bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and safety of a third‐line rescue treatment for acute severe ulcerative colitis refractory to infliximab or ciclosporin (REASUC study)
Authors: García María José , Riestra Sabino , Amiot Aurelien , Julsgaard Mette , García de la Filia Irene , Calafat Margalida , Aguas Mariam , de la Peña Luisa , Roig Cristina , Caballol Berta , Casanova María José , Farkas Klaudia , Boysen Trine , Bujanda Luis , Cuarán Camila , Dobru Daniela , Fousekis Fotios , Gargallo‐Puyuelo Carla Jerusalén , Savarino Edoardo , Calvet Xavier , Huguet José María , Kupcinskas Limas , López‐Cardona Julia , Raine Tim , van Oostrom Joep , Gisbert Javier P. , Chaparro María
Published: March 2024

Background

The advent of new therapeutic agents and the improvement of supporting care might change the management of acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) and avoid colectomy.

Aims

To evaluate the colectomy‐free survival and safety of a third‐line treatment in patients with ASUC refractory to intravenous steroids and who failed either infliximab or ciclosporin.

Methods

Multicentre retrospective cohort study of patients with ASUC refractory to intravenous steroids who had failed infliximab or ciclosporin and received a third‐line treatment during the same hospitalisation. Patients who stopped second‐line treatment due to disease activity or adverse events (AEs) were eligible. We assessed short‐term colectomy‐free survival by logistic regression analysis. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression models were used for long‐term assessment.

Results

Among 78 patients, 32 received infliximab and 46 ciclosporin as second‐line rescue treatment. Third‐line treatment was infliximab in 45 (58%), ciclosporin in 17 (22%), tofacitinib in 13 (17%) and ustekinumab in 3 (3.8%). Colectomy was performed in 29 patients (37%) during follow‐up (median 21 weeks). Of the 78 patients, 32 and 18 were in clinical remission at, respectively, 12 and 52 weeks. At the last visit, 25 patients were still on third‐line rescue treatment, while 12 had stopped it due to clinical remission. AEs were reported in 26 (33%) patients. Two patients died (2.6%), including one following colectomy.

Conclusion

Third‐line rescue treatment avoided colectomy in over half of the patients with ASUC and may be considered a therapeutic strategy.
Real‐world use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists for the management of immune thrombocytopenia in adult patients in the United Kingdom: Results from the TRAIT study
Authors: Cooper Nichola , Scully Marie , Percy Charles , Nicolson Phillip L. R. , Lowe Gillian , Bagot Catherine N. , Thachil Jecko , Grech Henri , Nokes Tim , Hill Quentin A. , Bradbury Charlotte , Talks Kate , Dutt Tina , Evans Gillian , Pavord Sue , Wexler Sarah , Charania Asad , Collington Sarah J. , Ervin Andrew , Ramscar Nicholas , Provan Drew
Published: March 2024

Few studies have reported the real‐world use of both romiplostim and eltrombopag in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). TRAIT was a retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the platelet responses and adverse effects associated with the use of these thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO‐RAs) in adult patients with ITP in the United Kingdom. Of 267 patients (median age at diagnosis, 48 years) with ITP (primary ITP [n = 218], secondary ITP [n = 49]) included in the study, 112 (42%) received eltrombopag and 155 (58%) received romiplostim as the first prescribed TPO‐RA. A platelet count ≥30 × 109/L was achieved in 89% of patients with the first TPO‐RA treatments, while 68% achieved a platelet count ≥100 × 109/L. Treatment‐free response (TFR; platelet count ≥30 × 109/L, 3 months after discontinuing treatment) was achieved by 18% of the total patients. Overall, 61 patients (23%) switched TPO‐RAs, most of whom achieved platelet counts ≥30 × 109/L with the second TPO‐RA (23/25 who switched from eltrombopag to romiplostim [92%]; 28/36 who switched from romiplostim to eltrombopag [78%]). TFR was associated with secondary ITP, early TPO‐RA initiation after diagnosis, the presence of comorbidity and no prior splenectomy or treatment with steroids or mycophenolate mofetil. Both TPO‐RAs had similar efficacy and safety profiles to those reported in clinical studies.
Geophagy by a large herbivore (capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) driven by a human sodium supply
Authors: Duvall Ethan S. , Hoeneisen Naia Andrade , Suárez Esteban , Flecker Alexander S.
Published: March 2024

Reasons for geophagy (soil consumption) by herbivorous animals have long been debated. We provide direct evidence of artificial sodium (Na) enrichment driving geophagy by capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), a large herbivore in western Amazonia.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Whole‐transcriptome sequencing in advanced gastric or gastroesophageal cancer: A deep dive into its clinical potential
Authors: Hashimoto Tadayoshi , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Mishima Saori , Nakayama Izuma , Kotani Daisuke , Kawazoe Akihito , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Bando Hideaki , Kojima Takashi , Iida Naoko , Shibuki Taro , Imai Mitsuho , Fujisawa Takao , Nagamine Michiko , Sakamoto Naoya , Kuwata Takeshi , Yoshino Takayuki , Shitara Kohei
Published: March 2024

Advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers (GC/GEJCs) harbor diverse molecular signatures, highlighting the need for intricate evaluations to identify potential therapeutic targets. Although whole‐transcriptome sequencing (WTS) has emerged as a useful tool for understanding these molecular intricacies, its clinical implications have yet to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated the correlation between immunohistochemistry (IHC) and WTS, compared their clinical significance, and identified potential therapeutic targets undetectable through IHC alone. We enrolled 140 patients with advanced GC/GEJC and assessed them using IHC for six pivotal biomarkers: claudin‐18 (CLDN18), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1). Concurrently, WTS was employed as part of the analyses in MONSTAR‐SCREEN‐2, a multicenter multiomics study. IHC analysis revealed 16.4% HER2, 39.3% CLDN18 (2+/3 + ≥75%), and 15.8% PD‐L1 (combined positive score ≥ 10) positivity, among other molecular markers. Significant correlations were observed between IHC and WTS for all six pivotal biomarkers. Among nineteen HER2 IHC‐positive patients treated with anti‐HER2 therapeutics, ERBB2 status in WTS was significantly associated with progression‐free survival (ERBB2‐high vs. ‐low: median 9.0 vs. 5.6 months, log‐rank p = 0.046). IHC‐based molecular profiling revealed significantly high expression of CLDN18 in RTK‐negative patients, with 78.4% positive for either CLDN18 or PD‐L1. Additionally, WTS revealed elevated expression of pivotal biomarkers in patients displaying negative targetable biomarkers via IHC. Our findings highlighted the significant correlation between IHC and WTS, reinforcing the clinical utility of WTS. A subset with IHC‐negative but WTS‐positive status may benefit from specific biomarker‐targeted therapies.
Is the NHS low‐calorie diet programme delivered as planned? An observational study examining adherence of intervention delivery to service specification
Authors: Marwood Jordan , Kinsella Karina , Homer Catherine , Drew Kevin J. , Brown Tamara , Evans Tamla S. , Dhir Pooja , Freeman Charlotte , Jones Susan , Bakhai Chirag , Ells Louisa J.
Published: March 2024

Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are chronic conditions with significant personal, societal, and economic impacts. Expanding on existing trial evidence, the NHS piloted a 52‐week low‐calorie diet programme for T2DM, delivered by private providers using total diet replacement products and behaviour change support. This study aimed to determine the extent to which providers and coaches adhered to the service specification outlined by NHS England. An observational qualitative study was conducted to examine the delivery of both one‐to‐one and group‐based delivery of programme sessions. Observations of 122 sessions across eight programme delivery samples and two service providers were completed. Adherence to the service specification was stronger for those outcomes that were easily measurable, such as weight and blood glucose, while less tangible elements of the specification, such as empowering service users, and person‐centred delivery were less consistently observed. One‐to‐one sessions were more successful in their person‐centred delivery, and the skills of the coaches delivering the sessions had a strong impact on adherence to the specification. Overall, the results show that there was variability by provider and delivery mode in the extent to which sessions of the NHS Low‐Calorie Diet Programme reflected the intended service specification. In subsequent programmes it is recommended that one‐to‐one sessions are used, with accompanying peer support, and that providers improve standardised training and quality assurance to ensure specification adherence.
Protecting alpine biodiversity in the Middle East from climate change: Implications for high‐elevation birds
Authors: Ahmadi Mohsen , Nawaz Muhammad Ali , Asadi Hamed , Hemami Mahmoud‐Reza , Naderi Morteza , Shafapourtehrany Mahyat , Shabani Farzin
Published: March 2024

Aims

The Middle East, located in the arid belt of the Earth, is home to a diverse range of biodiversity, with its mountain ecosystems being the most important centres of species diversity and endemism. In this study, the impact of climate change on alpine bird species in the Middle East was assessed across five mountain systems: Alborz–Kopet‐Dagh, Caucasus–Pontic, Levant–Taurus, Sarawat–Hijaz and Zagros–Central Iran.

Location

Middle East.

Methods

Using species distribution models (SDMs), 38 native alpine bird species were analysed under different climate change scenarios. We also identified future multispecies in situ and ex situ climate refugia and assessed the efficiency of the current protected areas (PAs) system in protecting them.

Results

The results indicated that, on average, habitat suitability for these species is projected to decline by 36.83% (2050, SSP2‐4.5) to 60.10% (2070, SSP5‐8.5) with an upward range shift. Based on stacking range change of the species, Levant–Taurus, Zagros–Central Iran and Alborz–Kopet–Dagh mountain ranges will experience the highest amount of habitat loss, respectively, with Caucasus–Pontic being least affected. The gap analysis showed that the existing PAs system covers only 13% and 10% of the in situ and ex situ climatic refugia, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the significance of mountainous regions in the Middle East for the persistence of alpine bird species and the urgent need to prioritize climate refugia in transboundary and participatory conservation plans. It is crucial to prevent habitat degradation and alteration resulting from human activities in these areas to ensure the persistence of alpine species and their habitats.
Measuring functional hand use in children with unilateral cerebral palsy using accelerometry and machine learning
Authors: Mathew Sunaal P. , Dawe Jaclyn , Musselman Kristin E. , Petrevska Marina , Zariffa José , Andrysek Jan , Biddiss Elaine
Published: March 2024

Aim

To investigate wearable sensors for measuring functional hand use in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Dual wrist‐worn accelerometry data were collected from three females and seven males with unilateral CP (mean age = 10 years 2 months [SD 3 years]) while performing hand tasks during video‐recorded play sessions. Video observers labelled instances of functional and non‐functional hand use. Machine learning was compared to the conventional activity count approach for identifying unilateral hand movements as functional or non‐functional. Correlation and agreement analyses compared the functional usage metrics derived from each method.

