagnosis of PMS and its consequences are experienced by parents of children with PMS. These results can be used by health professionals to help and support parents.
Teaching rotary root canal instrumentation using a Peyton teaching approach
Authors: Sturm Richard , Reeb Alexander , Wolf‐Yamamura Olivia , Neumann Konrad , Shemesh Hagay , Bitter Kerstin
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The aim of the study was two evaluate the effectiveness of a Peyton teaching approach for rotary root canal instrumentation, in comparison to the traditional “see one–do one” method.

Material and Methods

Forty undergraduate students were randomly divided into two groups (n = 20). Students of the first group (G1) were taught how to use rotary instrumentation using a modified Peyton method, whilst the second group (G2) watched a teaching video (30 min) on the same subject. Both groups instrumented a plastic block and subsequently both mesial canals of an extracted lower molar. The quality of the root canal instrumentation was analysed by 2 blinded observers on video recordings and x‐rays.

Results

Interobserver correlation was 0.917 (p < .0005; Pearson) for the assessment of the video recordings; students of G1 received significantly more total points (83.55 ± 6.82 points) compared to G2 (69.76 ± 13.82) (p = .001; t‐test), the gender had no significant effect on the overall results (p = .444; two‐way ANOVA). Significant differences were detected for the categories “initial scouting,” “coronal enlargement,” “glide path preparation,” “preparation using X2 file,” “preparation using X3 file” (p < .05; t‐test) as well as for the subcategories “sequence of rinse, recapitulation, rinse” (p = .001; t‐test) and “recapitulation” (p < .002; t‐test). No differences between groups were observed for the radiographic evaluation with respect to working length and canal straightening.

Conclusion

Teaching rotary instrumentation by using the Peyton approach resulted in improved performance of undergraduate students assessed with a checklist‐based process analysis. Enhanced implementation of rotary instrumentation could result in better long‐term results of students' root canal treatment.
Close bonds and social rank similarities favor non‐random mating in captive stump‐tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides)
Authors: Ricardo Mondragón‐Ceballos , Jaqueline Lugo‐Ferrer , Dafne García‐Granados Mónica , Hernández Leonor
Published: December 2022

Assortative mating is non‐random mating by the mutual choice of phenotypes or behavioral types. In polygynandrous species, competition for mating by social rank can lead to assortative mating. However, although not an individual trait, social bonds also influence mating opportunities resembling assortative mating. Stump‐tailed macaques form long‐term close bonds and organize in a linear dominance–subordination hierarchy. Therefore, we studied whether the strength of the social bond and rank closeness influenced mating decisions and increased mating opportunities, particularly for low‐ and middle‐ranking animals. Firstly, we observed whether females directed proceptive behavior to close‐bonded or adjacent rank males. Secondly, we measured whether successful copulations were related to the strength of social bonds and close ranking. Thirdly, to ensure that copulations owed mainly to the aforementioned factors, we also evaluated whether sexual coercion was unrelated to social bonds and rank similarities. Finally, we assessed whether close bonds mediated agonistic support to females. The study subjects were 12 adult female and 11 male captive stump‐tailed macaques. We monitored daily females' reproductive status by vaginal cytology. Sexual behavior was recorded by all occurrences sampling and scan sampling to collect the agonistic and affiliative instances required to calculate social ranks, social bond strength, and agonistic support. The results indicated that the probability of females displaying proceptivity increased during the follicular phase toward close‐bonded and high‐ranking males. Copulation chances increased with male–female social bonds and rank closeness. Forced copulation decreased in close‐bonded individuals, while agonistic support increased in close‐ranking strong‐bonded animals. In conclusion, close social bonds and similar social rank result in non‐random mating in stump‐tailed macaques.
Hydroquinone‐induced skin irritant reaction could be achieved by activating mast cells via mas‐related G protein–coupled receptor X2
Authors: Zheng Yi , Du Xueshan , Zhang Lei , Jia Tao , Zhang Huan , Peng Bin , Hao Yong , Tong Zhou , Che Delu , Geng Songmei
Published: December 2022

