bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the measurement of sarcopenia associated with oncological disease in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy?
Authors: Siu Adrian Hang Yue , Holyland Matthew , Carey Sharon , Steffens Daniel , Ansari Nabila , Koh Cherry E.
Published: August 2023

Background

Peritoneal malignancies are challenging cancers to manage. While cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS and HIPEC), may offer a cure, it is a radical procedure associated with significant morbidity. Pre‐emptive identification of deconditioned patients for optimization may mitigate surgical risk. However, the difficulty lies in identifying a cost‐effective predictive tool. Recently, there has been interest in sarcopenia, which may occur due to malignancy. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of sarcopenia at predicting post‐operative outcomes.

Methods

A quaternary‐centre retrospective study of CRS and HIPEC patients (2017–2020), were conducted to determine the association between pre‐operative sarcopenia on oncological (peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI)) and surgical outcomes (complications). Sarcopenia from lumbar CT‐images were measured using Slice‐o‐matic™. Statistical differences were analysed using Mann–Whitney U and Chi‐squared test.

Results

Cohort analysis (n = 94) found 40% had sarcopenia, majority were female (53.2%), and average age of 55 years. The major pathologies was colorectal cancer (n = 39, 41.5%), appendix adenocarcinoma (n = 21, 22.3%), and pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) (n = 19, 20.2%). Sarcopenia was associated with decreased weight, 72.7 versus 82.2 kg (P = 0.014) and shorter survival, 1.4 versus 2.1 years (95% CI, 1.09–3.05, P = 0.032). Median PCI (excluding PMP) was 11 (6–18) and median PCI (only PMP) was 25 (11–32). Post‐operatively, sarcopenia patients experienced more complications (72.5% vs. 64.8%, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Pre‐emptive identification of sarcopenia may be a useful prognostic indicator and predictor of post‐operative outcomes in CRS and HIPEC. For oncological patients, sarcopenia may be an indicator of patients requiring targeted pre‐operative rehabilitation, or advanced disease requiring further treatment.
Clinical relevance of cell‐free DNA during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Lingel Maximilian P. , Haus Moritz , Paschke Lukas , Foltan Maik , Lubnow Matthias , Gruber Michael , Krenkel Lars , Lehle Karla
Published: August 2023

Background

Thrombosis remains a critical complication during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). The involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in thrombogenesis has to be discussed. The aim was to verify NETs in the form of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in the plasma of patients during ECMO.

Methods

A fluorescent DNA‐binding dye (QuantifFluor®, Promega) was used to detect cell‐free DNA in plasma samples. cfDNA concentrations from volunteers (n = 21) and patients (n = 9) were compared and correlated with clinical/technical data before/during support, ECMO end and time of a system exchange.

Results

Before ECMO, patients with a median (IQR) age of 59 (51/63) years, SOFA score of 11 (10/15), and ECMO run time of 9.0 (7.0/19.5) days presented significantly higher levels of cfDNA compared to volunteers (6.4 (5.8/7.9) ng/μL vs. 5.9 (5.4/6.3) ng/μL; p = 0.044). Within 2 days after ECMO start, cfDNA, inflammatory, and hemolysis parameters remained unchanged, while platelets decreased (p = 0.005). After ECMO removal at the end of therapy, cfDNA, inflammation, and coagulation data (except antithrombin III) remained unchanged. The renewal of a system resulted in known alterations in fibrinogen, d‐dimers, and platelets, while cfDNA remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Detection of cfDNA in plasma of ECMO patients was not an indicator of acute and circuit‐induced thrombogenesis.
A longitudinal regional study on the role of fundraising organizations affecting local giving levels in South Korea
Authors: Roh Beop‐rae , Kim Yun Min
Published: August 2023

This study aims to examine the regional characteristics that affect the region's level of collective donation behavior. Most studies examining factors affecting donation behavior were conducted at the individual level. However, regional‐level comparative studies enable an understanding of environmental factors influencing donation behavior. Especially in this study, the number of nonprofit fundraising organizations per unit population in each region was included to observe how much the activities of related organizations affect the regional donation rate and average donation amount. The number of fundraising organizations did not have a significant relationship with the donation rate of the region but had a limited positive effect on the average donation amount of donors. In addition, the regional economic level also significantly impacted the regional donation level. It was found that the ratio of poor households or major demographic characteristics had different effects on the donation rate and the average donation amount, respectively.
Platelet P2Y12 signalling pathway in the dysregulated immune response during sepsis
Authors: Amoafo Emmanuel Boadi , Entsie Philomena , Kang Ying , Canobbio Ilaria , Liverani Elisabetta
Published: August 2023

Sepsis is a complicated pathological condition in response to severe infection. It is characterized by a strong systemic inflammatory response, where multiple components of the immune system are involved. Currently, there is no treatment for sepsis. Blood platelets are known for their role in haemostasis, but they also participate in inflammation through cell–cell interaction and the secretion of inflammatory mediators. Interestingly, an increase in platelet activation, secretion, and aggregation with other immune cells (such as monocytes, T‐lymphocytes and neutrophils) has been detected in septic patients. Therefore, antiplatelet therapy in terms of P2Y12 antagonists has been evaluated as a possible treatment for sepis. It was found that blocking P2Y12 receptors decreased platelet marker expression and limited attachment to immune cells in some studies, but not in others. This review addresses the role of platelets in sepsis and discusses whether antagonizing P2Y12 signalling pathways can alter the disease outcome. Challenges in studying P2Y12 antagonists in sepsis also are discussed.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Platelet purinergic receptor and non‐thrombotic disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.4/issuetoc
Non‐linearities in international prices
Authors: Lee Inkoo , Soo Park Sang , Zachariadis Marios
Published: August 2023