Results

The best‐performing machine learning approach had high precision and recall when trained on an individual basis (F1 = 0.896 [SD 0.043]). On an individual basis, the best‐performing classifier showed a significant correlation (r = 0.990, p < 0.001) and strong agreement (bias = 0.57%, 95% confidence interval = −4.98 to 6.13) with video observations. When validated in a leave‐one‐subject‐out scenario, performance decreased significantly (F1 = 0.584 [SD 0.076]). The activity count approach failed to detect significant differences in non‐functional or functional hand activity and showed no significant correlation or agreement with the video observations.

Interpretation

With further development, wearable accelerometry combined with machine learning may enable quantitative monitoring of everyday functional hand use in children with unilateral CP.

What this paper adds

Wearable (wrist‐worn) accelerometry with machine learning shows potential for measuring functional hand use in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

Traditional activity count accelerometry cannot distinguish functional from non‐functional hand use.
Arrive and wait: Inactive bacterial taxa contribute to perceived soil microbiome resilience after a multidecadal press disturbance
Authors: Barnett Samuel E. , Shade Ashley
Published: March 2024

Long‐term (press) disturbances like the climate crisis and other anthropogenic pressures are fundamentally altering ecosystems and their functions. Many critical ecosystem functions, such as biogeochemical cycling, are facilitated by microbial communities. Understanding the functional consequences of microbiome responses to press disturbances requires ongoing observations of the active populations that contribute to functions. This study leverages a 7‐year time series of a 60‐year‐old coal seam fire (Centralia, Pennsylvania, USA) to examine the resilience of soil bacterial microbiomes to a press disturbance. Using 16S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we assessed the interannual dynamics of the active subset and the ‘whole’ bacterial community. Contrary to our hypothesis, the whole communities demonstrated greater resilience than active subsets, suggesting that inactive members contributed to overall structural resilience. Thus, in addition to selection mechanisms of active populations, perceived microbiome resilience is also supported by mechanisms of dispersal, persistence, and revival from the local dormant pool.
Endometrial expression of antimicrobial peptides as markers of subclinical endometritis in mares
Authors: Moroni Rebecca , Fanelli Diana , Camillo Francesco , Rota Alessandra , Cantile Carlo , Marmorini Paola , Salamone Giulia , Ori Michela , Panzani Duccio
Published: March 2024

Background

Endometritis is a major cause of subfertility in mares. Multiparous old mares are more susceptible to developing endometritis given that ageing is associated with an altered immune response and with inadequate physiological uterine clearance after breeding, which can lead to degenerative changes in the endometrium. Molecules such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been proposed as endometritis markers in the equine species.

Study design

Cross‐sectional.

Objectives

To investigate the endometrial expression of defensin‐beta 4B (DEFB4B), lysozyme (LYZ) and secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor (SLPI) genes in mares either affected or not by subclinical endometritis, due to the role of these AMPs in the immune response to bacteria and inflammatory reactions.

Methods

Endometrial biopsy for histopathological and gene expression examinations was performed on 26 mares. The inclusion criteria for the normal mare group (NM, N = 7) were 2–4 years of age, maiden status, no clinical signs of endometritis and a uterine biopsy score of I, while for mares affected by subclinical endometritis (EM, N = 19) the inclusion criteria were 10–22 years of age, barren status for 1–3 years, no clinical signs of endometritis and a uterine biopsy score between IIA and III.

Results

A significantly higher expression of LYZ (NM: 0.76 [1.84–0.37] vs. EM: 2.78 [5.53–1.44], p = 0.0255) and DEFB4B (NM: 0.06 [0.11–0.01] vs. EM: 0.15 [0.99–0.08], p = 0.0457) genes was found in endometritis mares versus normal mares. Statistically significant moderate positive correlations were found between the level of expression of LYZ gene and both the age (r = 0.4071, p = 0.039) and the biopsy grade (r = 0.4831, p = 0.0124) of the mares.

Main limitations

The study investigated a limited number of genes and mares, and the presence/location of the proteins coded by these genes was not confirmed within the endometrium by IHC.

Conclusions

If the results of this study are confirmed, LYZ and DEFB4B genes can be used as markers to identify mares that are affected by subclinical endometritis.
Integrin α5 regulates motility of human monocyte‐derived Langerhans cells during immune response
Authors: Guo Zhihan , Murakami Masato , Saito Kaori , Kato Hiroko , Toriyama Manami , Tominaga Makoto , Ishii Ken J. , Fujita Fumitaka
Published: March 2024

