bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
France: Political Developments and Data for 2022
Authors: BENDJABALLAH SELMA , SAUGER NICOLAS
Published: June 2023

As an election year for President Macron and his majority, 2022 proved itself a challenge. President Macron did win his run‐off against Le Pen, once again, but the key result of the legislative elections was the formation of a minority government. LREM (La République En Marche!), relabeled since as Revival, did not secure a majority in the National Assembly and was unable to form a stable coalition with any significant partner in the context of continuing polarization of the party system. The year 2022 brought unexpected developments on the left, with a new coalition called Nupes (New Popular Green and Social Union, Nouvelle Union Populaire Ecologique et Sociale) and bringing together all major left‐wing parties under the leadership of Mélenchon and LFI (La France Insoumise). Meanwhile, the two formerly dominant parties since the 1980s, the Socialist Party and the Republicans, have almost vanished from the scene.
“In One Direction Only”: Chains of Reasoning and Tail Events in CAFA Amount‐in‐Controversy Claims
Authors: Lingwall Jeff , Wood Nicole
Published: June 2023

While the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA) establishes a bright‐line jurisdictional amount in controversy for removing cases from state to federal court, calculating that quantitative threshold in practice is a fraught and heavily litigated exercise. This article examines removals under CAFA to show the substantial lack of clarity in how state‐law causes of action and damage claims interact to reach the jurisdictional threshold. It compiles cases illustrating the challenges surrounding removal litigation that flow from these uncertainties, particularly in how the structure of CAFA incentivizes defendants to chain together tail‐event precedent to inflate theoretical amounts in controversy. It then applies a Coasean analysis to suggest these uncertainties impede efficient resolutions to litigation. Finally, it suggests a series of practical amendments to CAFA and its interpretive case law that would provide clarity, decrease forum‐selection litigation, and enhance the efficacy of class litigation.
Gender‐specific associations between types of childhood maltreatment and major depressive disorder: A matched case–control study
Authors: Zhou Jia , Feng Lei , Hu Changqing , Pao Christine , Zou Zhiyong , Wang Gang
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been found to be nearly twice as prevalent in females as in males. One hypothesis proposed that abused females were particularly prone to MDD. We aim to examine the sex‐specific associations between various types of childhood trauma and MDD.

Methods

In this study, 290 outpatients diagnosed with MDD were recruited from Beijing Anding Hospital, and 290 healthy volunteers were recruited from neighborhoods nearby the hospital, with sex, age, and family history matched. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire‐Short Form (CTQ‐SF) developed by Bernstein et al. was used to assess the severity of five different types of childhood abuse and neglect. McNemar's test and conditional logistic regression models with potential confounders (i.e., marital status, educational level, and body mass index) controlled were used to explore the sex‐specific associations between different types of childhood maltreatment and MDD.

Results

In the full sample, patients with MDD showed a significant higher rate of any childhood maltreatment (i.e., emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect). Among females, all types of childhood abuse were statistically significant. For males, significant differences were only found in emotional abuse and in emotional neglect.

Conclusion

It would appear that MDD in the outpatients is associated with any type of childhood trauma in women and emotional abuse or neglect in men.
Implementation of pharmacogenetic testing in medication reviews in a hospital setting
Authors: Hjemås Bodil Jahren , Bøvre Katrine , Bjerknes Kathrin , Mathiesen Liv , Mellingsæter Marte Christine Rognstad , Molden Espen
Published: June 2023

Aim

To investigate whether it is feasible to perform pharmacogenetic testing and implement the test results as part of medication reviews during hospitalization of multimorbid patients.

Methods

Patients with ≥2 chronic conditions and ≥5 regular drugs with at least one potential gene‐drug interaction (GDI) were included from one geriatric and one cardiology ward for pharmacogenetic testing. After inclusion by the study pharmacist, blood samples were collected and shipped to the laboratory for analysis. For patients still hospitalized at the time when the pharmacogenetic test results were available, the information was used in medication reviews. Recommendations from the pharmacist on actionable GDIs were communicated to the hospital physicians, who subsequently decided on potential immediate changes or forwarded suggestions in referrals to general practitioners.

Results

The pharmacogenetic test results were available for medication review in 18 of the 46 patients (39.1%), where median length of hospital stay was 4.7 days (1.6‐18.3). The pharmacist recommended medication changes for 21 of 49 detected GDIs (42.9%). The hospital physicians accepted 19 (90.5%) of the recommendations. The most commonly detected GDIs involved metoprolol (CYP2D6 genotype), clopidogrel (CYP2C19 genotype) and atorvastatin (CYP3A4/5 and SLCOB1B1 genotype).

