bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between diabetic peripheral neuropathy and sarcopenia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wannarong Thapat , Sukpornchairak Persen , Naweera Weerakit , Geiger Christopher D. , Ungprasert Patompong
Published: August 2022

Aim

The present study comprehensively investigated the relationship between diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and sarcopenia by identifying all eligible studies and summarizing their results.

Methods

Records were identified through MEDLINE and EMBASE database searching from inception to March 9, 2022. We included all cross‐sectional studies investigating the association between DPN and sarcopenia among patients with diabetes. Data from eligible studies, including point estimates and standard errors, were pooled together using the generic inverse variance method.

Results

Of 2989 retrieved articles, five studies met the inclusion criteria and were allowed for meta‐analysis. The pooled analysis found a significant association between DPN and sarcopenia with the pooled odds ratio of 1.62 (95% confidence interval: 1.30–2.02; I2 0%). The funnel plot was relatively symmetric and was not suggestive of the presence of publication bias.

Conclusions

The current study discovered a significant association between DPN and sarcopenia in patients with diabetes. However, given summarized data from cross‐sectional studies, the temporality between DPN and sarcopenia could not be established. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 785–789.
Understanding of the residual odour of fatty esters used as emollient in cosmetic products
Authors: Jaricot Marie , Malhiac Catherine , Chao Christina , Merlaud Fabien , Grisel Michel , Savary Géraldine
Published: August 2022

Objective

Fatty esters are known for their versatility, but in addition to their performance as emollients, emulsifiers, solubilizers, or dispersing agents, they have to meet more and more criteria to be used in cosmetic products. Thus, their olfactory characteristics are expected to be as neutral as possible. However, despite a step of deodorization during the synthesis of fatty esters, a residual odour is currently still perceived at the end of the process.

Methods

In this study, a specific analytical methodology combining sensory with chemical analyses was implemented to characterize the residual odour of two fatty esters and to determine its origin. Ethyl oleate and isononyl isononanoate were selected and underwent a sensory analysis to evaluate their odour intensity and odour profile. Volatile compounds released by these esters were assessed by GC–MS after solid‐phase microextraction and among them, odouractive compounds were brought into light using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and olfactometry analyses.

Results

On the isononyl isononanoate chromatogram, only peaks corresponding to the different isomeric ester forms were evidenced while around 70 volatile compounds were detected in the ethyl oleate headspace, including esters, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, and ketones. Isononyl alcohol used as raw material in the synthesis was proven to be responsible for isononyl isononanoate final odour. As for ethyl oleate, of the 23 odour‐active compounds perceived, 14 have been identified; they are mainly esters and saturated as well as unsaturated aldehydes.

Conclusion

A novel measurement approach was presented to analyse trace odours of fatty esters and the results will be useful to control their deodorization by targeting appropriate strategies with the aim to either avoid the formation or remove the identified odorant compounds. This study may be further expanded by investigating the impact of deodorization on odour‐active compounds for a complete understanding of their contribution to the fatty ester global odour.
Large‐scale preparation of nano‐sized carbides and metal whiskers via mechanochemical decomposition of MAX phases
Authors: Tian Zhihua , Xu Xueqin , Tang Jingwen , Zhang Qianqian , Wu Fushuo , Zhang Peigen , Liu Jian , Sun ZhengMing
Published: August 2022

Nano‐sized transition metal carbide powder is usually synthesized by chemical methods such as chemical vapor deposition, while its large‐scale synthesis is a long‐standing challenge due to high energy consumption and low yield; metal nanowires (NWs) (mainly noble metals) are usually prepared by wet chemistry, and more compositions and greener preparation routes for metal NWs are urgent to meet the needs of the high technology industry. Herein, MAX phases are mechanochemically decomposed, resulting in the fine corresponding binary M‐X carbides and the A‐site metal whiskers. This implies a feasible top‐down route for efficiently preparing fine carbides and high‐quality metal whiskers on large scale. Several example MAX phases (both 312 and 211) are selected to demonstrate the feasibility of this method. The carbides and metal whiskers are characterized by X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to identify their morphology, composition, and phase. The compositional diversity of MAX phases bodes that this would be a promising alternative avenue to preparing various nano‐sized carbides and single‐crystal metal whiskers.
Responses to ambivalence toward social networking sites: A typological perspective
Authors: Turel Ofir , Qahri‐Saremi Hamed
Published: August 2022

A common assumption in prior research on social networking sites (SNS) has been that users' orientations toward SNS use are positioned somewhere along a bipolar, univalent continuum, stretching from negative to positive orientation. However, considering recent findings unfolding the intricacy and variety of SNS use patterns, such a linear conceptualization of users' orientations is too simplistic with limited ability to explain the intricate patterns of SNS use. To alleviate this deficiency in this paper, we draw on the ambivalence literature and explain that users can simultaneously experience both positive and negative orientations toward SNS use based on the positive and negative aspects of their SNS use experience. Focusing on post‐ adoptive SNS use context, we theorise archetypes of SNS users' attitudinal responses to ambivalence, and their associated behavioural outcomes in terms of SNS use patterns. We first follow a typological perspective and develop typologies of attitudinal and behavioural responses to ambivalence toward SNS use. Then, we offer six hypotheses that explain the relations between the archetypes of attitudinal responses to ambivalence toward SNS use and users' SNS use patterns. Lastly, we empirically test our hypotheses using latent profile analysis and ANCOVA applied to two‐wave data collected from 370 ambivalent SNS users. The findings support the hypotheses and validate our typologies. The findings ultimately point to likely choices from a range of post‐adoption SNS use patterns as plausible outcomes of SNS users' attitudinal responses to ambivalence.
Coordinating harvest planning and scheduling in an agricultural supply chain through a stochastic bilevel programming
Authors: Albornoz Víctor M. , Vera Patricio I.
Published: August 2022