Langerhans cells (LCs) are mainly present in the epidermis and mucosa, and have important roles during skin infection. Migration of LCs to lymph nodes is essential for antigen presentation. However, due to the difficulties in isolating and culturing human LCs, it is not fully understood how LCs move and interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) through their adhesion molecules such as integrin, during the immune responses. In this study, we aimed to investigate LC motility, cell shape and the role of integrin under inflammatory conditions using monocyte‐derived Langerhans cells (moLCs) as a model. As a result, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation increased adhesion on fibronectin coated substrate and integrin α5 expression in moLCs. Time‐lapse imaging of moLCs revealed that stimulation with LPS elongated cell shape, whilst decreasing their motility. Additionally, this decrease in motility was not observed when pre‐treated with a neutralising antibody targeting integrin α5. Together, our data suggested that activation of LCs decreases their motility by promoting integrin α5 expression to enhance their affinity to the fibronectin, which may contribute to their migration during inflammation.
Cutaneous‐immuno‐neuro‐endocrine (CINE) system: A complex enterprise transforming skin into a super organ
Authors: Shastri Malvika , Sharma Maryada , Sharma Keshav , Sharma Ayush , Minz Ranjana Walker , Dogra Sunil , Chhabra Seema
Published: March 2024

Skin is now emerging as a complex realm of three chief systems viz. immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system. The cells involved in their intricate crosstalk, namely native skin cells, intra‐cutaneous immune cells and cutaneous sensory neurons have diverse origin and distinct functions. However, recent studies have explored their role beyond their pre‐defined functional boundaries, such that the cells shun their traditional functions and adopt unconventional roles. For example, the native skin cells, apart from providing for basic structural framework of skin, also perform special immune functions and participate in extensive neuro‐endocrine circuitry, which were traditionally designated as functions of cutaneous resident immune cells and sensory neurons respectively. At the cellular level, this unique collaboration is brought out by special molecules called neuromediators including neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, neurotrophins, neurohormones and cytokines/chemokines. While this intricate crosstalk is essential for maintaining cutaneous homeostasis, its disruption is seen in various cutaneous diseases. Recent study models have led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of pathophysiology of many such disorders. In this review, we have described in detail the interaction of immune cells with neurons and native skin cells, role of neuromediators, the endocrine aspect in skin and current understanding of cutaneous neuro‐immuno‐endocrine loop in one of the commonest skin diseases, psoriasis. An accurate knowledge of this unique crosstalk can prove crucial in understanding the pathophysiology of different skin diseases and allow for generation of targeted therapeutic modalities.
Drivers and human impacts on topsoil bacterial and fungal community biogeography across Australia
Authors: Xue Peipei , Minasny Budiman , Wadoux Alexandre M. J.‐C. , Dobarco Mercedes Román , McBratney Alex , Bissett Andrew , de Caritat Patrice
Published: March 2024

Soil microbial diversity mediates a wide range of key processes and ecosystem services influencing planetary health. Our knowledge of microbial biogeography patterns, spatial drivers and human impacts at the continental scale remains limited. Here, we reveal the drivers of bacterial and fungal community distribution in Australian topsoils using 1384 soil samples from diverse bioregions. Our findings highlight that climate factors, particularly precipitation and temperature, along with soil properties, are the primary drivers of topsoil microbial biogeography. Using random forest machine‐learning models, we generated high‐resolution maps of soil bacteria and fungi across continental Australia. The maps revealed microbial hotspots, for example, the eastern coast, southeastern coast, and west coast were dominated by Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. Fungal distribution is strongly influenced by precipitation, with Ascomycota dominating the central region. This study also demonstrated the impact of human modification on the underground microbial community at the continental scale, which significantly increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Ascomycota, but decreased Chloroflexi and Basidiomycota. The variations in microbial phyla could be attributed to distinct responses to altered environmental factors after human modifications. This study provides insights into the biogeography of soil microbiota, valuable for regional soil biodiversity assessments and monitoring microbial responses to global changes.
Cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia in patients with migraine: A dual‐echo arterial spin labeling MRI study
Authors: Hoogeveen E. S. , Pelzer N. , Ghariq E. , van Osch M. J. P. , Dahan A. , Terwindt G. M. , Kruit M. C.
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aimed to compare cerebrovascular reactivity between patients with migraine and controls using state‐of‐the‐art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.

Background

Migraine is associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, but the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity has been proposed as a link. Previous studies have evaluated cerebrovascular reactivity with different methodologies and results are conflicting.

Methods

In this single‐center, observational, case–control study, we included 31 interictal patients with migraine without aura (aged 19–66 years, 17 females) and 31 controls (aged 22–64 years, 18 females) with no history of vascular disease. Global and regional cerebrovascular reactivities were assessed with a dual‐echo arterial spin labeling (ASL) 3.0 T MRI scan of the brain which measured the change in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and BOLD (blood oxygen level dependent) signal to inhalation of 5% carbon dioxide.

Results

When comparing patients with migraine to controls, cerebrovascular reactivity values were similar between the groups, including mean gray matter CBF‐based cerebrovascular reactivity (3.2 ± 0.9 vs 3.4 ± 1% ΔCBF/mmHg CO2; p = 0.527), mean gray matter BOLD‐based cerebrovascular reactivity (0.18 ± 0.04 vs 0.18 ± 0.04% ΔBOLD/mmHg CO2; p = 0.587), and mean white matter BOLD‐based cerebrovascular reactivity (0.08 ± 0.03 vs 0.08 ± 0.02% ΔBOLD/mmHg CO2; p = 0.621).There was no association of cerebrovascular reactivity with monthly migraine days or migraine disease duration (all analyses p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide seems to be preserved in patients with migraine without aura.
Cultivating active engagement in pair work through peer modelling
Authors: Rostami Darounkola Elham , Yaqubi Baqer , Khonamri Fatemeh
Published: March 2024