Conclusions

The study shows that implementation of pharmacogenetic testing for medication review of hospitalized patients has the potential to improve drug treatment before being transferred to primary care. However, the logistics workflow needs to be further optimized, as test results were available during hospitalization for less than half of the patients included in the study.
Evaluation of doctors’ experience of psychodynamic psychotherapy training at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Collin Gwenllian , Turner Oliver , Luthra Vikram
Published: June 2023

Developing psychotherapeutic competencies is an essential part of psychiatric training. All Core Trainees at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) saw a patient for psychodynamic psychotherapy until 2020. Due to the pandemic, all face‐to‐face appointments at the LYPFT Medical Psychotherapy Service were paused from March 2020. Patients could choose whether to continue therapy remotely or defer therapy. Supervision was also moved to a remote format. Face‐to‐face therapy sessions resumed from August 2020, with new infection control procedures. This project aimed to establish doctors’ experience of training in delivering psychodynamic psychotherapy at LYPFT during the pandemic. A two‐step methodology was used: an online survey including qualitative and quantitative analysis of the impact of the pandemic; and semi‐structured interviews with thematic analysis. The online survey had a response rate of 68%. Four patients deferred therapy; the mean deferral length was two months. Ten respondents had sessions cancelled due to infection/self‐isolation. Thirteen respondents (commencing therapy pre‐pandemic) delivered therapy face‐to‐face (without personal protective equipment [PPE]). During the pandemic five respondents delivered therapy via phone, six face‐to‐face with PPE. Thirteen were concerned about attaining psychotherapy competencies. Thematic analysis of the interviews identified three main themes (with subthemes). Challenges of delivering therapy during the pandemic were identified, as well as areas of good practice and opportunities.
LaSOM335, active against bladder cancer cells, interferes withLet‐60(hRas) and reducesCD73 expression/activity
Authors: Kagami Luciano Porto , Gonçalves Itamar Luís , da Silva Álisson Coldebella , Silva Aline Castro , das Neves Gustavo Machado , Göethel Gabriela , Spillere Adriano , dos Santos Maitê Roxo , Figueiró Fabrício , Garcia Solange Cristina , Ávila Daiana Silva , Battastini Ana Maria Oliveira , Eifler‐Lima Vera Lucia
Published: June 2023

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in men. It can present along the entire continuum of severity, from mild to well‐differentiated disease to extremely malignant tumors with low survival rates. HumanRASgenes are the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancers, and the critical role of aberrant Ras protein function in carcinogenesis is well established. Therefore, considerable efforts have been devoted to the development of anti‐Ras inhibitors for cancer treatment. This study presents the biphenyl dihydropyrimidinone LaSOM 335 with high activity against T24 bladder cancer cells (IC50 = 10.73 ± 0.53 μM) and selectivity of cytotoxicity for this cancer cell line compared to two non‐cancer cell lines investigated. Furthermore, we also show that this compound reduced vulvar development in the mutantlet‐60 gene ofCaenorhabditis elegans.Let‐60 is a homolog of the mammalian Ras gene. In addition, we observed that LaSOM 335 inhibits the enzymatic activity of CD73 and decreases CD73 expression. Possibly, this expression decrease is due to downstream EGFR signaling via the Ras–Raf–ERK pathway, that directly regulates CD73 expression via ERK1/2. Evidence suggests that non‐immunomodulating functions of CD73 play an equally important role for cancer cell survival, progression, and migration. Regarding we also notice that LaSOM 335 was safe in the in vivo model ofC. elegans. The set of these findings makes this biphenyl dihydropyrimidinone a promising candidate for further investigations in the bladder cancer field.
Triangle Influence Supersets for Fast Distance Computation
Authors: Pujol Eduard , Chica Antonio
Published: June 2023

We present an acceleration structure to efficiently query the Signed Distance Field (SDF) of volumes represented by triangle meshes. The method is based on a discretization of space. In each node, we store the triangles defining the SDF behaviour in that region. Consequently, we reduce the cost of the nearest triangle search, prioritizing query performance, while avoiding approximations of the field. We propose a method to conservatively compute the set of triangles influencing each node. Given a node, each triangle defines a region of space such that all points inside it are closer to a point in the node than the triangle is. This property is used to build the SDF acceleration structure. We do not need to explicitly compute these regions, which is crucial to the performance of our approach. We prove the correctness of the proposed method and compare it to similar approaches, confirming that our method produces faster query times than other exact methods.
It is not always chlorhexidine: Identification of benzoxonium chloride and lauramine oxide as culprit allergens in a popular antiseptic in Switzerland
Authors: Wüthrich Héloïse , Yatim Ahmad , Di Lucca Julie , Walker Anna , Ventejou Sarah , Morren Marie‐Anne , Goossens An , Dendooven Ella , Aerts Olivier , Gilliet Michel , Seremet Teofila
Published: June 2023

Background

A popular antiseptic spray in Switzerland (Merfen spray), containing chlorhexidine digluconate, benzoxonium chloride and lauramine oxide, is frequently used to treat skin wounds. However, it is also increasingly reported as a major cause of adverse skin reactions, including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

Objectives

To investigate the contact allergens responsible for ACD from this antiseptic.

Patients/Methods

Patch tests were performed on seven patients with a clinical history compatible with contact dermatitis from this antiseptic mixture.

Results

All patients presented with acute eczematous reactions following contact with either Merfen spray alone, or with multiple products including this spray. Patients showed positive reactions to this product in both patch tests and repeated open application tests (ROATs). Four patients showed dose‐dependent reactions to both benzoxonium chloride and lauramine oxide. One patient showed a dose‐dependent reaction to the former and a non‐dose‐dependent reaction to the latter. Finally, two subjects showed responses only to lauramine oxide. One patient reacted to chlorhexidine digluconate 0.5% aq. in addition to both other allergens.