This paper addresses a selective harvest planning problem in the context of a hierarchical agricultural supply chain, which integrates the definition of management zones for harvest planning, and the coordination between the producer and the wholesaler. The problem is represented through a stochastic bilevel program that allows the representation of the hierarchy between the producer (leader) and a wholesaler (follower). The producer decides planning and scheduling of the selective harvest for each homogeneous management zone into the resulting partition, and the wholesaler decides the amount to be acquired to satisfy demand requirements. At each decision level, a stochastic optimization model is proposed for representing the uncertainty in future crop yields, prices, and demands, using a finite set of scenarios. A reformulation of the bilevel model into a mixed‐integer linear program is provided using Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions and replacing the nonlinear complementary constraints allowing for the introduction of auxiliary binary variables and a big‐Mterm. This model was applied in a case study for selective harvesting of grapes with data collected from a farm located in the south central zone of Chile. Our research shows valuable results of the proposed methodology from a set of instances representing the behavior of both decision makers under uncertainty.
Parallel optimization over the integer efficient set
Authors: Younes Djellouli , Sarah Hamadou , Djamal Chaabane
Published: August 2022

This paper introduces a modified sequential version method for optimizing a linear function over an integer efficient set, as well as a new exact parallel algorithm. The performance of parallel programming in this context is clear and shown through different instances with different sizes. Each procedure builds a finite monotonous sequence of values for the main criterion to be optimized, in a reasonable amount of CPU execution time. This latter remains much better. For the first time, the Algerian IBNBADIS cluster—CERIST—was used with this type of problem. Significant results are obtained by both proposed techniques, particularly with the parallel one.
Tailoring critical Al concentration to form external Al2O3 scale on Ni–Al alloys by computational approach
Authors: Ross Austin , Shang Shun‐Li , Fang Huazhi , Lindwall Greta , Liu Xuan L. , Zhao Wei , Gleeson Brian , Gao Michael C. , Liu Zi‐Kui
Published: August 2022

Nickel (Ni)‐based superalloys for high‐temperature applications are often designed to form a continuous and slow‐growing oxide scale by adding Al and Cr and other beneficial elements. In the present work, the critical Al concentration in Ni–Al alloys needed to establish an α‐Al2O3 scale in contrast to internal oxide formation is predicted as a function of temperature by means of the CALPHAD approach coupled with models in the literature, which account for the thermodynamics and kinetics of oxidation. The present thermodynamic remodeling of the Ni–O system results in a better agreement with experimental data of oxygen solubility in Ni at high temperatures. The oxygen solubility is combined with kinetic parameters to determine oxygen permeability in Ni, and the critical Al concentration needed to establish an α‐Al2O3 scale at a given exposure temperature. Good agreement is found with available experimental data for both oxygen permeability and critical Al concentration, indicating the capacity of the CALPHAD approach to tailor oxidation resistance for materials of interest using thermodynamic and kinetic knowledge.
Preparation of liquid polycarbosilane containing vinyl ether group and its rapid curing through thiol‐ene click reaction
Authors: Wang Yuanjie , Gong Jian , Pei Xueliang , He Liu , Huang Zhengren , Huang Qing
Published: August 2022

In this study, an SiC ceramic precursor vinyl ether–grafted liquid polycarbosilane (VE–LHBPCS) with approximate formulas of [SiH1.95(OCH2CH2OCH = CH2)0.05CH2]n was designed and synthesized. In order to cross‐link the ceramic precursor via fast thiol‐ene click reaction. The VE–LHBPCS was mixed with 1‐wt% ultraviolet (UV) decomposable free radical initiator BAPOs and 7‐wt% bis‐thiol compound 1,6‐hexanedithiol. According to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectroscopy and photolithography experiment, more than 80% vinyl ether group was consumed within 3 s, and photolithography pattern with clear boundary could be formed after UV irradiation for only 1 s. Even for the VE–LHBPCS mixture with a thickness of 4 mm, 20‐s UV irradiation was sufficient to cure it with smooth surface and regular edge. Thermal gravimetric analysis demonstrated that the UV‐cured VE–LHBPCS mixture had a ceramic yield of 70.0 wt% at 1000°C, which was 20 wt% higher than that of raw LHBPCS. After pyrolysis up to 1000°C, about 29.5% isotropic linear shrinkage associated with the precursor‐to‐ceramic conversion was observed, and black dense ceramic with a density of 2.49 ± 0.09 g/cm3 and a chemical formula of SiC1.01O0.18S0.04 was obtained. With increasing the pyrolysis temperature, the content of element S decreased and the diffraction peaks of β‐SiC became sharper and stronger.
The SlTPL3–SlWUS module regulates multi‐locule formation in tomato by modulating auxin and gibberellin levels in the shoot apical meristem
Authors: Song Shiwei , Huang Binbin , Pan Zanlin , Zhong Qiuxiang , Yang Yinghua , Chen Da , Zhu Lisha , Hu Guojian , He Mi , Wu Caiyu , Zouine Mohammed , Chen Riyuan , Bouzayen Mondher , Hao Yanwei
Published: August 2022

