bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR‐2940‐1 is involved in the circadian regulation of oviposition in Aedes albopictus
Authors: Xiao Xiaolin , Kong Ling , Xie Zhensheng , Liu Hongkai , Cai Lijun , Zhao Siyu , Zhou Jiayong , Liu Shuang , Wu Jing , Wu Yiming , Wu Peilin , James Anthony A. , Chen Xiao‐Guang
Published: April 2024

The vast majority of all global species have circadian rhythm cycles that allow them to adapt to natural environments. These regular rhythms are regulated by core clock genes and recent studies have also implicated roles for microRNAs in this regulation. Oviposition is an important circadian behavior in the reproductive cycle of insect vectors of diseases, and little is known about the rhythm or its regulation in mosquitoes. Aedes albopictus is a diurnal mosquito that transmits arboviruses and is the major cause of outbreaks of dengue fever in China. We analyzed the oviposition rhythm patterns of A. albopictus under different light/dark conditions and show that the mosquitoes have an oviposition peak between zeitgeber time 9 (ZT 9) and ZT 12. Furthermore, the antagomir‐mediated knockdown of expression of the microRNA miR‐2940‐1 affected the oviposition rhythm of A. albopictus. These data support the conclusion that miR‐2940‐1 is involved in the regulation of oviposition rhythm in A. albopictus and provide a foundation for using oviposition rhythms as a new target for vector mosquito control.
Is the 21st birthday a turning point for alcohol and cannabis use? A monthly study of young adults
Authors: Rhew Isaac C. , Gilson Michael S. , Fleming Charles B. , Walukevich‐Dienst Katherine , Guttmannova Katarina , Patrick Megan E. , Lee Christine M.
Published: April 2024

Background

An important life‐course event with respect to alcohol and cannabis use is turning 21 years of age, which may be associated with increases in use of these substances due to celebrations during the month and easier access to them on and following this birthday. We examined the trajectories of alcohol and cannabis use behaviors in the months leading up to, during, and following the 21st birthday month. We also examined whether the use trajectories vary by college status and baseline levels of use.

Methods

We used data from 203 young adults recruited from the Greater Seattle region who turned 21 during the course of the study. Surveys were administered each month for 24 consecutive months. Measures included the typical number of drinks per week for the past month, the frequency of heavy episodic drinking, the number of cannabis use days, and any simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use. Multilevel spline models were run that estimated linear slopes over time at four intervals: (1) up to 1 month before the 21st birthday month; (2) from 1 month before to the month of the 21st birthday; (3) from the 21st birthday month to 1 month following; and (4) from 1 month following the 21st birthday month through all following months.

Results

Alcohol use, generally, and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use showed sharp increases from the month before the 21st birthday month to the 21st birthday month and decreases following the 21st birthday month. For cannabis use, there were significant increases in the months leading up to the 21st birthday and no other significant changes during other time intervals. Patterns differed by baseline substance use and college status.

Conclusions

Findings from the current study have implications for the timing and personalization of prevention and intervention efforts. Event‐specific 21st birthday interventions may benefit from incorporating content targeting specific hazardous drinking behaviors in the month prior to the 21st birthday.
Peri‐operative cardiac arrest in the older frail patient as reported to the 7th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists
Authors: Moppett I. K. , Kane A. D. , Armstrong R. A. , Kursumovic E. , Soar J. , Cook T. M. ,   NAP7 panel and team members
Published: April 2024