Conclusions

Two commercially unavailable allergens, that is, benzoxonium chloride and/or lauramine oxide were identified as major causes of ACD from Merfen antiseptic spray, whereas chlorhexidine digluconate was a contributing culprit in only one patient.
Weight change and risk of obesity‐related complications: A retrospective population‐based cohort study of a UK primary care database
Authors: MedSci Kamlesh Khunti F. , Schnecke Volker , Haase Christiane Lundegaard , Harder‐Lauridsen Nina M. , Rathor Naveen , Sommer Kasper , Morgen Camilla S.
Published: June 2023

Aims

To examine associations between weight loss/gain and risk of developing 13 obesity‐related complications (ORCs), stratified by baseline body mass index (BMI).

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included adults with obesity (>30 kg/m2) from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD database with weight change (−50% to +50%) between Years 1 and 4 (N = 418 774 [median follow‐up: 7 years]). Associations between weight change, baseline BMI and risk of developing ORCs during follow‐up were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

The impact of weight change on ORCs was generally dependent on baseline BMI. Four clear patterns were seen across the 13 outcomes. Pattern 1 showed greatest weight loss benefit for people with low baseline BMI (type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, hypertension and dyslipidaemia); Pattern 2 showed most weight loss benefit at lower baseline BMI but no significant weight loss effect at higher baseline BMI (asthma, hip/knee osteoarthritis and polycystic ovary syndrome); Pattern 3 showed benefit in most cardiovascular diseases with weight loss (chronic kidney disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism), but no additional benefit with >10% weight loss; Pattern 4 showed no clear relationship between weight change and unstable angina/myocardial infarction and depression. We found similar but opposite patterns for weight gain.

Conclusions

Weight loss benefit is dependent on weight loss magnitude and initial BMI, and weight gain is associated with a similar risk increase. Four patterns of association were identified between degree of weight change, baseline BMI and 13 ORCs.
Designing a Startup Accelerator as Startup Journey and Business Model
Authors: Møller Jørn Kjølseth
Published: June 2023

With a focus on international startups in the agricultural and food sector, the Danish startup accelerator Growth Train has been the subject of a detailed analysis concerning the service design of its startup journey and the business model behind the accelerator.

An analysis of a Danish startup accelerator is described to understand better and improve the journey that new enterprises face in their early years.
All hat and no cattle: How house bill 2926 paves the way for progress in the reinstatement of parental rights, but falls short of providing parents with an accessible resource
Authors: Coffee Heather
Published: June 2023

Texas' foster care system is overpopulated, underfunded, and doing a grave disservice to the children in its care. Specifically, the foster care system is violating the constitutional rights of children regarding how they must be taken care of while in the State's custody. Parents whose custodial rights were involuntarily terminated now have a clear path for petitioning to regain their rights thanks to Texas House Bill 2926. Much of House Bill 2926's value is lost in the legalese used to write it, which is the problem my proposed solution, The 2926 Project, aims to remedy.
Nonlocal approach to fatigue analysis of a welded bicycle frame joint
Authors: Tomaszewski Tomasz
Published: June 2023

The paper attempts to predict the probabilistic fatigue strength scatter bands of a welded bicycle frame joint. The experimental data of the base material and the weld material were approximated by a nonlinear probabilistic model of the Weibull distribution. The fatigue strength for the material at the fatigue crack location was estimated considering the mean stress, residual stress, fatigue notch factor, and hardness profile. The output finite element numerical data of the real welded joint were compared with a nonlocal multiaxial fatigue criterion. The implementation of the volumetric method takes into account the stress gradient effect in the three‐dimensional geometry of the weld toe. The comparative localization of the minimum stress and the real crack indicates the validity of the numerical model. The predicted fatigue strength determines the possible failure of a welded joint at 5·105 cycles.
No detectable upper limit of mineral‐associated organic carbon in temperate agricultural soils
Authors: Begill Neha , Don Axel , Poeplau Christopher
Published: June 2023

Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration is a promising climate change mitigation option. In this context, the formation of the relatively long‐lived mineral‐associated organic carbon (MAOC) is key. To date, soils are considered to be limited in their ability to accumulate MAOC, mainly by the amount of clay and silt particles present. Using the comprehensive German Agricultural Soil Inventory, we selected 189 samples with a wide range of SOC (5–118 g kg−1) and clay contents (30–770 g kg−1) to test whether there is a detectable upper limit of MAOC content. We found that the proportion of MAOC was surprisingly stable for soils under cropland and grassland use across the whole range of bulk SOC contents. Soil texture influenced the slope of the relationship between bulk SOC and MAOC, but no upper limit was observed in any texture class. Also, C content in the fine fraction (g C kg−1 fraction) was negatively correlated to fine fraction content (g kg−1 bulk soil). Both findings challenge the notion that MAOC accumulation is limited by soil fine fraction content per se.
Emicizumab for acquired haemophilia A: A case series
Authors: Engelen Matthias M. , Vandesande Johan , De Bent Johan , Van Laer Christine , Labarque Veerle , Jacquemin Marc , Peerlinck Kathelijne , Hermans Cedric , Verhamme Peter , Vanassche Thomas
Published: June 2023

Background

Emicizumab is approved to prevent bleeding in patients with congenital haemophilia A with or without inhibitors. However, no randomized trials addressed the efficacy of emicizumab in acquired haemophilia A (AHA).