Malformed fruits depreciate a plant's market value. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), fruit malformation is associated with the multi‐locule trait, which involves genes regulating shoot apical meristem (SAM) development. The expression pattern of TOPLESS3 (SlTPL3) throughout SAM development prompted us to investigate its functional significance via RNA interference (RNAi) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated nuclease 9 (Cas9)‐mediated gene editing. Lower SlTPL3 transcript levels resulted in larger fruits with more locules and larger SAMs at the 5 d after germination (DAG5) stage. Differentially expressed genes in the SAM of wild‐type (WT) and SlTPL3‐RNAi plants, identified by transcriptome deep sequencing (RNA‐seq), were enriched in the gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis and plant hormone signaling pathways. Moreover, exogenous auxin and paclobutrazol treatments rescued the multi‐locule phenotype, indicating that SlTPL3 affects SAM size by mediating auxin and GA levels in the SAM. Furthermore, SlTPL3 interacted with WUSCHEL (SlWUS), which plays an important role in SAM size maintenance. We conducted RNA‐seq and DNA affinity purification followed by sequencing (DAP‐seq) analyses to identify the genes regulated by SlTPL3 and SlWUS in the SAM and to determine how they regulate SAM size. We detected 24 overlapping genes regulated by SlTPL3 and SlWUS and harboring an SlWUS‐binding motif in their promoters. Furthermore, functional annotation revealed a notable enrichment for functions in auxin transport, auxin signal transduction, and GA biosynthesis. Dual‐luciferase assays also revealed that SlTPL3 enhances SlWUS‐mediated regulation (repression and activation) of SlPIN3 and SlGA2ox4 transcription, indicating that the SlTPL3–SlWUS module regulates SAM size by mediating auxin distribution and GA levels, and perturbations of this module result in enlarged SAM. These results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of SAM maintenance and locule formation in tomato and highlight the SlTPL3–SlWUS module as a key regulator.
Quantitative proteomics reveals redox‐based functional regulation of photosynthesis under fluctuating light in plants
Authors: Chen Qi , Xiao Yixian , Ming Yu , Peng Rong , Hu Jiliang , Wang Hong‐Bin , Jin Hong‐Lei
Published: August 2022

Photosynthesis involves a series of redox reactions and is the major source of reactive oxygen species in plant cells. Fluctuating light (FL) levels, which occur commonly in natural environments, affect photosynthesis; however, little is known about the specific effects of FL on the redox regulation of photosynthesis. Here, we performed global quantitative mapping of the Arabidopsis thaliana cysteine thiol redox proteome under constant light and FL conditions. We identified 8857 redox‐switched thiols in 4350 proteins, and 1501 proteins that are differentially modified depending on light conditions. Notably, proteins related to photosynthesis, especially photosystem I (PSI), are operational thiol‐switching hotspots. Exposure of wild‐type A. thaliana to FL resulted in decreased PSI abundance, stability, and activity. Interestingly, in response to PSI photodamage, more of the PSI assembly factor PSA3 dynamically switches to the reduced state. Furthermore, the Cys199 and Cys200 sites in PSA3 are necessary for its full function. Moreover, thioredoxin m (Trx m) proteins play roles in redox switching of PSA3, and are required for PSI activity and photosynthesis. This study thus reveals a mechanism for redox‐based regulation of PSI under FL, and provides insight into the dynamic acclimation of photosynthesis in a changing environment.
What's Whiteness Got to do With it?
Authors: Seaton Eleanor K.
Published: August 2022

Racism is as ubiquitous as the air we breathe and the water we drink. This special section highlights burgeoning research examining White youth’s development in a racist society. This research is urgent given the current political context in the United States. Although promising, developmental science needs to catch up with the groundbreaking research being conducted on Whiteness in other disciplines. Developmental science requires a conceptual reset with the utilization of theories that center racism in youth development acknowledging the privileged status of Whiteness. Developmental science should acknowledge that racism is a universal influence for all youth’s development, including White youth.
A Resistance Framework for Racially Minoritized Youth Behaviors During the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Bounds Dawn T. , Posey Patricia D.
Published: August 2022

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a challenging time marked by rapid changes in relational connections, housing status, and academic or work trajectories. We emphasize how structural inequality shapes racially minoritized youth behaviors and center the potential for resistance, arguing that a resistance lens allows us to deepen our understanding of the transition to adulthood for racially minoritized youth. Throughout the paper, we include research on how racially minoritized youth experience marginalizing institutional structures concurrently across multiple systems and their resulting behaviors. We end with the clinical and research implications of a resistance framework to illuminate resistance‐informed responses such as rethinking risk and creating spaces for youth‐led self‐making, youth–adult partnerships to scaffold transitions, and cultivating youth activism.
Confronting Whiteness in Developmental Science: Disrupting the Intergenerational Transmission of White Racism
Authors: Spanierman Lisa B.
Published: August 2022