We consider multiple sources of non‐linearity in good‐level law‐of‐one‐price deviations across the globe using a structural model that accounts for previously omitted variables and allows estimation of good‐level convergence rates both within and outside the bands of no trade. Accounting for the role of theoretically implied variables and their non‐linear interactions in the convergence process of law‐of‐one‐price deviations, we find that good‐level convergence rates are systematically faster compared with convergence estimates based on reduced‐form models. Contrary to conventional wisdom, good‐level price differentials exhibit mean‐reverting behaviour even within the bands of no trade. Moreover, mean‐reversion rates are strongly related to economic characteristics such as tradability and a good's non‐traded input content.
A deep intronic DLG4 variant resulting in DLG4‐related synaptopathy
Authors: Levy Amanda M. , Ganapathi Mythily , Chung Wendy K. , Tümer Zeynep
Published: August 2023

The rare autosomal dominant brain disorder DLG4‐related synaptopathy is caused by de novo variants in DLG4 (encoding PSD‐95), the majority of which are predicted to be protein‐truncating. In addition to splice site variants, a number of synonymous and missense DLG4 variants are predicted to exert their effect through altered RNA splicing, although the pathogenicity of these variants is uncertain without functional RNA studies. Here, we describe a young boy with a deep intronic DLG4 variant (c.2105+235C>T) identified using whole genome sequencing. By using reverse‐transcription PCR on RNA derived from peripheral blood, we demonstrate that DLG4 mRNA expression is detectable in blood and the deep intronic variant gives rise to two alternative DLG4 transcripts, one of which includes a pseudoexon. Both alternative transcripts are out‐of‐frame and predicted to result in protein‐truncation, thereby establishing the genetic diagnosis for the proband. This adds to the evidence concerning the pathogenic potential of deep intronic variants and underlines the importance of functional studies, even in cases where reported tissue‐specific gene expression might suggest otherwise.
Immediately loaded full arch implant rehabilitation and oral health‐related quality of life: A retrospective cohort study from primary dental care
Authors: Legg Andrew , Hare Katherine , Campbell Colin
Published: August 2023

Aims

This study evaluates patient‐centered outcomes in patients undergoing full‐arch rehabilitation, with immediate loading of implants. Using the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire pre‐and post‐treatment, it assesses the hypothesis that immediate full arch loading significantly improves quality of life.

Methodology

A dataset was defined as: 20 consecutive patients from a research database who had undergone IFAL surgery (maxilla, mandible, or both) and definitive restoration by a single clinician, and completed the OHIP‐14 questionnaire prior to treatment and after restoration.

Results

Pre (T0) and post (T1) treatment questionnaires were analyzed from 20 consecutive patients in whom a total of 160 implants were placed. The mean T0 score was 26.7, and mean T1 score 4.6. Differences were statistically significant (p = 0.00008). Greatest improvements were seen in psychological discomfort and disability, and pain. Worsening quality of life was shown by questions relating to speech in six patients and taste in three patients.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that overall IFAL significantly improves tooth‐related quality of life. It suggests reasons for patients to seek treatment while providing evidence to manage expectations, such as possible implications on speech, thus supporting informed consent of future patients in a primary care setting.
CARE: Protocol of a randomised trial evaluating the feasibility of preoperative intentional weight loss to support postoperative recovery in patients with excess weight and colorectal cancer
Authors: Koutoukidis Dimitrios A. , Jebb Susan A. , Foster Claire , Wheatstone Pete , Horne Alison , Hill T. Martyn , Taylor Amy , Realpe Alba , Achana Felix , Buczacki Simon J. A.
Published: August 2023

Aim

Excess weight increases the risk of morbidity following colorectal cancer surgery. Weight loss may improve morbidity, but it is uncertain whether patients can follow an intensive weight loss intervention while waiting for surgery and there are concerns about muscle mass loss. The aim of this trial is to assess the feasibility of intentional weight loss in this setting and determine progression to a definitive trial.

Methods

CARE is a prospectively registered, multicentre, feasibility, parallel, randomised controlled trial with embedded evaluation and optimisation of the recruitment process. Participants with excess weight awaiting curative colorectal resection for cancer are randomised 1:1 to care as usual or a low‐energy nutritionally‐replete total diet replacement programme with weekly remote behavioural support by a dietitian. Progression criteria will be based on the recruitment, engagement, adherence, and retention rates. Data will be collected on the 30‐day postoperative morbidity, the typical primary outcome of prehabilitation trials. Secondary outcomes will include, among others, length of hospital stay, health‐related quality of life, and body composition. Qualitative interviews will be used to understand patients' experiences of and attitudes towards trial participation and intervention engagement and adherence.