Aims

To report the clinical and biochemical response of emicizumab in AHA.

Methods

This single‐centre retrospective study included seven adults with AHA between November 2020 and May 2022. We collected patient characteristics, laboratory coagulation parameters, the use of haemostatic agents, bleeds and thrombotic events. Treatment was monitored using chromogenic FVIII assays. The assay with human reagents assesses both the emicizumab FVIII‐like‐activity and native patient FVIII‐activity. The assay with bovine reagents only measures the patients’ native FVIII‐activity as emicizumab does not bind to bovine reagents.

Results

Patients presented with spontaneous hematoma (n = 7), intramuscular bleeding (n = 2), haematuria (n = 2) and/or gastro‐intestinal bleeding (n = 2). Six patients had major bleedings. At diagnosis, APTT was prolonged (91 seconds, IQR 73–103), FVIII activity was 0% (IQR 0–1) and FVIII inhibitor 182 BU/mL (IQR 104–228). Emicizumab was administered weekly (3 mg/kg) for 4 weeks, and thereafter every 2 weeks until regression of the inhibitor. Three patients received activated FVIIa (cumulative dose of 1.7 mg/kg, IQR 1.2‐2.2). All bleedings were controlled after treatment initiation, without further bleeds. After starting emicizumab, FVIII‐like activity reached ≥5% at 12 days (IQR 7–14), whereas recovery of the intrinsic FVIII‐activity ≥5% occurred at 128 days (IQR 88–173), coinciding with the disappearance of the FVIII inhibitor. There were no safety issues.

Conclusion

In this AHA case series, no new clinically relevant bleeds were observed after initiation of emicizumab in conjunction with standard immunosuppressive therapy.
Profiling endogenous, environmental, and infectious disease mutational signatures in blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasms
Authors: Small Corinn , Mukerjee Soham , Jangam Diwash , Gollapudi Sumanth , Singh Kunwar , Jaye David L. , Aung Phyu P. , Querfeld Christiane , Yao Keluo , Chisholm Karen M. , Pullarkat Sheeja , Wang Sa , Gru Alejandro , Hussaini Mohammad , George Tracy I. , Ohgami Robert S.
Published: June 2023

Background

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematopoietic disease derived from plasmacytoid dendritic lineage cells. The disease typically shows skin as well as frequent bone marrow and peripheral blood involvement. However, the pathogenesis of this disease is still not well understood. While somatic point mutations and genetic rearrangements have been described in BPDCN, the types and origins of these mutations and relationships to other cancer types is not well understood.

Materials and Methods

To probe the origins of BPDCN, we analyzed the exome sequence data of 9 tumor‐normal pair cases of BPDCN. We utilized SignatureAnalyzer, SigProfiler and a custom microbial analysis pipeline to understand the relevance of endogenous and environmental mutagenic processes.

Results

Our results identified a significant tobacco exposure and aging genetic signature as well as signatures related to nucleotide excision repair deficiency, ultra violet (UV) exposure, and endogenous deamination in BPDCN. We also assessed the samples for microbial infectious disease organisms but did not find a link to a microbial etiology.

Conclusion

The identification of a tobacco exposure and aging genetic signature in patients with BPDCN suggests that environmental and endogenous genetic changes may be central to the oncogenesis of BPDCN.
Effectiveness and complications of transcrestal sinus floor elevation using the cushioned grind‐out technique: A retrospective cohort study with up to 7 years of follow‐up
Authors: Gao Jiayu , Yin Wumeng , Liu Yeyu , Zhao Xiangqi , Qu Yili , Man Yi
Published: June 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness and complications of the cushioned grind‐out technique. The primary outcome was endo‐sinus bone gain (ESBG), while secondary outcomes included the Schneiderian membrane perforation rate and mid‐ to long‐term implant survival.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, we compared the cushioned grind‐out technique with the classic osteotome technique, establishing statistical models to assess ESBG, membrane perforation rate and implant survival rate.

Results

A total of 259 patients and 340 implants were included. The mean ESBG was 5.31 mm for the cushioned grind‐out group and 4.64 mm for the osteotome group. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that the cushioned grind‐out technique significantly facilitated ESBG (p = .028). Nineteen preparation sites experienced membrane perforation, with rates of 5.5% and 6.4% for the cushioned grind‐out and osteotome groups, respectively. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p = .920). Additionally, the cumulative survival rate of the implants for 7 years was 95.2% and 91.4%, respectively, with the surgical technique not significantly influencing the results.