Hydroquinone (HQ) is one of the most effective drugs to treat hyperpigmentary disorders, but often causes skin irritation in clinic. Mast cell plays an important role in contact dermatitis and triggering pseudo‐allergic reactions via MRGPRX2. Whether HQ‐induced skin irritant reaction through activating mast cells via MRGPRX2 remains unknown. To investigate the role of mast cells in HQ‐induced skin irritant reaction and verify whether MRGPRX2 participated in the HQ effect on mast cells which contributed to the pathogenesis of skin irritant reaction, a mouse model of HQ‐induced skin irritation was established to observe the local and systemic inflammation associated with mast cell receptor MrgprB2. Human mast cell LAD2 was used to verify the effect of HQ on mast cells via MRGPRX2 by knocking down with siRNA. As a result, mast cells were involved in the development of HQ‐induced irritant reaction, and local inflammation is closely related to mast cell receptor MrgprB2. HQ could activate mast cells via MRGPRX2, causing changes in calcium concentration, degranulation and release of inflammatory cytokines which lead to skin irritant reaction. In conclusion, HQ‐induced skin irritant reaction could be skin pseudo‐allergic reactions achieved by activating mast cells via MRGPRX2.
Medical image enhancement strategy based on morphologically processing of residuals using a special kernel
Authors: Lepcha Dawa Chyophel , Goyal Bhawna , Dogra Ayush , Wang Shui‐Hua , Chohan Jasgurpreet Singh
Published: December 2022

Medical imaging is playing a pivotal role in the domain of medical diagnosis. But the major problems related to medical images is that most of the images (of different modalities) are suffered from noise and other quality‐related problems such as poor contrast, blurring, and difficulties in extracting appropriate information. Therefore, it is necessary to construct some techniques that could improve medical images in such a way that it will be ideal for diagnostic applications. Medical image enhancement is the process of increasing the contrast quality of intensity variations and improves the visual representation of medical images. To provide suitable interpretation and clearer image for the observers with reduced noise levels, this article proposes a novel competent medical image enhancement method based on morphologically processing of residuals using a special kernel. First, it combines linear low pass filtering with nonlinear technique that allows for selection of essential regions where edges will get well preserved. The selection of those regions is based on morphological processing of linear filter residuals and then aims to find significant regions specified by edges of high amplitude and appropriate size. The reconstructed regions are combined with the output of low pass filtering to recovers the original shape of edges. In addition, the method allows to control the contrast to avoid blurring while preserving significant image information. In the end, a special kernel is convolved with an image to obtain the sharper image. Experiments on the different types of medical images are performed and the results are compared using different standard evaluation metrics. The quantitative results obtained through proposed method for all the metrics are optimal compared to other competing methods. It is observed that the results on various test images affirm that the proposed method generates excellent image visual quality and significantly enhances the contrast of all images which helps with better diagnosis and treatment.
Energy storage performance of SrSc0.5Nb0.5O3 modified (Bi,Na)TiO3‐based ceramic under low electric fields
Authors: Dai Zhonghua , Wang Shengbin , Liu Yong , Zhang Fanbo , Liu Weiguo , Zhao Xin , Ding Xiangdong , Fang Minxia , Ren Xiaobing
Published: December 2022

Dielectric ceramics with a high recoverable energy density (Wrec) and high efficiency are desirable for the development of pulsed power capacitors under low electric fields. In this study, through the introduction of SrSc0.5Nb0.5O3 into (Bi0.5Na0.5Ti0.95Al0.025Nb0.025O3) [(1‐x)BNTA‐xSSN], a considerable recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) of approximately 2.7 J/cm3 and energy storage efficiency (η) of approximately 76 % at 210 kV/cm are achieved at x = .1; additionally, η is further improved to 85 % at x = .2. Moreover, η and Wrec of .9BNTA‐.1SSN exhibit outstanding stability (thermal and frequency stability) at 150 kV/cm, which is superior to that of other lead‐free ceramics. The excellent energy storage performance is attributed to the increased relaxation degree and the formation of ferroelectric nanodomains, whereas the enhanced Eb is ascribed to the increased electrical resistivity and decreased grain size upon modification. These results indicate the potential of (1‐x)BNTA‐xSSN as an ideal candidate for energy‐storage applications.
Cerium fluoride nanoparticles as a theranostic material for optical imaging of vulnerable atherosclerosis plaques
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Xu Huanhuan , Cao Wenhua , Gao Wen , Tang Bo
Published: December 2022

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic progressive vascular disease, which can bring on a threat against the health. The eruption of unstable arteriosclerosis plaques has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. The accumulation of foamy macrophages initiates and evolves atherosclerotic plaques, which can be a good target for identifying vulnerable plaques. CD36 and OPN overexpress in foamy macrophages surface, which have a preferable relation with plaque disruption. Furthermore, we choose Yb ions and Tm ions as doping ions and Ce fluoride as matrix of luminescent materials and prepare upconversion luminescent nanoparticles. With the modification of CD36 antibody and OPN antibody, this material can target macrophages in arteriosclerosis plaques. As‐prepared nanoparticles (CeF3:Yb,Tm@SiO2–CD36/OPN) can be excited by near‐infrared light with deep tissue penetration, while emitting strong blue light to image arteriosclerosis plaques. In brief, this study provides a new upconversion luminescent material for the identification and detection of vulnerable atherosclerosis plaques.