This special section situates White racial socialization (WRS) in its rightful place—in the context of White supremacy. The first article offers a conceptual framework to guide research on White adolescents’ racial identity development in this context. The second employs a critical ethnographic approach to explore White racial identity development among incarcerated White adolescents. Additional studies use qualitative, observational, and mixed methods to understand WRS practices in White families. The final article presents a conceptual model of digital WRS. Authors provide recommendations for future research, such as engaging in critical researcher self‐reflexivity and focusing on content of racial socialization messages. Two commentaries highlight cross‐cutting themes and urge developmental scientists to view this special section as a call to action.
Effects of dietary supplementation with microbial phytase on the growth, bone minerals, antioxidant status, innate immunity and disease resistance of African catfish fed on high soybean meal‐based diets
Authors: Adeshina Ibrahim , Akpoilih Benjamin U. , Tiamiyu Lateef O. , Badmos Abdulhameed A. , Emikpe Benjamin O. , Abdel‐Tawwab Mohsen
Published: August 2022

The microbial phytase, derived from Buttiauxella gaviniae, Yersinia mollarettiv and Hafnia spp., is proven to be safe for avian and porcine feeding and promotes their overall growth performance. Here, we have evaluated microbial phytase's effects on the growth, bone mineral content, antioxidant status, immune responses and the resistance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed with high soybean meal‐based diets against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Five isonitrogenous diets (40% protein) were supplemented with different levels of microbial phytase ranging from 0 as a control to 250, 500, 750 and 1000 FTU/kg diet. African catfish (n = 300; 8.5 ± 0.3 g) were allocated in 15 50‐L tanks (in triplicates) and were fed on the prepared tested diets for 12 weeks. After the end of the feeding period of 12 weeks, 10 fish from each replicate was intraperitoneally infected with A. hydrophila (0.5 × 105 CFU/ml) and monitored for 14 days. Dietary phytase levels linearly and quadratically improved the growth performance of African catfish and stimulated feed intake. Bone levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc were also positively modulated in phytase‐fed fish, especially at 750–1000 FTU/kg diet. Similarly, counts of red and white blood cells as well as haemoglobin, packed cells volume, platelets, lymphocytes and heterocytes were significantly modulated in all fish fed with phytase‐supplemented diets. Higher levels of serum total protein, albumin and globulin were also observed in fish fed with a 750–1000 FTU/kg diet of phytase. Conversely, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities were lower in fish fed with a 750–1000 FTU/kg diet of phytase, compared to those fed the control diet. Moreover, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase), reduced glutathione levels and immune responses (lysozyme, respiratory burst, protease and alkaline phosphatase activities) biomarkers were linearly and quadratically elevated, while malondialdehyde values were linearly and quadratically decreased in fish groups fed with phytase‐based diets. After administering A. hydrophila, 60.0% of the fish fed the control diet perished, while no mortalities were observed in fish fed with 750–1000 FTU/kg diets. Taken together, the current study reveals that dietary phytase could improve the growth performance, blood profile, bone mineralization, antioxidant activities, immunity and overall protection of African catfish against A. hydrophila infection. Dietary phytase may be efficiently used in the feeding of African catfish to enhance their overall performance and mitigate health conditions with optimum level of 900 FTU/kg diet.
Explaining behavioral health differences in urban and rural sexual minority adolescents
Authors: Goldbach Jeremy T. , Parra Luis A. , O'Brien Rory P. , Rhoades Harmony , Schrager Sheree M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Experiences of sexuality‐based discrimination (ie, minority stressors) against youth who identify as nonheterosexual (ie, sexual minority) have been associated with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for sexual minority adolescents (SMA; ages 14‐17). However, little is known about the experiences of SMA living in rural communities across the United States. Thus, the present study sought to examine differences in mental health patterns between urban and rural dwelling SMA, and to see whether these differences are, at least in part, explained by experiences of lifetime minority stress.

Methods

A nationwide sample of SMA residing in the United States (N = 2,558; aged 14‐17, M = 15.90 years, SD = 0.98) was recruited through purposive social media and respondent‐driven sampling methods to complete a cross‐sectional survey online. Measures included those of minority stress, urbanicity, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Parallel multiple mediation (PMM) analysis was employed to test whether urbanicity was associated with anxiety, depressive, and PTSD symptoms through reported lifetime minority stress.

Findings

On average, SMA living in rural areas significantly reported more lifetime minority stress, depressive, and PTSD symptoms than SMA living in urban settings. Results from our PMM analysis indicated that heightened experiences of lifetime minority stress indirectly linked the effects of living in rural areas on anxiety (b = –0.288, 95% CI = [–0.491, –0.085]), depressive (b = –0.158, 95% CI = [–0.270, –0.047), and PTSD symptoms PTSD (b = –0.349, 95% CI = [–0.596, –0.105]). The model accounted for 16.8%, 18%, and 24.1% of the variability in anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and PTSD symptoms, respectively.