The present study reports on how peer modelling with collaborative ground rules may contribute to the pair dynamics of one intermediate‐level English L2 learner when interacting with peers of the same as well as higher proficiency levels. The study was one‐semester long (i.e., nine sessions) and our pair talk data were collected from an intact class where pair members were involved in performing narrative tasks. In this study, we focused on how one intermediate (i.e., core) learner as listener interacted in core‐intermediate and core‐advanced pairs in the opening talk of narrative tasks across sessions. Each session, adult Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) students narrated their short stories to three different interlocutors and also listened to three short stories of their classmates while recording their voices. On the fifth session, students viewed a staged peer modelling demonstration with built‐in collaborative ground rules. The peer modelling was intended to demonstrate to the learners how best to perform the task to their mutual benefit. We transcribed pair talk data from the focused pairs and analysed them for instances of changes in pair dynamics and quantity of collaborative features based on Storch's framework. The results indicated that both core‐intermediate and core‐advanced pairs demonstrated more collaborative pair dynamics after the peer modelling session; the core‐advanced pairs made greater improvement in terms of instances and number of collaborative features. Trends in our data support peer modelling as one effective pedagogical technique to raise learners’ awareness and to assist them in creating quality learning opportunities in their pair interaction. Our findings are discussed in terms of its implications for the integration of peer modelling in pair work tasks in language learning settings.
Alanine aminotransferase elevation varies by ethnicity among Asian and Pacific Islander children with overweight or obesity
Authors: Lee Catherine , Schwimmer Jeffrey B. , Gunderson Erica P. , Goyal Nidhi P. , Darbinian Jeanne A. , Greenspan Louise C. , Lo Joan C.
Published: March 2024

Background

Limited research on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) screening for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) among US Asian/Pacific Islander (PI) children necessitates investigation in this heterogeneous population.

Objective

Examine ALT elevation among Asian/PI children with overweight or obesity.

Methods

Elevated ALT prevalence (clinical threshold) and association with body mass index ≥85th percentile were compared among 18 402 Asian/PI and 25 376 non‐Hispanic White (NHW) children aged 9–17 years using logistic regression.

Results

ALT elevation was more prevalent among Asian/PI (vs. NHW) males with overweight (4.0% vs. 2.7%), moderate (7.8% vs. 5.3%) and severe obesity (16.6% vs. 11.5%), and females with moderate (5.1% vs. 3.0%) and severe obesity (10.2% vs. 5.2%). Adjusted odds of elevated ALT were 1.6‐fold and ~2‐fold higher for Asian/PI (vs. NHW) males and females (with obesity), respectively. Filipino, Chinese and Southeast Asian males had 1.7–2.1‐fold higher odds, but Native Hawaiian/PI (NHPI) and South Asian males did not significantly differ (vs. NHW). Filipina and Chinese females with obesity had >2‐fold higher odds, Southeast and South Asian females did not differ and NHPI findings were mixed (vs. NHW).

Conclusion

High elevated ALT prevalence among Asian/PI children with overweight and obesity emphasizes the need for MASLD risk assessment and examination of ethnic subgroups.
Silencing NlFAR7 destroyed the pore canals and related structures of the brown planthopper
Authors: Cui Yi‐Lin , Guo Jian‐Shen , Zhang Chuan‐Xi , Yu Xiao‐Ping , Li Dan‐Ting
Published: March 2024

Fatty acyl‐CoA reductase (FAR) is one of the key enzymes, which catalyses the conversion of fatty acyl‐CoA to the corresponding alcohols. Among the FAR family members in the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), NlFAR7 plays a pivotal role in both the synthesis of cuticular hydrocarbons and the waterproofing of the cuticle. However, the precise mechanism by which NlFAR7 influences the formation of the cuticle structure in N. lugens remains unclear. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the impact of NlFAR7 through RNA interference, transmission electron microscope, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) and lipidomics analysis. FIB‐SEM is employed to reconstruct the three‐dimensional (3D) architecture of the pore canals and related cuticle structures in N. lugens subjected to dsNlFAR7 and dsGFP treatments, enabling a comprehensive assessment of changes in the cuticle structures. The results reveal a reduction in the thickness of the cuticle and disruptions in the spiral structure of pore canals, accompanied by widened base and middle diameters. Furthermore, the lipidomics comparison analysis between dsNlFAR7‐ and dsGFP‐treated N. lugens demonstrated that there were 25 metabolites involved in cuticular lipid layer synthesis, including 7 triacylglycerols (TGs), 5 phosphatidylcholines (PCs), 3 phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) and 2 diacylglycerols (DGs) decreased, and 4 triacylglycerols (TGs) and 4 PEs increased. In conclusion, silencing NlFAR7 disrupts the synthesis of overall lipids and destroys the cuticular pore canals and related structures, thereby disrupting the secretion of cuticular lipids, thus affecting the cuticular waterproofing of N. lugens. These findings give significant attention with reference to further biochemical researches on the substrate specificity of FAR protein, and the molecular regulation mechanisms during N. lugens life cycle.
YouTube as a source of information for pressure injury: Quality assessment and content analysis
Authors: Bang Myeonghwan , Jang Chan Woong , Cho Han Eol , Kim Hyoung Seop
Published: March 2024