Conclusions

With 6 months to 7 years of post‐prosthetic restoration review data, our findings show that the cushioned grind‐out technique facilitates a higher ESBG, with no significant difference in membrane perforation or implant failure rate.
Monitoring and characterization of field‐evolved resistance to diamide insecticides in Spodoptera litura collected from eastern China
Authors: Che Wunan , Li Yunyi , Zhang Daofeng , Qu Cheng , Luo Chen , Wang Ran
Published: June 2023

Spodoptera litura is a notoriously destructive pest, which infests horticultural plants and economically important crops worldwide. Several generations of diamide insecticides have been used to combat S. litura throughout the world, causing various levels of resistance to this class of insecticides among wild S. litura populations. In this work, we monitored resistance to five diamide insecticides among 10 S. litura populations sampled from eastern China in 2022. In comparison with Lab‐S the susceptible strain, five of the tested populations displayed high susceptibility to three of the five diamide insecticides (cyantraniliprole, broflanilide and tetraniliprole). In contrast, there was significant resistance to the other two tested diamide insecticides, flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole, in seven of the field‐collected populations. The Shanghai (SH) population showed high resistance to chlorantraniliprole (77.0‐fold), flubendiamide (25.5‐fold) and cyantraniliprole (27.8‐fold), respectively, than the strain of Lab‐S. Results of synergism tests in the SH population revealed that diethyl maleate (DEM) and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) greatly inhibited chlorantraniliprole resistance. The progeny of reciprocal crosses between the Lab‐S and SH populations presented dominance degrees of F1 progenies, suggesting that the chlorantraniliprole resistance was autosomal and incompletely recessive in SH. Above results of the current work offer useful knowledge for future formulation of field pest management strategies, allowing farmers to delay the development of resistance to diamide insecticides and thus promote sustainable management of S. litura.
Comparative evaluation of loop‐mediated isothermal amplification and PCR for detection of Esox lucius housekeeping genes for use in on‐site environmental monitoring
Authors: Jothinarayanan Nivedhitha , Karlsen Frank , Roseng Lars Eric
Published: June 2023

Esox lucius (northern pike) is an invasive species in fresh water and causes extreme impacts in the local habitat. Northern pike easily replaces the local native species and disrupts the regional ecosystem. Traditionally, in connection with environmental monitoring, invasive species are identified using PCR through species‐specific DNA. PCR involves many cycles of heating to amplify the target DNA and requires complex equipment; on the contrary, loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) entails isothermal amplification, which means the target needs to be heated to only one temperature between 60 and 65°C. In this study, the authors conducted a LAMP assay and a conventional PCR assay to determine which technique is less time consuming, more sensitive and reliable for use in real‐time and on‐site environmental monitoring. Mitochondrial gene cytochrome b, an essential factor in electron transport; histone (H2B), a nuclear DNA responsible for the chromatin structure; and glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase involved in energy metabolism are taken as the reference genes for this article. The results show that LAMP is more sensitive and less time consuming than the conventional PCR, and thus it can be used for the detection of northern pike in aquatic ecosystems related to environmental monitoring.
Increase in skeletal muscular adiposity and cognitive decline in a biracial cohort of older men and women
Authors: Rosano Caterina , Newman Anne , Santanasto Adam , Zhu Xiaonan , Goodpaster Bret , Miljkovic Iva
Published: June 2023

Background

Obesity and loss of muscle mass are emerging as risk factors for dementia, but the role of adiposity infiltrating skeletal muscles is less clear. Skeletal muscle adiposity increases with older age and especially among Black women, a segment of the US population who is also at higher risk for dementia.

Methods

In 1634 adults (69–79 years, 48% women, 35% Black), we obtained thigh intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) via computerized tomography at Years 1 and 6, and mini‐mental state exam (3MS) at Years 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10. Linear mixed effects models tested the hypothesis that increased IMAT (Year 1–6) would be associated with 3MS decline (Year 5–10). Models were adjusted for traditional dementia risk factors at Year 1 (3MS, education, APOe4 allele, diabetes, hypertension, and physical activity), with interactions between IMAT change by race or sex. To assess the influence of other muscle and adiposity characteristics, models accounted for change in muscle strength, muscle area, body weight, abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adiposity, and total body fat mass (all measured in Years 1 and 6). Models were also adjusted for cytokines related to adiposity: leptin, adiponectin, and interleukin‐6.

Results

Thigh IMAT increased by 4.85 cm2 (Year 1–6) and 3MS declined by 3.20 points (Year 6–10). The association of IMAT increase with 3MS decline was statistically significant: an IMAT increase of 4.85 cm2 corresponded to a 3MS decline of an additional 3.60 points (p < 0.0001), indicating a clinically important change. Interactions by race and sex were not significant.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware that regional adiposity accumulating in the skeletal muscle may be an important, novel risk factor for cognitive decline in Black and White participants independent of changes to muscle strength, body composition and traditional dementia risk factors.
Autoimmune nodo‐paranodopathies 10 years later: Clinical features, pathophysiology and treatment
Authors: Uncini Antonino
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Autoimmune neuropathies are classified, on the basis of pathophysiology, as demyelinating or axonal. The term nodo‐paranodopathy, introduced in 2013 to better categorize the neuropathies with antiganglioside antibodies and later expanded to include neuropathies with antibodies to nodal and paranodal axoglial complexes, characterizes disorders in which the nodal region is critical in the pathogenesis. These neuropathies, although presenting electrophysiologic demyelinating features do not show pathologic evidence of segmental demyelination, or, although being classified as axonal, can show reversible nerve conduction failure and rapid recovery contrary with the communal concept of an axonal neuropathy.

Methods

In this personal view is reported, with a splitting approach, an update on autoimmune nodo‐paranodopathies, classified according to the domains of peripheral nerve fiber, the target antigens and the antibody class and subclass involved. The clinical features, the electrophysiologic findings, the results of the immunopathological and ultrastructural studies, the pathophysiology and treatment are also described.