Conclusion

CARE will evaluate the feasibility of intensive intentional weight loss as prehabilitation before colorectal cancer surgery. The results will determine the planning of a definitive trial.
Quality indicators in Barrett's endoscopy: Best is yet to come
Authors: Inoue Madoka , Ragunath Krish
Published: August 2023

There is growing interest in establishing quality indicators (QIs) for endoscopic screening and surveillance in Barrett's esophagus (BE). QIs are objective, measurable, and evidence‐based metrics that are applicable in a health‐care setting to monitor a process and identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to achieve defined goals. In the Barrett's endoscopy setting, QIs can offer a standardized approach to monitor and maintain high‐quality endoscopy for BE screening and surveillance that will allow measuring performance of an endoscopist as an individual, a group, or a facility. Since BE is an endoscopically identifiable premalignant condition with histological corroboration, adherence to QIs is paramount for the early and accurate detection of dysplasia and neoplasia. It is the holy grail for BE screening and surveillance. Although several suggested QIs for Barrett's endoscopy exist, issues remain in determining the most appropriate ones. These issues include inconsistent use of terminology, unclear definitions, and a scarcity of studies linking these QIs with relevant patient outcomes, making it difficult for clinicians to understand the concept and clinical importance. Hence, there is an urgent need to determine what should constitute appropriate QIs for Barrett's endoscopy, clearly define items used in the QIs, and identify ways to measure these KPIs. Ultimately, well‐defined and validated QIs will contribute to clinically effective, safe, timely, and patient‐focused care. In this review, we summarize recent literature and discuss four proposed QIs: (i) neoplasia detection rate; (ii) postendoscopy Barrett's neoplasia; (iii) Barrett's inspection time; and (iv) adherence to the Seattle biopsy protocol.
Metabolic mitochondrial alterations prevail in the female rat heart 8 weeks after exercise cessation
Authors: Tocantins Carolina , Martins João D. , Rodrigues Óscar M. , Grilo Luís F. , Diniz Mariana S. , Stevanovic‐Silva Jelena , Beleza Jorge , Coxito Pedro , Rizo‐Roca David , Santos‐Alves Estela , Rios Manoel , Carvalho Lina , Moreno António J. , Ascensão António , Magalhães José , Oliveira Paulo J. , Pereira Susana P.
Published: August 2023

Background

The consumption of high‐caloric diets strongly contributes to the development of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Exercise (along with diet intervention) is one of the primary non‐pharmacological approaches to promote a healthier lifestyle and counteract the rampant prevalence of NCDs. The present study evaluated the effects of exercise cessation after a short period training on the cardiac metabolic and mitochondrial function of female rats.

Methods

Seven‐week‐old female Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a control or a high‐fat, high‐sugar (HFHS) diet and, after 7 weeks, the animals were kept on a sedentary lifestyle or submitted to endurance exercise for 3 weeks (6 days per week, 20–60 min/day). The cardiac samples were analysed 8 weeks after exercise cessation.

Results

The consumption of the HFHS diet triggered impaired glucose tolerance, whereas the HFHS diet and physical exercise resulted in different responses in plasma adiponectin and leptin levels. Cardiac mitochondrial respiration efficiency was decreased by the HFHS diet consumption, which led to reduced ATP and increased NAD(P)H mitochondrial levels, which remained prevented by exercise 8 weeks after cessation. Exercise training‐induced cardiac adaptations in redox balance, namely increased relative expression of Nrf2 and downstream antioxidant enzymes persist after an eight‐week exercise cessation period.

Conclusions

Endurance exercise modulated cardiac redox balance and mitochondrial efficiency in female rats fed a HFHS diet. These findings suggest that exercise may elicit cardiac adaptations crucial for its role as a non‐pharmacological intervention for individuals at risk of developing NCDs.
Apheresis collection of mononuclear cells for chimeric‐antigen receptor therapies
Authors: Maitta Robert W.
Published: August 2023

Collections of lymphocytes to be genetically modified to treat hematologic malignancies have seen a dramatic increase over the last few years as commercial products have been approved. Reports of new products in development that can possibly treat solid organ malignancies represent a massive change in the field. Apheresis is at the center of the collection of cells for the manufacture of these chimeric‐antigen receptor therapy products. The expansion of these collections represents one of the areas of apheresis procedures growth. This review will summarize concepts important to this type of collection and variables that need to be optimized to obtain desired cell yields while increasing patients' safety.
Undiagnosed major risk factors in acute ischaemic stroke patients: frequency, profile, stroke mechanisms and outcome
Authors: Rêgo André , Nannoni Stefania , Scherz Ali , Eskandari Ashraf , Salerno Alexander , Pereira Miguel , Strambo Davide , Michel Patrik
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

There is scarce clinical information about the clinical profile of patients with acute ischaemic stroke with previously undiagnosed major vascular risk factors (UMRFs).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of data from the Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne registry between 2003 and 2018 with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses comparing clinical profiles of patients with UMRFs to patients with at least one previously diagnosed MRF (DMRF).