We aimed to assess the quality and reliability of pressure injury‐related videos uploaded on YouTube, analyse the sources and contents, and examine the correlation between video parameters. We searched YouTube using two keywords, “pressure ulcer” and “pressure sore”, on August 20, 2022. We sorted the videos according to their number of views and included the top 100 videos for each keyword. The quality of videos was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), while their reliability was evaluated by the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) tool. In addition, we evaluated the videos in which content was included, analysed the correlations and differences between GQS, mDISCERN, and video parameters. We initially found a total of 100 videos for each keyword and finally included and analysed 77 videos. The mean scores for the mDISCERN and GQS were 2.35 ± 0.98 and 3.09 ± 0.99, respectively. Both GQS and mDISCERN showed statistically significant correlations with each other (rho = 0.54, p < 0.0001*) and with the length of the videos, respectively (rho = 0.36, p = 0.001*), (rho = 0.29, p = 0.01*). Of the videos created by physicians, 8 (57.1%) included content related to treatment, while of the videos created by nonphysician health personnel, 22 (57.9%) included content related to prevention. Analysing whether there were differences in video parameters based on the sources, we observed significant differences between sources in GQS (p < 0.0001*), mDISCERN (p < 0.0001*), and video length (p = 0.001*). In the post‐hoc analysis, videos uploaded by physicians or nonphysician health personnel showed higher quality and reliability than videos uploaded by other sources. Therefore, the results of this study could be useful for healthcare providers, as well as patients and caregivers, to search for high‐quality and reliable YouTube videos related to pressure injury.
Efficacy and safety of 3D reconstruction and basket multi‐electrode renal denervation (RDN) for refractory hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Cai Han , Fang Zhoufei , Wu Xiangshu , Zhou Wei , Lin Jinxiu , Peng Feng , Su Jinzi
Published: March 2024

Renal Artery Sympathetic Denervation (RDN) can lower blood pressure. Different ablation catheters (single electrode, multi‐electrode) have different scopes of ablation (renal artery main stem and branches). Few studies have compared the advantages and disadvantages of different ablation catheters and different procedures in terms of antihypertensive efficacy. To compare the efficacy and safety of 3D reconstruction radiofrequency ablation (3DRA) and basket multi‐electrode radiofrequency ablation (BMRA) in Renal Artery Sympathetic Denervation. Fifty‐three patients with Refractory hypertension (RHT) were divided into BMRA, (n = 28) and 3DRA(n = 25). BMRA group used a stereobasket multi‐electrode ablation catheter with a controlled ablation temperature of 60°C and an ablation time of 120 s per site. 3DRA group used a NavStar pressure‐monitored perfusion monopolar ablation catheter with a controlled ablation temperature of 40°C, an ablation time of 40 s per site, and an ablation energy of 12 W. Baseline and RDN parameters and complications were compared in both groups. Home and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, type of anti‐hypertensive medication taken, and serum creatinine were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the RDN. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. (23.14 ± 2.00)months of follow‐up in the BMRA group resulted in a total of (25.86 ± 8.61) loci ablation. (19.28 ± 7.40)months of follow‐up in the 3DRA group resulted in a total of (21.04 ± 6.47)loci ablation. Home SBP was significantly lower in both groups at 1 month after RDN treatment compared to baseline(H‐SBP/mmHg: BMRA 149.9 ± 10.59 vs. baseline 168.36 ± 12.76; 3DRA 152.6 ± 14.91 vs. 164.89 ± 12.96, both p < .05). The proportion of people with 24 h ambulatory SBP attainment was significantly higher in both groups and was maintained for 24 months. At each follow‐up time point, there were no differences in home and 24‐h flow SBP, DBP, or Scr between the two groups. There were two cases of severe renal artery complications from implanted vascular stents and one case of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm in the 3DRA group. At follow‐up, 1 (1.9%) patient in the 3DRA group died of unexplained death and 1 (1.9%) patient developed heart failure, and 1 (1.9%) patient in the BMRA group died of unexplained death. Basket multi‐electrode radiofrequency ablation and 3D reconstruction radiofrequency ablation of the renal artery applied to RDN have comparable efficacy in reducing systolic blood pressure.
ATP2B1 gene polymorphisms associated with resistant hypertension in the Japanese population
Authors: Kobayashi Yusuke , Yatsu Keisuke , Haruna Aiko , Kawano Rina , Ozawa Moe , Haze Tatsuya , Komiya Shiro , Suzuki Shota , Ohki Yuki , Fujiwara Akira , Saka Sanae , Hirawa Nobuhito , Toya Yoshiyuki , Tamura Kouichi
Published: March 2024