Conclusions

SMA in our study who reside in rural areas reported elevated minority stress, depressive, and PTSD symptoms as compared to their urban dwelling peers. Our study found that lifetime experiences of minority stress fully mediated the relationship between urbanicity and both depressive and PTSD symptoms, and partially mediated the relationship between urbanicity and anxiety. These findings highlight the need to increase support for rural youth who are growing into adulthood and may find continuing challenges in their family, peer, and community relationships.
A 50‐step walking test for analysis of recovery after decompressive surgery for thoracolumbar disc herniation in dogs
Authors: Rosen Suzanne , Grzegorzewski Jessica Lynn , Heath Stephanie , Schocke Cynthia , Jeffery Nicholas
Published: August 2022

Background

Despite its importance, there is no agreed definition of recovery of ambulation in dogs with spinal cord injury.

Objectives

To validate a new walking test in dogs recovering from thoracolumbar spinal cord injury.

Animals

Two hundred twenty‐four dogs weighing <20 kg: 120 normally ambulatory dogs, plus 104 dogs undergoing decompressive surgery for acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation.

Methods

Prospective cohort studies. The distance each freely‐ambulatory dog walked during 50 step cycles was regressed on ulna length. For each postsurgical dog, we recorded when the calculated 50‐step distance was completed without falling, or their inability to complete this distance by 4 months or more after surgery. Bayesian analysis compared outcomes for presurgical neurologic categories; association of recovery with several preoperative variables was explored using logistic and time‐to‐event regression.

Results

For control dogs, 50‐step distance (m) = 1.384 × ulnar length (cm) + 2.773. In postsurgical dogs, the 50‐step test provided decisive evidence that deep pain‐negative dogs were less likely to recover ambulation than dogs with intact pain perception (12/29 recovered vs 71/75; Bayes factor [BF] = 5.9 × 106) and, if they did recover, it took much longer (median 91 days vs median 14 days; BF = 1.5 × 103). Exploratory analysis suggested that presurgical neurologic status (subhazard ratio [SHR] = 0.022; P < .001) and duration of presurgical anesthesia (SHR = 0.740; P = .04) were associated with rapidity of recovery.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This straightforward 50‐step walking test provides robust data on ambulatory recovery well‐suited to large scale pragmatic trials on treatment of thoracolumbar spinal cord injury in dogs.
A detailed record of early solar system melting in the carbonaceous achondrites Northwest Africa 7680 and 6962
Authors: Hyde Brendt C. , Moser Desmond E. , Tait Kimberly T. , Darling James R. , Yin Qing‐Zhu , Sanborn Matthew E. , Banerjee Neil R. , Ali Arshad , Jabeen Iffat , Moreira Hugo
Published: August 2022

Detailed textural and geochemical analyses of the carbonaceous achondrites Northwest Africa (NWA) 7680 and NWA 6962 support a rapid progression of thermal events, by similar processes, on the same parent body. The achondrites have olivine compositions of Fa44.8 and Fa47.4 for NWA 7680 and NWA 6962, respectively. Replicate oxygen isotope analyses of grains and bulk powders from NWA 7680 yielded average Δ17O values of −1.04 ± 0.03‰ and −1.00 ± 0.05‰, respectively, which is identical to that reported for NWA 6962. The whole rock ɛ54Cr compositions are also equivalent for NWA 7680 and NWA 6962 (1.36 ± 0.05 and 1.30 ± 0.05, respectively). Both meteorites are plagioclase‐rich, and NWA 7680 is also Fe‐metal‐rich, suggesting they both formed via differentiation processes that resulted in the pooling of partial melt products. Major element geochemical trends show that both rocks could be formed through the melting of chondritic material on a CR chondrite‐like parent body. This is consistent with oxygen isotope and chromium isotope compositions. Intrusion of a late‐stage melt is evident in both meteorites and the crystallization products include silica‐rich, alkali‐deficient nepheline. The late‐stage liquid has partially melted and mixed with primary plagioclase in NWA 6962. In contrast, the late‐stage liquid was often restricted to grain boundaries in NWA 7680, leaving some of the primary plagioclase crystals intact. In situ dating of NWA 7680 phosphate minerals (merrillite and fluorapatite) reveals that it has not experienced long duration thermal metamorphism, or impact‐related Pb loss and age resetting since 4578 ± 17 Ma (207Pb/206Pb age ± 2σ, within error of solar system age). Phosphates associated with the late‐stage melt in NWA 6962 yield a 207Pb/206Pb age of 4556.6 ± 8.0 Ma (2σ) within 2σ of the NWA 7680 age. These early dates indicate that the observed chromium isotope signatures in these meteorites were not introduced by a later high‐temperature event, such as late impact accretion processes. These data are consistent with a rapid separation of inner and outer solar system chemical reservoirs, planetesimal melting, differentiation, and cooling, all within several million years of calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusion formation.
Autophagic vacuolar myopathy involving the phenotype of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3
Authors: Li Jingjing , Peng Yun , Tang Jincai , Li Menghua , Zhu Min , Zhou Meihong , Fang Pu , Hong Daojun
Published: August 2022