Results

In all, 4354 patients (median age 70 years [interquartile range 15.2], 44.7% female) were included after excluding 763 (14.9%) for lack of consent and three for missing information. Amongst 1125 (25.8%) UMRF patients, 69.7% (n = 784) had at least one newly diagnosed MRF and the others none. The newly detected MRFs were dyslipidaemia (61.4%), hypertension (23.7%), atrial fibrillation (10.2%), diabetes mellitus (5.2%), ejection fraction <35% (2.0%) and coronary disease (1.0%). Comparing UMRF patients to DMRF patients, multivariate analysis showed a positive association with lower age, non‐Caucasian ethnicity, contraceptive use (<55 years old), smoking (≥55 years old) and patent‐foramen‐ovale‐related stroke mechanism. A negative association was found with pre‐stroke antiplatelet use and higher body mass index. Functional outcome did not differ. Cerebrovascular recurrences were similar between groups.

Conclusions

In this large single‐centre cohort, 69.7% of patients with acute ischaemic stroke and UMRF were newly diagnosed with at least one new MRF, the most common being dyslipidaemia, hypertension or atrial fibrillation. Patients of the UMRF group were younger, more often smokers and on contraceptives, and had more patent‐foramen‐ovale‐related strokes.
CUL3 induces mitochondrial dysfunction via MRPL12 ubiquitination in renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Ji Xingzhao , Yang Xiaoli , Gu Xia , Chu Lingju , Sun Shengnan , Sun Jian , Song Peng , Mu Qian , Wang Ying , Sun Xiaoming , Su Dun , Su Tong , Hou Shaoshuai , Lu Yao , Ma Chen , Liu Mingqiang , Zhang Tianyi , Zhang Weiying , Liu Yi , Wan Qiang
Published: August 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide and the strongest predictor of mortality in patients with diabetes. Despite its significance, the pathological mechanism underlying the onset and progression of DKD remains incompletely understood. In this study, we have shown that mitochondrial ribosomal protein L12 (MRPL12) plays a significant role in DKD by modulating mitochondrial function. We demonstrated that MRPL12 was mainly ubiquitinated at K150 in renal tubular epithelial cells. We have found that Cullin3 (CUL3), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, directly interacts with MRPL12 and induces the K63‐linked ubiquitination of MRPL12, resulting in mitochondrial biosynthesis dysfunction. Moreover, under high‐glucose (HG) conditions in renal tubular epithelial cells, we observed up‐regulation of CUL3 expression, significant increase in CUL3‐mediated ubiquitination of MRPL12 and dysregulation of mitochondrial biosynthesis. Notably, CUL3 knockdown stabilised the MRPL12 protein and protected mitochondrial biosynthesis under HG conditions. Our findings provide novel insight into how CUL3 affects mitochondrial biosynthesis in renal tubular epithelial cells through MRPL12 ubiquitination and suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for DKD in the future.
Flight from Liquidity and Corporate Bond Yields
Authors: Nejad Ali Ebrahim , Hoseinzade Saeid , Molanaei Aryan
Published: August 2023

This paper documents that in distress periods, liquidity constrained investors sell liquid corporate bonds and hold onto illiquid ones, a phenomenon which we refer to as flight from liquidity. Performing within issuer‐time analysis to properly control for credit risk, we find that flight from liquidity results in a decline in the liquidity premium. In other words, liquid bonds that are significantly more expensive in normal market conditions, lose more value in distress periods and trade at a closer, and sometimes at an indistinguishable, yield spread to their illiquid peers from the same issuer. We also find that these shocks to the liquidity premium are short‐lived and do not have a long‐lasting pricing impact. We provide suggestive evidence that the liquidity clientele effect derives these results. Our findings suggest that investment exposure to liquid bonds entails a unique risk arising during periods of distress.
Growth form and leaf habit drive contrasting effects of Arctic amplification in long‐lived woody species
Authors: Frigo Davide , Eggertsson Ólafur , Prendin Angela Luisa , Dibona Raffaella , Unterholzner Lucrezia , Carrer Marco
Published: August 2023

Current global change is inducing heterogeneous warming trends worldwide, with faster rates at higher latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Consequently, tundra vegetation is experiencing an increase in growth rate and uneven but expanding distribution. Yet, the drivers of this heterogeneity in woody species responses are still unclear. Here, applying a retrospective approach and focusing on long‐term responses, we aim to get insight into growth trends and climate sensitivity of long‐lived woody species belonging to different functional types with contrasting growth forms and leaf habits (shrub vs. tree and deciduous vs. evergreen). A total of 530 samples from 7 species (common juniper, dwarf birch, woolly willow, Norway spruce, lodgepole pine, rowan, and downy birch) were collected in 10 sites across Iceland. We modelled growth trends and contrasted yearly ring‐width measurements, filtering in high‐ and low‐frequency components, with precipitation, land‐ and sea‐surface temperature records (1967–2018). Shrubs and trees showed divergent growth trends, with shrubs closely tracking the recent warming, whereas trees, especially broadleaved, showed strong fluctuations but no long‐term growth trends. Secondary growth, particularly the high‐frequency component, was positively correlated with summer temperatures for most of the species. On the contrary, growth responses to sea surface temperature, especially in the low frequency, were highly diverging between growth forms, with a strong positive association for shrubs and a negative for trees. Within comparable vegetation assemblage, long‐lived woody species could show contrasting responses to similar climatic conditions. Given the predominant role of oceanic masses in shaping climate patterns in the Arctic and Low Arctic, further investigations are needed to deepen the knowledge on the complex interplay between coastal tundra ecosystems and land‐sea surface temperature dynamics.
A Critical Reading of Jean‐Luc Marion's Interpretation of Anselm's Ontological Argument
Authors: Kim Young Won
Published: August 2023