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of ATP2B1 gene are associated with essential hypertension but their association with resistant hypertension (RHT) remains unexplored. The authors examined the relationship between ATP2B1 SNPs and RHT by genotyping 12 SNPs in ATP2B1 gene of 1124 Japanese individuals with lifestyle‐related diseases. Patients with RHT had inadequate blood pressure (BP) control using three antihypertensive drugs or used ≥4 antihypertensive drugs. Patients with controlled hypertension had BP controlled using ≤3 antihypertensive drugs. The association between each SNP and RHT was analyzed by logistic regression. The final cohort had 888 (79.0%) and 43 (3.8%) patients with controlled hypertension and RHT, respectively. Compared with patients homozygous for the minor allele of each SNP in ATP2B1, a significantly higher number of patients carrying the major allele at 10 SNPs exhibited RHT (most significant at rs1401982: 5.8% vs. 0.8%, p = .014; least significant at rs11105378: 5.7% vs. 0.9%, p = .035; most nonsignificant at rs12817819: 5.1% vs. 10%, p = .413). After multivariate adjustment for age, sex, systolic BP, and other confounders, the association remained significant for rs2681472 and rs1401982 (OR: 7.60, p < .05 and OR: 7.62, p = .049, respectively). Additionally, rs2681472 and rs1401982 were in linkage disequilibrium with rs11105378. This study identified two ATP2B1 SNPs associated with RHT in the Japanese population. rs1401982 was most closely associated with RHT, and major allele carriers of rs1401982 required significantly more antihypertensive medications. Analysis of ATP2B1 SNPs in patients with hypertension can help in early prediction of RHT and identification of high‐risk patients who are more likely to require more antihypertensive medications.
Urinary protein and coagulation‐fibrinolysis indicators in preeclampsia: Expression and significance
Authors: Chen Zhen , Fang Fang , Yu Xiaoqian
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the expression and significance of urinary protein and coagulation‐fibrinolysis indicators in preeclampsia, categorized into mild preeclampsia (109 cases) and severe preeclampsia (97 cases) based on disease severity. Additionally, 110 patients with gestational hypertension (gestational hypertension group) were included for comparative analysis. General information, laboratory indicators, urinary protein, and coagulation‐fibrinolysis indicator levels were collected for each group. Significant differences were observed in blood pressure among groups (P < .05), while uric acid, serum creatinine, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and triglycerides showed no significant differences (P > .05). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low‐density Lipoprotein levels in severe preeclampsia were higher than those in mild preeclampsia and gestational hypertension groups, whereas high‐density lipoprotein, albumin, and platelet levels were lower in severe preeclampsia. No significant differences were observed in prothrombin time or D‐dimer levels among groups (P > .05). Urinary protein, urinary protein quantification, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and fibrinogen were identified as influencing factors for adverse maternal and infant outcomes in severe preeclampsia patients. The study concludes that urinary protein and coagulation‐fibrinolysis indicators are elevated in preeclampsia, particularly in severe preeclampsia cases, suggesting their potential use as diagnostic influencing factors for severe preeclampsia.
STRN3 promotes tumour growth in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting the hippo pathway
Authors: Zhu Jie , Tang Wenjia , Fang Peiqi , Wang Chong , Gu Meixiu , Yang Wenjing , Pan Baishen , Wang Beili , Guo Wei
Published: March 2024

HCC is a globally high‐incidence malignant tumour, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. Recently, STRN3 has been found to be elevated in various tumours, but its expression and biological functions in HCC have not been studied. In the study, clinical correlation analysis was performed on 371 liver cancer patients from TCGA database and liver cancer tissues and normal tissues from the GEO database. qRT‐PCR and western blotting were used to detect relevant proteins in cells, and CCK8 and colony formation experiments were performed to analyse cell proliferation ability. Transwell and wound healing experiments were performed to detect cell invasion ability, and flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. Single‐cell sequencing data and multiple immunofluorescence were analysed for the expression abundance and distribution of certain proteins. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of STRN3 in patients' tumour and adjacent non‐cancerous tissues. The results indicated STRN3 was highly expressed in liver tumour tissues and was closely associated with poor prognosis. Knockdown of STRN3 could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration ability. At the same time, we found that STRN3 could inhibit the Hippo pathway and promote the entry of YAP protein into the nucleus. Our study first found that STRN3 could promote tumour growth by inhibiting the Hippo pathway. The study of STRN3 can promote the understanding and treatment of the occurrence and development of HCC.
Identification of key regulatory molecules in the early development stage of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Huang Bin , Ou Guan‐yong , Zhang Ni
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, the incidence of which increases with age, and the pathological changes in the brain are irreversible. Recent studies have highlighted the essential role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in AD by acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). Our aim was to construct lncRNA‐associated ceRNA regulatory networks composed of potential biomarkers for the early stage of AD. AD related datasets come from AlzData and GEO databases. The R package ‘Limma’ identifies differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases for functional enrichment analysis. Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) in DEGs were constructed in the STRING database, and Cytoscape software identified DEGs. Convergent functional genomics (CFG) analysis of differentially expressed hub genes (referred to as early‐DEGs) in the brain before the development of AD pathology. The AlzData database analyses the expression levels of early‐DEGs in different nerve cells. The lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA regulatory network was established according to the ceRNA hypothesis. We identified four lncRNAs (XIST, NEAT1, KCNQ1OT1 and HCG18) and four miRNAs (hsa‐let‐7c‐5p, hsa‐miR‐107, hsa‐miR‐129‐2‐3p and hsa‐miR‐214‐3p) were preliminarily identified as potential biomarkers for early AD, competitively regulating Atp6v0b, Atp6v1e1 Atp6v1f and Syt1. This study indicates that NEAT1, XIST, HCG18 and KCNQ1OT1 act as ceRNAs in competitive binding with miRNAs to regulate the expression of Atp6v0b, Atp6v1e1, Atp6v1f and Syt1 before the occurrence of pathological changes in AD.
Identification of crosstalk genes relating to ECM‐receptor interaction genes in MASH and DN using bioinformatics and machine learning
Authors: Chen Chao , He Yuxi , Ni Ying , Tang Zhanming , Zhang Wensheng
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to identify genes shared by metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MASH) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction genes on them. Datasets with MASH and DN were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Pearson's coefficients assessed the correlation between ECM‐receptor interaction genes and cross talk genes. The coexpression network of co‐expression pairs (CP) genes was integrated with its protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, and machine learning was employed to identify essential disease‐representing genes. Finally, immuno‐penetration analysis was performed on the MASH and DN gene datasets using the CIBERSORT algorithm to evaluate the plausibility of these genes in diseases. We found 19 key CP genes. Fos proto‐oncogene (FOS), belonging to the IL‐17 signalling pathway, showed greater centrality PPI network; Hyaluronan Mediated Motility Receptor (HMMR), belonging to ECM‐receptor interaction genes, showed most critical in the co‐expression network map of 19 CP genes; Forkhead Box C1 (FOXC1), like FOS, showed a high ability to predict disease in XGBoost analysis. Further immune infiltration showed a clear positive correlation between FOS/FOXC1 and mast cells that secrete IL‐17 during inflammation. Combining the results of previous studies, we suggest a FOS/FOXC1/HMMR regulatory axis in MASH and DN may be associated with mast cells in the acting IL‐17 signalling pathway. Extracellular HMMR may regulate the IL‐17 pathway represented by FOS through the Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase 1 (ERK) or PI3K‐Akt–mTOR pathway. HMMR may serve as a signalling carrier between MASH and DN and could be targeted for therapeutic development.
Modification effect of receipt of diabetes care on the association between COVID‐19 infection and HbA1c level during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic using a nationwide population‐based database
Authors: Okada Akira , Yamaguchi Satoko , Ono Sachiko , Kurakawa Kayo Ikeda , Yasunaga Hideo , Nangaku Masaomi , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: March 2024