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a form of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia with a wide range of clinical manifestations, including ataxia and pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs. A few SCA3 patients have been noticed to be predisposed to the development of inclusion body myositis. It is still unknown whether muscle can be primarily involved in the pathogenesis of SCA3. This study reported an SCA3 family in which the index patient initially presented with parkinsonism, sensory ataxia, and distal myopathy but the absence of cerebellar and pyramidal symptoms. The clinical and electrophysiological studies implied a possible combination of distal myopathy and sensory–motor neuropathy or neuronopathy. MRI muscle showed selective fat infiltration and absence of denervated edema‐like changes, indicating the distal muscle weakness had a myopathic origin. Muscle pathology showed the myopathic involvement, besides neurogenic involvement, characterized by chronic myopathic changes with multiple autophagic vacuoles. Genetic screening revealed expanded CAG of 61 repeats in the ATXN3 gene, which showed co‐segregation in the family. Besides the neurogenic origin, the myopathic origin may be partly attributed to the limb weakness of SCA3 patients, which expands the spectrum of the clinical manifestation of SCA3.
Automated Magnetic Resonance Image Segmentation of Spinal Structures at the L4‐5 Level with Deep Learning: 3D Reconstruction of Lumbar Intervertebral Foramen
Authors: Chen Tao , Su Zhi‐hai , Liu Zheng , Wang Min , Cui Zhi‐fei , Zhao Lei , Yang Lian‐jun , Zhang Wei‐cong , Liu Xiang , Liu Jin , Tan Shu‐yuan , Li Shao‐lin , Feng Qian‐jin , Pang Shu‐mao , Lu Hai
Published: August 2022

Objective

3D reconstruction of lumbar intervertebral foramen (LIVF) has been beneficial in evaluating surgical trajectory. Still, the current methods of reconstructing the 3D LIVF model are mainly based on manual segmentation, which is laborious and time‐consuming. This study aims to explore the feasibility of automatically segmenting lumbar spinal structures and increasing the speed and accuracy of 3D lumbar intervertebral foramen (LIVF) reconstruction on magnetic resonance image (MRI) at the L4‐5 level.

Methods

A total of 100 participants (mean age: 42.2 ± 14.0 years; 52 males and 48 females; mean body mass index, 22.7 ± 3.2 kg/m2), were enrolled in this prospective study between March and July 2020. All participants were scanned on L4‐5 level with a 3T MR unit using 3D T2‐weighted sampling perfection with application‐optimized contrast with various flip‐angle evolutions (SPACE) sequences. The lumbar spine's vertebra bone structures (VBS) and intervertebral discs (IVD) were manually segmented by skilled surgeons according to their anatomical outlines from MRI. Then all manual segmentation were saved and used for training. An automated segmentation method based on a 3D U‐shaped architecture network (3D‐UNet) was introduced for the automated segmentation of lumbar spinal structures. A number of quantitative metrics, including dice similarity coefficient (DSC), precision, and recall, were used to evaluate the performance of the automated segmentation method on MRI. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was applied to compare morphometric parameters, including foraminal area, height and width of 3D LIVF models between automatic and manual segmentation. The intra‐class correlation coefficient was used to assess the test‐retest reliability and inter‐observer reliability of multiple measurements for these morphometric parameters of 3D LIVF models.

Results

The automatic segmentation performance of all spinal structures (VBS and IVD) was found to be 0.918 (healthy levels: 0.922; unhealthy levels: 0.916) for the mean DSC, 0.922 (healthy levels: 0.927; unhealthy levels: 0.920) for the mean precision, and 0.917 (healthy levels: 0.918; unhealthy levels: 0.917) for the mean recall in the test dataset. It took approximately 2.5 s to achieve each automated segmentation, far less than the 240 min for manual segmentation. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the foraminal area, height and width of the 3D LIVF models between manual and automatic segmentation images (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

A method of automated MRI segmentation based on deep learning algorithms was capable of rapidly generating accurate segmentation of spinal structures and can be used to construct 3D LIVF models from MRI at the L4‐5 level.
S/F and ROX indices in predicting failure of high‐flow nasal cannula in children
Authors: Kim Ji Hye , Suh Dong In , Park June Dong
Published: August 2022

Background

A high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a useful respiratory support for children with respiratory distress; however, it elevates the risk of belated intubation. Recently, indices based on percutaneous oxygen saturation, a fraction of inspired oxygen, and respiratory rate (RR) have been suggested for the prediction of HFNC failure. We aimed to evaluate various indices predicting HFNC failure in children who started receiving HFNC at a tertiary center for 27 months.

Methods

Cases of HFNC failure were classified as hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF) or non‐HRF (NHRF) depending on the cause of intubation. The ratio of percutaneous oxygen saturation to the fraction of inspired oxygen (S/F), the ratio of S/F to RR (ROX), the ratio of S/F to RR/median RR (ROX‐M), and the ratio of S/F to z‐score of RR (ROX‐Z) were calculated and compared between groups.

Results

Of the 152 cases, 45 (29.6%) failed to wean from the HFNC support, of which 21 (46.7%) were HRFs and 24 (53.3%) were NHRFs. The S/F and ROX‐M at 6 h and 3 h, respectively, predicted HRF well with a high area under the curve. Initial hypercapnia and low weight were good predictors for NHRF.