In this essay, I qualify Jean‐Luc Marion's anti‐ontological interpretation of Anselm's argument. Marion claims that the argument is not ontological but in line with Dionysian apophatic theology. To substantiate his anti‐ontological reading, Marion suggests that the main regulative idea of the Proslogion is bonum. The final regulative idea, however, is gaudium, since gaudium, not bonum, leads the argument to the beatific vision. If we reformulate the Proslogion focusing on gaudium, we find that Marion's analysis misses the evident ontological aspects of the argument, such as the tradition of prayer and hermeneutics. Since Anselm promulgated the argument within the Benedictine tradition of Bec, the practice of prayer or meditation is the legitimate context of the argument. However, because of his emphasis on the structure of call and response over the ontological and hermeneutical aspects of revelation, his analysis neglects the importance of the hermeneutic relation within which the Proslogion is born.
Longitudinal associations between diet quality, sedentary behaviours and physical activity and risk of overweight and obesity in preschool children: The ToyBox‐study
Authors: Miguel‐Berges María L. , Mouratidou Theodora , Santaliestra‐Pasias Alba , Androutsos Odysseas , Iotova Violeta , Galcheva Sonya , De Craemer Marieke , Cardon Greet , Koletzko Berthold , Kulaga Zbigniew , Manios Yannis , Moreno Luis A. ,   the ToyBox‐study group
Published: August 2023

Background

Lifestyle behaviours related to diet and physical activity are associated with increased risk of obesity and evidence suggests that associations might be stronger when a synergetic effect is examined.

Objective

To examine the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between diet, screen time (ST) and step recommendations and risk of overweight and obesity in European preschoolers participating in the ToyBox‐study.

Methods

In this cluster‐randomized clinical trial, 718 children (51.4% boys) from six European countries participated. Parents filled out questionnaires with information on socio‐demographic status, step recommendations and ST.

Results

Longitudinal results indicate that participants having a low Diet Quality Index (DQI), not meeting ST and step recommendations at T0 and T1 had higher odds of having overweight/obesity at T1 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.116; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.104–2.562) than those children having a high DQI and meeting ST and step recommendations at T0 and T1. Similarly, participants having a high DQI, but not meeting ST and step recommendations at T0 and T1 had increased odds of having overweight/obesity (OR = 2.515; 95% CI = 1.171–3.021).

Conclusions

The proportion of participants having a low DQI, not adhering to both step and ST recommendations was very high, and it was associated with a higher probability of having overweight and obesity.
Structural evolution and oxidation resistance of polysilazane‐derived SiCN–HfO2 ceramics
Authors: Anand Rahul , Lu Kathy , Nayak Bibhuti B. , Behera Shantanu K.
Published: August 2023

Polymer‐derived SiCN materials have great application potential in high‐temperature environments. In the current work, SiCN ceramics were tailored with Hf incorporation through doping of a molecular precursor in the preceramic polymer. The ceramics remained in a single amorphous phase up to 900°C. Further annealing caused nucleation and crystallization of tetragonal hafnium oxide (t‐HfO2) within the SiCN matrix, resulting in a unique glass–ceramic nanocomposite of t‐HfO2–SiCN. The crystal sizes of t‐HfO2 were in the range of 2.3–5.1 nm. Raman spectroscopy was employed to examine the effect of Hf‐doping on the phase separation and crystallization of sp2‐carbon. Thermal stability in an oxidizing environment was analyzed by thermogravimetry. The incorporation of Hf in the SiCN ceramic system led to improved phase stability and oxidation resistance compared to the undoped SiCN system.
Do creditor control rights impact corporate tax aggressiveness? Evidence from debt covenant violations
Authors: Cheng C. S. Agnes , Francis Bill B. , Li Zhi , Shen Yinjie , Wu Qiang
Published: August 2023

We examine the effect of bank interventions on corporate tax aggressiveness via the lens of debt covenant violations. Using three identification strategies, we find that bank interventions have a negative effect on corporate tax aggressiveness. This effect is less pronounced for more financially constrained firms, firms with higher shareholder power and firms facing less powerful banks. Covenant‐violating firms compensate their reduced tax aggressiveness by reducing other expenditures, including capital expenditures and cash acquisitions. Our results suggest that creditors perceive aggressive tax activities as risky investment opportunities.
Fast–slow atrioventricular nodal re‐entrant tachycardia incorporating superior and inferolateral left atrial slow pathways
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Mori Hitoshi , Nagashima Koichi , Kaneko Yoshiaki , Kato Ritsushi
Published: August 2023

Background

A 70‐year‐old man revealed a rare type of atrioventricular nodal re‐entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) involving distinct retrograde pathways, superior slow pathway, and inferolateral left atrial slow pathway.

Result

Radiofrequency ablation was successfully performed on the noncoronary cusp and in the left atrium, respectively, to eliminate the tachycardias.