Results and Interpretation

The nodo‐paranodopathy category integrates the clinical classification of autoimmune neuropathies and expands the traditional dichotomous demyelinating and axonal classification. It helps to a better systematization pointing to the domain and target antigens of the autoimmune process, it resolves conflicting pathologic and electrophysiologic findings, reconciles the contradiction that axonal neuropathies may be rapidly reversible, avoids taxonomical confusion and possible misdiagnoses. Finally this categorization, through the identification of the specific antibody and its prevalent class and subclass, clarifies the pathophysiological mechanisms and addresses to a more targeted therapeutic approach.
Evaluating the expression of microRNA‐15a‐5p and YAP1 gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma in comparison with normal tissue: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Saravana Murthy Padmavathi , Kannan A. , Ganesan Anuradha , Lakshmi Krithika Chandrasekar , Aniyan Kumbalaparambil Yesoda
Published: June 2023

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial regulatory roles in cancer progression, including oral cancer (OC). However, the biological mechanisms of miRNA‐15a‐5p in OC remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of miRNA‐15a‐5p and the YAP1 gene in OC.

Methods

A total of 22 clinically and histologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients were recruited, and their tissues were stored in a stabilizing solution. Later, RT‐PCR was performed to evaluate miRNA‐15a‐5p and the targeting gene YAP1. The results of OSCC samples were compared with unpaired normal tissues.

Results

The normality tests, Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk, revealed a normal distribution. Inferential statistics were performed using an independent sample t‐test/unpaired t‐test among the study intervals to compare the expression of miR‐15a and YAP1. SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Released 2019) was used to analyse the data. The significance level was set at 5% (α = 0.05), and a p‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The expression of miRNA‐15a‐5p was lower in OSCC than in normal tissue, whereas the opposite was observed for YAP1 levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that miRNA‐15a‐5p was downregulated and YAP1 was overexpressed, which had a statistically significant difference between the normal and OSCC groups. Therefore, miRNA‐15a‐5p may serve as a novel biomarker to better understand the pathology and as a potential target in OSCC therapy.
Socioemotional functioning across the transition to lower secondary school: The role of temperament and relationships with mothers and teachers
Authors: Jaruseviciute Vilija , Silinskas Gintautas , Kiuru Noona
Published: June 2023

This Finnish longitudinal study investigated the role of relationships with mothers (n = 631) and teachers (n = 56), and adolescents' (n = 848; 53.9% girls, 46.1% boys) temperament in the development of the adolescents' socioemotional functioning during the transition to lower secondary school (Grade 6 to Grade 7; age in Grade 6:M = 12.32,SD = 0.36). The results showed that mother–adolescent closeness predicted a higher level and teacher–adolescent closeness predicted a smaller decrease in prosocial behavior. Teacher–adolescent conflict predicted a higher level, and mother–adolescent conflict predicted an increase in externalizing problems. Only temperament predicted internalizing problems. In addition, relationship quality both mediated and moderated some of the associations between temperament and socioemotional functioning.
MdMPK3 and MdMPK6 fine‐tune MdWRKY17‐mediated transcriptional activation of the melatonin biosynthesis gene MdASMT7
Authors: Song Handong , Sun Yanzhao , Shan Dongqian , Zhang Tong , Wang Chanyu , Yan Tianci , Hu Zehui , Bai Yixue , Li Ruoxue , Dai Changjian , Deng Qian , Zhao Yixuan , Guo Yan , Kong Jin
Published: June 2023

Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) is a potent reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger that increases the biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. The signaling and regulation pathways of melatonin in plants remain elusive. Here, we report that transgenic apple (Malus domestica) plants overexpressing the transcription factor gene, MdWRKY17, have higher melatonin contents and lower ROS levels than those of control, while the MdWRKY17 RNA interference (RNAi) lines show the reversed phenotype. The binding of MdWRKY17 to N‐acetylserotonin O‐methyltransferase7 (MdASMT7) directly promotes the MdASMT7 expression in the in vitro and in vivo. MdASMT7 is a melatonin synthase that localizes to the plasma membrane. MdASMT7 overexpression rescued the lower melatonin contents of MdWRKY17‐RNAi lines, confirming the role of MdWRKY17‐MdASMT7 module in melatonin biosynthesis in apple. Furthermore, melatonin treatment activated the mitogen‐activated kinases (MPKs) MdMPK3 and MdMPK6, which phosphorylate MdWRKY17 to promote transcriptional activation of MdASMT7. RNAi‐mediated silencing of MdMPK3/6 decreases MdASMT7 expression in transgenic apple plants overexpressing MdWRKY17, which further confirms MdMPK3/6 fine‐tunes MdWRKY17‐mediated MdASMT7 transcription. This also forms a positive loop that melatonin activates MdMPK3/6 and thus accelerates the biosynthesis of itself via triggering MdMPK3/6‐MdWRKY17‐MdASMT7 pathway. This novel melatonin regulatory pathway not only have dissected the molecular mechanisms of melatonin biosynthesis but also provided an alternative approach for generating transgenic melatonin‐rich apples which may benefits to human health.
Diagnostic accuracy of gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire for gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Simadibrata Daniel Martin , Ngadiono Eko , Sinuraya Fira Alyssa Gabriella , Damara Ivan , Fass Ronnie , Simadibrata Marcellus
Published: June 2023

Background

The use of a symptom‐based gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) questionnaire (GerdQ) for GERD diagnosis has gained interest due to its greater efficacy and ease of use than other available questionnaires. However, different guidelines have given inconsistent recommendations regarding using GerdQ as a diagnostic test. This meta‐analysis summarized the diagnostic accuracy of GerdQ for diagnosing GERD.