Aims/Introduction

We assessed the modification effect of adherence to diabetes care on the association between HbA1c levels and the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) among individuals with diabetes using a population‐based database.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively identified individuals with diabetes during routine health checkups performed in 2019 in Japan using a population‐based claims database (JMDC, Tokyo, Japan). We assessed the risk of COVID‐19 infection in 2020 in relation to HbA1c levels during routine checkups, stratified by the presence/absence of follow‐up for diabetes care in 2019. Several sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

We identified 65,956 individuals with an HbA1c ≥6.5% and fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL in routine checkups, including 52,637 and 13,319 with and without at least one physician consultation for diabetes care in 2019, respectively. Although high HbA1c levels were associated with an increased risk of COVID‐19 infection in a dose‐dependent manner among individuals without diabetes care in 2019 (odds ratios, 1.53 and 2.17 in individuals with HbA1c of 7.0–7.9% and ≥8.0%, respectively) with a reference to HbA1c of 6.5–6.9%, individuals with diabetes care had no such trend in 2019 (odds ratios, 0.99 and 0.97 among individuals with HbA1c of 7.0–7.9% and ≥8.0%, respectively). Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results when the variable definitions were changed and after multivariable adjustment with multiple imputation.

Conclusions

This population‐based study suggests that adherence to diabetes care may modify the association between HbA1c levels and the risk of COVID‐19 infection.
Research on the upgrade and maintenance method of apple soluble solids content models
Authors: He Cong , Jiang Xiaogang , Liu Yande
Published: March 2024

In this paper, 3 years (2020, 2021, and 2022) of Bingtangxin apples were used to study the upgrade and maintenance method of apple soluble solids content (SSC) model using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Modeling by partial least squares (PLS) and one‐dimensional convolutional neural network (1D‐CNN) algorithm. The “base model” is built with apples in 2020 and then upgrade and maintain it. The upgraded model is used to predict the sample in 2021 and 2022. Three methods were used to upgrade and maintenance the model, which are based on updated data, direct correction‐based method, and similar band‐based method. Among the three upgrade methods, the model maintenance method using updated data had the greatest improvement in prediction correlation coefficients (Rp) in both years, and both obtained good predictions. The use of direct correction resulted in the greatest reduction in the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) in both years. However, the Rp of the model is not improved much by using the direct correction method. The model maintenance method using similar bands combined with different modeling methods also gives good prediction results. Finally, after comparison, the model maintenance method of selecting similar bands is preferred. In the case of limited improvement in the effect of using the similar band method, the model is maintained using the method of adding updated data. The investigation of model upgrade and maintenance methods can reduce human and material consumption and make apple SSC models more versatile.

Practical applications

NIR technology is the first choice for online fruit quality inspection, but its inspection process requires constant upgrading and maintenance with models. The quality of apples varies from year to year, and the model built with samples from a single year does not work well in predicting samples from other years, resulting in the need to upgrade and maintain the fruit quality detection model. However, sometimes, although a large amount of experimental material is lost, it still results in a generic calibration model that is too cumbersome and leads to poor prediction results. At this time, finding an effective model upgrade and maintenance method can both reduce the sample consumption and make the model prediction accuracy improve, and also reduce the model complexity and make the maintained model more robust.