Frailty increases peri‐operative risk, but details of its burden, clinical features and the risk of, and outcomes following, peri‐operative cardiac arrest are lacking. As a preplanned analysis of the 7th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, we described the characteristics of older patients living with frailty undergoing anaesthesia and surgery, and those reported to the peri‐operative cardiac arrest case registry. In the activity survey, 1676 (26%) of 6466 patients aged > 65 y were reported as frail (Clinical Frailty Scale score ≥ 5). Increasing age and frailty were both associated with increasing comorbidities and the proportion of surgery undertaken as an emergency. Except in patients who were terminally ill (Clinical Frailty Scale score 9), increasing frailty was associated with an increased proportion of complex or major surgery. The rate of use of invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring was associated with frailty only until Clinical Frailty Scale score 5, and then plateaued or fell. Of 881 cardiac arrests reported to the 7th National Audit Project, 156 (18%) were in patients aged > 65 y and living with frailty, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 1204 (95%CI 1 in 1027–1412) and a mortality rate of 1 in 2020 (95%CI 1 in 1642–2488), approximately 2.6‐fold higher than in adults who were not frail. Hip fracture, emergency laparotomy, emergency vascular surgery and urological surgery were the most common surgical procedures in older patients living with frailty who had a cardiac arrest. We report a high burden of frailty within the surgical population, requiring complex, urgent surgery, and the extent of poorer outcomes of peri‐operative cardiac arrest compared with patients of the same age not living with frailty.
Does digital transformation crowd out the employment of lower skill labor?
Authors: Wu Ying , Deng Yuanyue
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the effect of digital transformation on the employment of low‐skilled labor. Using a large sample of Chinese listed firms for the 2008–2021 period, we find that digital transformation reduces the employment of low‐skilled labor. This result is robust to a battery of sensitivity tests and is attenuated for firms located in regions with higher unemployment rates and for small enterprises. Mechanism tests show that digital transformation affects the employment of low‐skilled labor through the wage effect channel and the substitution effect channel. The paper deepens our understanding of the economic effect of digital transformation on the labor market.
Detection and comparison of neutrophil extracellular traps in tissue samples of peri‐implantitis, periodontitis, and healthy patients: A pilot study
Authors: Al‐Bakri Sarmad Muayad Rasheed , Magan‐Fernandez Antonio , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , O'Valle Francisco , Martin‐Morales Natividad , Padial‐Molina Miguel , Mesa Francisco
Published: April 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to detect and compare the tissular expression of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in peri‐implant and periodontal samples of patients with peri‐implantitis, periodontitis, and controls.

Materials and Methods

An observational study was performed on patients with peri‐implantitis, periodontitis, and controls. Peri‐implant and/or periodontal clinical examinations were performed on each participant. Tissue samples were collected during tooth/implant extraction for clinical reasons. Electron microscopy analysis, Picro‐Sirius red staining, immunohistochemical (CD15), and immunofluorescence (citrullinated H3 and myeloperoxidase) techniques were performed to detect NET‐related structures and the degree of connective tissue destruction, between the study groups.

Results

Sixty‐four patients were included in the study: 28 peri‐implantitis, 26 periodontitis, and 10 controls, with a total of 51 implants, 26 periodontal teeth, and 10 control teeth. Neutrophil release of nuclear content was observed in transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a greater CD15 expression in both peri‐implantitis and periodontitis compared to controls (p < 0.001), and peri‐implantitis presented lower levels of connective tissue and collagen compared to both periodontitis (p = 0.044; p < 0.001) and controls (p < 0.001). Immunofluorescence showed greater citH3 expression in peri‐implantitis than the one found in both periodontitis (p = 0.003) and controls (p = 0.048).

Conclusions

A greater presence and involvement of neutrophils, as well as a greater connective tissue destruction were observed in cases of peri‐implantitis. A higher expression of NET‐related markers was found in mucosal samples of peri‐implantitis compared to periodontitis and controls.
Guild‐specific response of bats to motion‐triggered LED lighting of bicycle trails
Authors: Heim Olga , Chávez Fernanda , Courtiol Alexandre , Paul Frederike , Voigt Christian C.
Published: April 2024