Methods

Studies published up to April 12, 2023, and indexed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched. Diagnostic test accuracy studies comparing GerdQ with upper endoscopy and/or pH‐metry for GERD diagnosis in adult patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD were included. The study quality was assessed using the QUADAS‐2 tool. Meta‐analysis using bivariate (Reitsma) analysis was done to summarize the overall sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios (LRs), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). The summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curve was visualized, and the area under the ROC (AUC) was calculated.

Key Results

A total of 13 studies with 11,166 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive LR, negative LR, and DOR for GerdQ (cut‐off value of ≥8) were 66.9% (95% CI 56.4%–73.1%), 65.2% (95% CI 56.4%–73.1%), 1.93 (95% CI 1.55–2.42), 0.51 (95% CI 0.38–0.66), and 3.89 (95% CI 2.44–5.89), respectively. The overall AUC from the SROC was 0.705. The subgroup analysis showed similar pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR between Asian and non‐Asian studies.

Conclusions & Inferences

GerdQ had moderate sensitivity and specificity for GERD diagnosis. GerdQ can still be recommended as a diagnostic tool for GERD, especially when the PPI test is unavailable or contraindicated.
Novel protein CcmS is required for stabilization of the assembly of β‐carboxysome in Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803
Authors: Chen Xin , Zheng Fangfang , Wang Peng , Mi Hualing
Published: June 2023

The carboxysome plays an essential role in the carbon concentration mechanism in cyanobacteria. Although significant progress has been made in the structural analysis of the carboxysome, little is still known about its biosynthesis.

We identified slr1911, a gene encoding a protein of unknown function in cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803 (Syn6803), which we termed ccmS by screening a low CO2‐sensitive mutant. CcmS interacts with CcmK1 and CcmM. The former is a shell protein of the β‐carboxysome and the latter is a crucial component of the β‐carboxysome, which is responsible for aggregating RuBisCO and recruiting shell proteins.

The deletion of ccmS lowers the accumulation and assembly of CcmK1, resulting in aberrant carboxysomes, suppressed photosynthetic capacities, and leads to a slow growth phenotype, especially under CO2‐limited conditions.

These observations suggest that CcmS stabilizes the assembly of the β‐carboxysome shell and likely connects the carboxysome core with the shell. Our results provide a molecular view of the role played by CcmS in the formation of the β‐carboxysome and its function in Syn6803.
Sold to China: Container traffic in the Port of Piraeus
Authors: Koenig Pamina , Poncet Sandra , Sanch‐Maritan Mathieu , Duvallet Claude , Pigné Yoann
Published: June 2023

This article analyzes the effects of the acquisition of the Port of Piraeus by the Chinese shipping operator COSCO in July 2016 on the organization of container traffic in Europe. Using real‐time container ship positions provided by vessel tracking systems between 2015 and 2019, we study the impact of the privatization of the Greek port on its attractiveness and on that of competing ports for the ships of the various operators, and more particularly of COSCO. Difference‐in‐difference estimates suggest that the number of container ship calls to the Port of Piraeus has increased following its privatization, but that this increase in attractiveness corresponds mainly to vessels operated by COSCO with a capacity of more than 3000 twenty‐foot equivalent units, and in particular to the largest of them. We do not identify any crowding out effect between operators in Piraeus: the use of Piraeus by the vessels of other operators remains relatively unchanged. The privatization of Piraeus seems to have imposed the Greek port as COSCO's transhipment hub for the European market without this being to the detriment of ports in any other particular European area.
Cognitive status and dental‐related function in older adults seeking community‐based dental care: A Pilot Study
Authors: Madiloggovit‐Lower Jirakate , Cashmore Alexandria Cochrane , Peter Tabitha , Chen Xi
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aims to understand the prevalence of cognitive impairment and dentally‐related functional (DRF) loss among older adults seeking community‐based dental care.

Methods and Results

A total of 149 adults aged 65 or older who visited the University of Iowa College of Dentistry Clinics and who had no prior documented cognitive impairment were recruited in 2017 and 2018. Participants underwent a brief interview, a cognitive assessment, and an assessment of DRF. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess associations between demographic variables, DRF, and cognitive function. Close to half (40.7%) of the patients presented with some degree of cognitive impairment, and impaired DRF was observed in 13.8%. Compared to those without cognitive impairment, elderly dental patients with cognitive impairment were 15% more likely to present with impaired DRF (odds ratio = 1.15, 95% CI = (1.05, 1.26).