Conclusions

For the management of children with HFNC, these risk factors and indicators should be monitored to make an early decision regarding intubation.
Role of HLA typing and chimerism analysis in post‐liver transplantation GVHD in pediatrics: A systematic review
Authors: Ghandorah Salim , Alsawaf Baraah , Alrefai Weaam , Ghazwani Aisha , Almusabi Saleh
Published: August 2022

Background

GVHD is a well‐documented complication after liver transplantation. GVHD occurs when donor immune cells mount a destructive immune response against host cells. The rarity of the GVHD complication and the nonspecific presentation of symptoms and histopathological features provide a diagnostic challenge. Therefore, diagnosis and initiation of treatment are often delayed.

Aim

In this systematic review, we assessed relevant literature to better understand the utilization of HLA typing and chimerism analysis in liver transplantation. We mainly focused on their importance in diagnosing GVHD incidence after liver transplantation.

Results

A total of 18 articles reported 21 cases of GVHD after liver transplantation in pediatrics. Generally, there is a consensus on the advantage of HLA typing and chimerism analysis in confirming the diagnosis of GVHD after liver transplantation. However, there is an inconsistency in the timing and the application of the accurate HLA typing and chimerism analysis.

Conclusion

Further studies are required to assess the incidence of GVHD post‐LT and to determine the impact of HLA typing and chimerism analysis in assessing the risk, early determination of GVHD incidence, and improving outcomes. This systematic review highlights the gap in the field of liver transplantation and calls for revisiting the guidelines to consider HLA typing and chimerism analysis in predicting GVHD before transplantation and diagnosing GVHD incidence after liver transplantation.
Effect of different concentrations of melatonin on ram epididymal spermatozoa recovered post‐mortem under oxidative stress conditions and storage at 4°C
Authors: Shayestehyekta Mohsen , Mohammadi Tayebeh , Soltani Leila , PooyanMehr Mehrdad
Published: August 2022

The current study examines the protective effects of different melatonin concentrations on fresh ram epididymis spermatozoa after post‐mortem recovery under normal and oxidative stress conditions and during liquid preservation (4°C) at different times (24, 48 and 72 h). The testes were obtained from a local slaughterhouse during the breeding season. Spermatozoa were isolated from cauda epididymides. In experiment 1, the effects of adding different concentrations of melatonin (0, 15, 60 and 240 μg/ml) under normal and oxidative stress conditions were evaluated. Fifty μM of hydrogen peroxide was used to induce oxidative stress. Also, in experiment 2, the spermatozoa samples were chilled to 4°C and stored for 72 h. Sperm total motility, viability, membrane, DNA integrity and morphological abnormality were evaluated at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h after cooling storage. In experiment 1, melatonin treatment preserved viability increased TAC and SOD activities, and reduced MDA levels compared with control. Also, melatonin reduced the harmful effects of H2O2under induced oxidative stress. In experiment 2, melatonin at concentrations of 15 and 60 g/ml greatly increased sperm viability after 3 days of cold storage. Furthermore, it could have a significant protective effect on the motility of cooled sperm. Melatonin supplementation preserved higher sperm membrane integrity at concentrations of 15 and 60 μg/ml, DNA integrity at a concentration of 15 μg/ml and abnormality at a concentration of 60 μg/ml after 3 days of storage. The results suggest that melatonin can be used to reduce the adverse effects of induced oxidative stress in spermatozoa. Furthermore, ram epididymal spermatozoa could be stored at 4°C for 72 h when treated with melatonin.
Post‐mating diclofenac vs. carprofen treatment on serum progesterone levels and reproductive outcomes inHungarian‐Merinoewes during the non‐breeding season
Authors: Kutlu Metehan , Doğan Halef , Alkan Hasan , Serbester Uğur , Kutlu Hasan Rüştü
Published: August 2022

The maternal recognition process is crucial for the establishment of healthy pregnancy. In this process, anti‐luteolytic applications are one of the main reproductive strategies to manage the embryonic losses and maximize reproductive profitability in farm animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of post‐mating NSAID treatments on reproductive parameters (pregnancy rate, lambing rate, multiple birth rate, litter size) and serum progesterone levels in ewes stimulated with progesterone non‐breeding season. For this purpose, two different experiments (diclofenac and carprofen) were conducted in the same ewe flock induced with short‐term progestogen‐based protocol in the non‐breeding season for two consecutive years. In experiment 1 (n = 85), 42 ewes were injected with 2.5 mg/kg diclofenac on the 9th and 10th days post‐mating, and the rest were not treated and served as control. In experiment 2 (n = 82), 40 ewes were injected with 1.4 mg/kg carprofen on the 9th days post‐mating, and the rest were not treated as control. In both experiments, blood samples were collected from all ewes on days 9, 12 and 13 post‐mating to measure serum progesterone levels. In both experiments, there were no differences both reproductive parameters and serum progesterone levels when compared to the control groups. It was concluded that post‐mating diclofenac and carprofen treatments in the critical period have no significant effects on both reproductive parameters and serum progesterone levels in ewes in the non‐breeding season.
The novel HLA‐C*17:64Q allele characterized by two different sequencing‐based typing techniques
Authors: Devriese Magali , Usureau Cedric , Carmagnat Maryvonnick , Villemonteix Juliette , Taupin Jean‐Luc
Published: August 2022

The novel allele HLA‐C*17:64Q differs from HLA‐C*17:01:01:02 by insertion of a Lysine in exon 2.
Sequencing of two novel HLA class I null alleles, A*32:160N and B*14:113N, produced by single‐nucleotide mutations
Authors: Balas Antonio , Moreno‐Hidalgo Miguel‐Ángel , Alenda Raquel , García‐Sánchez Félix , Vicario José L.
Published: August 2022

Characterization of two novel HLA class I null alleles.
Antimicrobial stewardship in pediatric solid organ transplantation: Is it possible?
Authors: Kitano Taito , Allen Upton
Published: August 2022

Background

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at increased risk of severe outcomes associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) play a vital role in mitigating the negative impacts of AMR. Pediatric evidence regarding ASP for SOT recipients is scarce, although many pediatric SOT centers have implemented different forms of ASP.