Discussion and Conclusion

Due to the anomalous electrical conduction patterns, careful diagnosis and ablation strategies were necessary to avoid the risk of atrioventricular block. These findings underscore the diversity and complexity of AVNRT and highlight the importance of tailored therapeutic approaches.
Phosphorylated MAPK11 promotes the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by maintaining RUNX2 protein abundance
Authors: Song Xiandong , Dong Changming , Man Xiaojun
Published: August 2023

Previous studies have demonstrated that mitogen‐activated protein kinase 11 (MAPK11) functions as an important point of integration in signalling transduction pathways and controlling endocellular processes, including viability of cells, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis, through the sequence phosphorylation of the substrate protein Ser/Thr kinase protein cascade. Though MAPK 11 plays an important role in various tumours, especially in the invasive and metastatic processes, its expression and molecular mechanism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain unclear. Runt‐associated transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), a main transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation and chondrocyte maturation, has high expression in a number of tumours. In this study, the mRNA and protein levels of targeted genes in ccRCC tissues and adjacent tissues are analysed using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and western blotting. The ccRCC cell proliferation was measured with colony formation and EdU assay, and cell migration was examined through transwell assay. The interactive behaviour between proteins was detected with immunoprecipitation. Half‐life period of RUNX2 protein was measured with cycloheximide chase assay. The results of the study indicated overexpression of MAPK11 and RUNX2 in ccRCC tissues and cell lines. MAPK11 and RUNX2 promoted the ccRCC cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, physical interaction took place between RUNX2 and P‐MAPK11, which functioned to sustain the stability of RUNX2 protein. The high expression of RUNX2 could neutralize the functional degradation in MAPK11. And the outcomes of the study suggest that the P‐MAPK11/RUNX2 axis may be used as a potential therapeutic target of ccRCC.
DCAMCP: A deep learning model based on capsule network and attention mechanism for molecular carcinogenicity prediction
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhang Li , Sun Jianqiang , Meng Rui , Yin Shuaidong , Zhao Qi
Published: August 2023

The carcinogenicity of drugs can have a serious impact on human health, so carcinogenicity testing of new compounds is very necessary before being put on the market. Currently, many methods have been used to predict the carcinogenicity of compounds. However, most methods have limited predictive power and there is still much room for improvement. In this study, we construct a deep learning model based on capsule network and attention mechanism named DCAMCP to discriminate between carcinogenic and non‐carcinogenic compounds. We train the DCAMCP on a dataset containing 1564 different compounds through their molecular fingerprints and molecular graph features. The trained model is validated by fivefold cross‐validation and external validation. DCAMCP achieves an average accuracy (ACC) of 0.718 ± 0.009, sensitivity (SE) of 0.721 ± 0.006, specificity (SP) of 0.715 ± 0.014 and area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.793 ± 0.012. Meanwhile, comparable results can be achieved on an external validation dataset containing 100 compounds, with an ACC of 0.750, SE of 0.778, SP of 0.727 and AUC of 0.811, which demonstrate the reliability of DCAMCP. The results indicate that our model has made progress in cancer risk assessment and could be used as an efficient tool in drug design.
Chromosome instability region analysis and identification of the driver genes of the epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines A2780 and SKOV3
Authors: Li Jianxiong , Chen Zexin , Xiao Wentao , Liang Huaguo , Liu Yanan , Hao Wenqi , Zhang Yongli , Wei Fengxiang
Published: August 2023

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the most prevalent gynaecological cancers worldwide. The molecular mechanisms of serous ovarian cancer (SOC) remain unclear and not well understood. SOC cases are primarily diagnosed at the late stage, resulting in a poor prognosis. Advances in molecular biology techniques allow us to obtain a better understanding of precise molecular mechanisms and to identify the chromosome instability region and key driver genes in the carcinogenesis and progression of SOC. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on the normal ovarian cell line IOSE80 and the EOC cell lines SKOV3 and A2780. The single‐nucleotide variation burden, distribution, frequency and signature followed the known ovarian mutation profiles, without chromosomal bias. Recurrently mutated ovarian cancer driver genes, including LRP1B, KMT2A, ARID1A, KMT2C and ATRX were also found in two cell lines. The genome distribution of copy number alterations was found by copy number variation (CNV) analysis, including amplification of 17q12 and 4p16.1 and deletion of 10q23.33. The CNVs of MED1, GRB7 and MIEN1 located at 17q12 were found to be correlated with the overall survival of SOC patients (MED1: p = 0.028, GRB7: p = 0.0048, MIEN1: p = 0.0051), and the expression of the three driver genes in the ovarian cell line IOSE80 and EOC cell lines SKOV3 and A2780 was confirmed by western blot and cell immunohistochemistry.
A retrospective analysis of the factors associated with surgical checklist compliance using data from a local health unit in Italy, 2018–2021
Authors: Rossi Nicole , Golinelli Luca , Bersani Federica , Geraci Marco
Published: August 2023

Rationale

Since its publication, the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) has been progressively adopted by healthcare providers around the world to monitor and safeguard the delivery of surgeries. In one Italian region's health system, the SSC and other two surgery‐specific checklists were supplemented by a document that records any non‐conformity (NC) arising from the safety checks.