Conclusion

Cognitive impairment is likely more prevalent in older adults seeking dental care than is generally understood by providers. Given its impact on DRF, dental providers should be alert to the possible need to evaluate patients’ cognitive status and DRF in order to be able to adjust treatment and recommendations accordingly.
The effects of social belonging and kindness on stress and well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A longitudinal experiment
Authors: Nelson‐Coffey S. Katherine , Layous Kristin , Coffey John K. , Mayes Linda C.
Published: June 2023

Because the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has introduced significant stressors to people's lives, more research on self‐directed strategies to cope with pandemic‐related stress is needed. In the current longitudinal experiment (N = 614), we investigated the emotional benefits of two self‐directed strategies—belonging affirmation and recalling kindness—during the Delta (October 2021) and Omicron (February 2022) waves of the pandemic. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three activity conditions (belonging affirmation, recalling kindness, or control), which they performed weekly for 4 weeks. Contrary to our pre‐registered hypothesis, belonging affirmation and recalling kindness did not promote greater well‐being overall; however, belonging affirmation led to well‐being improvements indirectly via increases in positive emotions. Furthermore, the benefits of belonging affirmation were moderated by pandemic wave. That is, during the Omicron wave, but not the Delta wave, belonging affirmation led to improved life satisfaction, positive emotions, and connectedness, decreased loneliness and negative emotions, and marginally reduced perceived stress and anxiety. These results provide preliminary evidence for the well‐being benefits of belonging affirmation and suggest the importance of evaluating coping strategies throughout different stages of a long‐term stressor.
Prevalence and risk factors of acne scars in patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: Liu Lin , Xue Yuzhou , Chen Yangmei , Chen Tingqiao , Zhong Judan , Shao Xinyi , Chen Jin
Published: June 2023

Background

Acne scar is a persistent complication of acne vulgaris. However, the prevalence and risk factors are still unclear. This study aimed to assess the global prevalence and risk factors of acne scars in patients with acne.

Materials and methods

A systematic search of published studies in three databases was performed and the meta‐analyses were conducted.

Results

Finally, we included 37 studies involving 24 649 acne patients. And, the pooled prevalence of acne scars in these patients was 47% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38–56%). Besides, the differences in prevalence were observed based on the subgroup analysis for age, gender, acne severity, source of patients, and so on. Subsequently, we quantified the relationship of three risk factors with acne scars: male gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.19–2.09), positive family history of acne (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.26–5.91), and acne severity (OR for moderate acne: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.54–3.57; OR for severe acne: 5.51, 95% CI: 2.45–12.41).

Conclusion

Herein, we found that 47% of acne patients suffered from acne scars and identified three risk factors: male gender, positive family history of acne, and acne severity. In order to reduce acne scarring, attention and effective therapy early in the course of acne is important.
Persepsi Mahasiswa Kulliyyah Bahasa dan Pengurusan, UIAM Terhadap Tulisan Jawi
Authors: Saimon Aminnudin , Takmad Nur Hidayah
Published: June 2023

Penguasaan tulisan Jawi masyarakat khususnya golongan remaja pada masa kini boleh dilihat dalam keadaan yang amat membimbangkan. Sebahagian besar bangsa Melayu khususnya golongan remaja masih lagi tidak menguasai tulisan Jawi dengan baik. Kesannya telah mengakibatkan masih ramai individu yang menjadi buta Jawi akibat peminggiran dalam menjaga kepentingan pemeliharaan tulisan Jawi. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan adalah untuk mendapatkan persepsi mahasiswa mengenai tulisan Jawi. Objektif bagi kajian ini adalah mengenal pasti persepsi mahasiswa UIAM terhadap tulisan Jawi serta menghuraikan persepsi mahasiswa UIAM terhadap pemeliharaan tulisan Jawi. Kajian ini berbentuk kajian gabungan yang mana pengkaji menggunakan kaedah kualitatif dengan menemu bual seramai 3 orang responden beserta kaedah kuantitatif dengan menyebarkan borang soal selidik secara dalam talian seramai 50 responden yang berlatarbelakangkan pelajar Kulliyyah Bahasa dan Pengurusan. Hasil dapatan mendapati bahawa kesemua pelajar masih menunjukkan minat dalam mengambil berat terhadap kepentingan tulisan Jawi. Kesemua soalan yang telah dijawab menunjukkan tahap yang tinggi dan boleh dipercayai apabila jumlah Cronbach’s Alpha memiliki jumlah yang sangat baik. Oleh itu, dapat dikatakan bahawa kajian ini telah mencapai tahap yang memuaskan apabila segala persoalan dan objektif kajian dapat diselesaikan menerusi penghasilan kajian ini.
 
The mastery of Jawi writing in the community, especially among teenagers, can now be seen in a very worrying situation. Most Malays, especially teenagers, still do not know Jawi writing well. The effect has resulted in many individuals becoming Jawi blind due to marginalisation in maintaining the importance of preserving Jawi writing. Therefore, this study was conducted to obtain students' perceptions of Jawi writing. The objective of this study is to identify the perceptions of IIUM students on Jawi writing and to describe the perceptions of IIUM students on the preservation of Jawi writing. This study is a combined study in which the researcher uses qualitative methods by interviewing 3 respondents along with quantitative methods by distributing online questionnaires to 50 respondents with the background of Kulliyyah Language and Management students. The results showed that all students still showed an interest in caring about the importance of Jawi writing. All the questions that have been answered show a high and reliable level when the Cronbach’s Alpha number has a very good number. Therefore, it can be said that this study has reached a satisfactory level when all the questions and objectives of the study can be resolved through the production of this study.