Methods

This article summarized the available evidence relating to AMR among pediatric SOT recipients and discussed key strategies for the successful implementation of ASP among this population. The focus is primarily on antibacterial and secondarily on antifungal management.

Results

The development of multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship teams for pediatric SOT recipients is essential for successful stewardship implementation. Key stakeholders may include but are not limited to SOT recipients and their caregivers, primary SOT teams (transplant physicians, transplant pharmacists, transplant unit nurses, and transplant outpatient care team), transplant surgery teams, transplant infectious diseases teams, hospital AST, microbiology teams, infection prevention teams, quality improvement teams, and information technology teams.

Conclusion

As the evidence for optimal ASP in pediatric SOT is still evolving, it is important to measure the impact of implemented interventions.
Impact of antimetabolite discontinuation following cytomegalovirus or BK polyoma virus infection in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Dubrawka Casey A. , Progar Kristin J. , January Spenser E. , Hagopian Jennifer C. , Nesselhauf Nicole M. , Malone Andrew F.
Published: August 2022

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and BK polyoma virus (BKV) infection following kidney transplantation have been associated with allograft dysfunction and allograft loss. Reduction in immunosuppression is a mainstay of management yet has been associated with increased risk of rejection. According to international consensus guidelines, one approach to management of these viral infections is to discontinue the antimetabolite. Little is known surrounding long‐term outcomes in these patients, and it remains unclear if consideration should be given to resuming the antimetabolite as variable re‐escalation strategies have been reported. The objective was to describe episodes of rejection and identify risk factors for rejection following antimetabolite withdrawal after CMV or BKV DNAemia in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective review evaluated adult kidney transplant recipients with a serum CMV or BKV DNA PCR ≥500 copies/ml who underwent antimetabolite discontinuation. The primary outcome assessed was the incidence of biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR).

Results

One hundred fifty‐nine patients were included. Overall, 14 patients (8.8%) experienced BPAR at a median of 1.6 years after antimetabolite discontinuation. Compared to CMV, discontinuation after BKV DNAemia was associated with a higher incidence of BPAR. Characteristics observed more frequently in patients with BPAR included younger age, female sex, higher initial viral load, and development of de novo donor‐specific antibody (DSA).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that antimetabolite discontinuation after CMV or BKV DNAemia in kidney transplant recipients is a reasonable and safe approach. Further prospective studies investigating optimal immunosuppression management following CMV or BKV DNAemia in kidney transplant recipients are warranted.

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Significant cost savings using a newly developed single‐process technology compared to conventional processes for treating high‐strength effluents
Authors: Hosseinlou Daniel
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the performance of a newly developed technology, known as simultaneous anaerobic oxidation/partial nitrification–denitrification (SAO/PND), for treating strong wastewater under laboratory conditions. Excellent results are achieved, with maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen removal of 98% and 96%, respectively, when treating synthetic wastewater with influent 4120 mg/L COD and 210 mg/L NH4+–N. Appropriate living environment in this single‐process technology favoured the co‐existence of various bacterial communities, and removal mechanisms by these organisms are identified and confirmed. The results showed that the single‐process SAO/PND technology required 95% and 90% less oxygen compared to conventional aerobic processes and combined systems, respectively. Furthermore, this newly developed technology produced 60% and 44% less sludge, respectively, in comparison with the mentioned conventional systems. This study shows that the single‐process SAO/PND technology is a promising sustainable alternative to conventional systems, as it combines high efficiency and cost‐effectiveness with simple operation and maintenance requirements.
Insights into function of hydrocyclone separator and modified volcanic rock coagulant on formation of aerobic granular sludge
Authors: Zhao Qingyu , Guo Du , Guo Mingzhu , Li Yan , Zeng Ming , Wu Nan , Hao Linlin
Published: August 2022

Hydrocyclone separator and novel coagulants were adopted to separately enhance the granulating process of aerobic granular sludge. For hydrocyclone separator, although there was no obvious large particle, it was feasible to improve the sludge sedimentation capacity, indicated by the sludge volume index. Moreover, the nitrogen removal performance was promoted by the separator with a nitrogen removal rate of 8.2 mg/(L·h), nearly two times of system without a separator. Meanwhile, nitrogen‐related microbial communities were stimulated, for example, Thauera and Nitrosomonas. Another method of coagulation by the modified volcanic rock promoted the sludge settling performance. The optimum coagulating conditions were the coagulant size of 100 μm with dosage of 6 g/L. The addition of polyacrylamide played a weak role in granulation. Overall, the role of hydrocyclone separator and modified volcanic rock coagulant belonged to the improvement of the settleability of sludge and the aggregation of sludge, respectively.