Aims and Objectives

In this study, we investigated the factors associated with NCs using data from a local health unit (LHU). The secondary aim of this study was to explore the potential impact of the coronavirus crisis on surgical checklist compliance.

Methods

We used data on surgical activity from the Modena LHU between 2018 and 2021 and the accompanying NC documents. The primary goal was to estimate the relative risk (RR) of NCs according to several factors, including checklist incompleteness and surgery class (elective, urgent or emergency), using Poisson regression. A similar analysis was performed separately for 2018–2019 and 2020–2021 to assess the COVID‐19 potential impact.

Results and Conclusions

Checklist compliance in the LHU was 95%, with the presence of NCs in about 7% of surgeries. The factors that increased the RR were incompleteness of the checklist (adjusted RR = 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.86–3.40), urgent surgeries (adjusted RR [aRR] = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.47–1.72), emergencies (aRR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.15–3.79), and surgeries with more than four procedures (aRR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.41–1.92). Most notably, the RR for incomplete checklists showed a negative association with NCs before the COVID‐19 outbreak but positive afterwards. Checklist compliance was overall satisfactory, though the observation of noncompliant checklists of about 1000 per year suggests there is still room for improvement. Moreover, attention to the checklist best practices and organization of outpatient workload may have been affected by the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic.
Wear of lithium disilicate opposed by various ceramic materials
Authors: Shah Krisha , Lawson Nathaniel C. , Sayed Ahmed Akram , Nizami Bushra , Lawson Thomas J. , Kee Edwin , Nejat Amir H.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To compare volumetric wear of lithium disilicate against different ceramic (3 mol% yttria‐stabilized (3Y) zirconia, 5 mol% yttria‐stabilized (5Y) zirconia, lithium disilicate, porcelain and enamel antagonists).

Materials and Methods

Forty lithium disilicate (e.max CAD) specimens (n = 8/antagonist) were wet sanded to 1200grit SiC and mounted into a UAB wear device. Antagonist spheres (diameter = 4.75 mm) were made from polished 3Y zirconia, 5Y zirconia, lithium disilicate, porcelain and human enamel. A two‐body wear test was performed with 20 N load and 1.5 mm slide for 400,000 cycles at 1 Hz. 33% glycerin was used as a lubricant. Wear facets were measured with optical profilometry. Wear scar areas of antagonists were measured with digital microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on wear facets and scars. Vicker's microhardness was measured of all antagonist materials. All data were compared with 1‐way ANOVA and Tukey post‐hoc analysis.

Results

Significant differences in lithium disilicate volumetric wear (mm3) occurred with various antagonist materials: 0.38 ± 0.01a (3Y zirconia), 0.33 ± 0.01b, (5Y zirconia), 0.16 ± 0.01c (lithium disilicate), 0.11 ± 0.03d, (enamel), and 0.07 ± 0.01e (porcelain). The lithium disilicate antagonist demonstrated a larger wear scar than other materials. Zirconia was the hardest material and enamel the least hard.

Conclusions

Zirconia causes significant wear on lithium disilicate and lithium disilicate causes significant wear against itself.

Clinical Significance

When selecting a material to oppose an existing lithium disilicate crown, a porcelain or lithium disilicate surface would cause significantly less wear to the existing crown. If an existing zirconia crown exists opposed to a prepared tooth, lithium disilicate may not be an ideal material selection to restore the tooth.
The role of Class Ⅱ KNOX family in controlling compound leaf patterning in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhang Juanjuan , Chai Maofeng , Han Lu , Cao Xiaohua , Zhang Jing , Kong Yiming , Fu Chunxiang , Wang Zeng‐Yu , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Wen Jiangqi , Zhou Chuanen
Published: August 2023

Compound leaf development requires the coordination of genetic factors, hormones, and other signals. In this study, we explored the functions of Class Ⅱ KNOTTED‐like homeobox (KNOXII) genes in the model leguminous plant Medicago truncatula. Phenotypic and genetic analyses suggest that MtKNOX4, 5 are able to repress leaflet formation, while MtKNOX3, 9, 10 are not involved in this developmental process. Further investigations have shown that MtKNOX4 represses the CK signal transduction, which is downstream of MtKNOXⅠ‐mediated CK biosynthesis. Additionally, two boundary genes, FUSED COMPOUND LEAF1 (orthologue of Arabidopsis Class M KNOX) and NO APICAL MERISTEM (orthologue of Arabidopsis CUP‐SHAPED COTYLEDON), are necessary for MtKNOX4‐mediated compound leaf formation. These findings suggest, that among the members of MtKNOXⅡ, MtKNOX4 plays a crucial role in integrating the CK pathway and boundary regulators, providing new insights into the roles of MtKNOXⅡ in regulating the elaboration of compound leaves in M. truncatula.
School‐Based Mental Health Service Utilization Through the COVID‐19 Pandemic and Beyond
Authors: Stuenkel Mackenzie , Koob Caitlin , Richardson Emily , Griffin Sarah F. , Sease Kerry K.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

We examined trends in mental health service utilization before, during, and in the immediate return to in‐person learning throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was assessed for changes in odds of any visit being a mental health encounter from five school‐based health centers from the 2018‐2019 to the 2021‐2022 school years. Data are limited to the in‐person school year from mid‐August to early June.

RESULTS

Data were assessed from 1239 students seen through 2256 visits over the 4 school years (Mage = 12.93). The odds of any visit being related to a mental health encounter increased each school year, with the 2020 to 2021 and 2021 to 2022 school years having significant increases in odds (both compared to the first and to the antecedent school year). In addition, during the 2019 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021 school years, the odds of a repeated mental health encounter significantly increased from year to year.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate a steadily increasing number of mental health service utilization needs among adolescent students that was significantly exponentiated throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Herbal inclusions ameliorate effect of heat stress on haematology, proinflammatory cytokines, adipokines and oxidative stress of weaned rabbit does in humid tropics
Authors: Jimoh Olatunji A. , Oyeyemi Bolaji F. , Oyeyemi Wahab A. , Ayodele Simeon O. , Okin‐Aminu Hafsat O. , Ayodele Ayoola D. , Faniyi Tolulope O. , Nwachukwu Chinwe Uchechi
Published: August 2023

A study was designed to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus and Viscum album leaf meal as herbal inclusions to alleviate the detrimental outcomes of heat stress in weaned female rabbits. Forty (40) weaned rabbit does (527.99 ± 10.35 g; 28 days old) were randomly allotted to four dietary groups consisting of Diet 1(control diet; without leaf meal), Diets 2 (supplemented with 10% V. album); 3 (supplemented with 10% M. oleifera) and 4 (supplemented with 10% P. amarus) in an 84 days trial at the peak of heat stress in Southwest Nigeria. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected to assess physiological responses and oxidative status of the rabbit does. The results obtained revealed that rabbit does were exposed to heat stress; rabbit does fed control diet had higher leucocyte and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio compared to rabbit does fed on herbal inclusions. The herbal inclusions enhanced oxidative stability of rabbit does by lowering lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant activities during heat stress conditions. Rabbit does fed control‐based diet had significantly higher heat shock protein 70, leptin and adiponectin compared to rabbit does on M. oleifera, P. amarus and V. album supplemented diets. The herbal inclusions tend to suppress proinflammatory cytokines in rabbit does during heat stress condition. In conclusion, the herbal inclusions suppress inflammation, adipokines and promotes oxidative stability of rabbit does exposed to heat stress conditions.
Classification of crispness of food materials by deep neural networks
Authors: Lopes Rafael Z. , Dacanal Gustavo C.
Published: August 2023

Crispness is a textural characteristic that influences consumer choices, requiring a comprehensive understanding for product customization. Previous studies employing neural networks focused on acquiring audio through mechanical crushing of crispy samples. This research investigates the representation of crispy sound in time intervals and frequency domains, identifying key parameters to distinguish different foods. Two machine learning architectures, multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) and residual neural network (ResNet), were used to analyze mel frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC) and discrete Fourier transform (DFT) data, respectively. The models achieved over 95% accuracy “in‐sample” successfully classifying fried chicken, potato chips, and toast using randomly extracted audio from ASMR videos. The MLP (MFCC) model demonstrated superior robustness compared to ResNet and predicted external inputs, such as freshly toasted bread acquired by a microphone or ASMR audio of toast in milk. In contrast, the ResNet model proved to be more responsive to variations in DFT spectrum and unable to predict the similarity of external audio sources, making it useful for classifying pretrained “in‐samples”. These findings are useful for classifying crispness among individual food sources. Additionally, the study explores the promising utilization of ASMR audio from Internet platforms to pretrain artificial neural network models, expanding the dataset for investigating the texture of crispy foods.
Evolutionary roles of polyploidization‐derived structural variations in the phenotypic diversification of Panax species
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Xin , Wang Xin‐Feng , Niu Yu‐Qian , Wang Yu‐Guo , Zhang Wen‐Ju , Song Zhi‐Ping , Yang Ji , Li Lin‐Feng
Published: August 2023

Genomic structural variations (SVs) are widespread in plant and animal genomes and play important roles in phenotypic novelty and species adaptation. Frequent whole genome duplications followed by (re)diploidizations have resulted in high diversity of genome architecture among extant species. In this study, we identified abundant genomic SVs in the Panax genus that are hypothesized to have occurred through during the repeated polyploidizations/(re)diploidizations. Our genome‐wide comparisons demonstrated that although these polyploidization‐derived SVs have evolved at distinct evolutionary stages, a large number of SV‐intersecting genes showed enrichment in functionally important pathways related to secondary metabolites, photosynthesis and basic cellular activities. In line with these observations, our metabolic analyses of these Panax species revealed high diversity of primary and secondary metabolites both at the tissue and interspecific levels. In particular, genomic SVs identified at ginsenoside biosynthesis genes, including copy number variation and large fragment deletion, appear to have played important roles in the evolution and diversification of ginsenosides. A further herbivore deterrence experiment demonstrated that, as major triterpenoidal saponins found exclusively in Panax, ginsenosides provide protection against insect herbivores. Our study provides new insights on how polyploidization‐derived SVs have contributed to phenotypic novelty and plant adaptation.