Motion‐triggered light‐emitting diodes (LED) could reduce light pollution; however, its effect on nocturnal animals is poorly known. Here, we investigated how bats respond to the motion‐triggered lighting of a bicycle path, an infrastructure that is increasingly being built to support human mobility. We measured the acoustic activity of bats in relation to the activity of LED lights. The responses of bats varied during the night and between functional guilds: Edge‐space foraging bats avoided LED lighting, but the response was less clear during early and late night. Open‐space foraging and narrow‐space foraging bats avoided the LED lighting, especially late at night. The foraging intensity remained relatively stable across the night for bats of all guilds. We conclude that the motion‐sensitive LED lighting of bicycle paths induces a guild‐specific avoidance response in bats, which could be mitigated by shorter lighting periods.
Fusion‐driven cutaneous and superficial mesenchymal and adnexal tumors—A clinicopathologic and molecular study of 15 cases, including a novel case of ACTB::ZMIZ2‐rearranged adnexal carcinoma
Authors: Dehner Carina A. , Johnson Emma F. , Wieland Carrie N. , Camilleri Michael J. , Kajdacsy‐Balla Andre , Oliveira Andre M. , Halling Kevin C. , Gupta Sounak , Guo Ruifeng
Published: April 2024

Background

While the list of fusion‐driven soft tissue neoplasms is expanding rapidly, their importance among cutaneous and superficial mesenchymal and adnexal neoplasms remains poorly understood. This challenge is especially evident in cases with ambiguous histopathology that are difficult to classify based on morphology.

Aims

Our goal was to investigate the benefits of next‐generation sequencing in diagnosing complex cutaneous neoplasms.

Materials & Methods

Departmental archives were searched for fusion‐driven cutaneous neoplasms. Slides were retrieved and clinical information including follow‐up was obtained.

Results

Fifteen cases occurred in eight female and seven male patients, with a median age of 26 years (range: 1–83) at diagnosis. Tumors involved the extremities (9), scalp (5), and head and neck (1). Predominant features included myoepithelial (5), nested spindled with clear cytoplasm (2), atypical adnexal/squamoid (2), small round blue cell (2), cellular spindled (3), and fibrohistiocytic morphology (1). Most frequently encountered fusions involved EWSR1 (6) fused to ERG (1), FLI1 (1), CREB1 (2), CREM (1), PBX3 (1), followed by PLAG1 (4) with LIFR (2), TRPS1 (1) and CHCHD7. Additional fusions encountered were YAP1::NUTM1, EML4::ALK, SS18::SSX1 (2), and a novel fusion: ACTB::ZMIZ2. Integration of histologic features and molecular findings led to final diagnoses of primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma (2), soft tissue myoepithelioma (4), cutaneous syncytial myoepithelioma (1), cutaneous adnexal carcinoma (1), porocarcinoma (1), inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (1), synovial sarcoma (2), clear cell sarcoma (2), and angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (1).

Discussion and conclusion

Our results show that fusion testing can be a helpful diagnostic tool, especially in cases with unusual or uncommon morphology in superficial sites. Furthermore, it can allow for the identification of potential therapeutic targets in some instances.
Immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of biosimilar insulin glargine (Gan & Lee glargine) compared with originator insulin glargine (Lantus®) in patients with type 2 diabetes after 26 weeks' treatment: A randomized open label study
Authors: Christofides Elena A. , Puente Orlando , Norwood Paul , Denham Douglas , Maheshwari Hiralal , Lillestol Michael , Hart Terence , Nakhle Samer , Chadha Anurekha , Fitz‐Patrick David , Sugimoto Danny , Soufer Joseph , Young Douglas , Warren Mark , Huffman David , Reed John , Bays Harold , Arora Samir , Rizzardi Barbara , Tidman Raymond , Rendell Marc , Johnson Kimball A.
Published: April 2024

Aim

To evaluate the equivalence of immunogenicity, safety and efficacy of Gan & Lee (GL) Glargine (Basalin®; Gan & Lee Pharmaceutical) with that of the reference product (Lantus®) in adult participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

This was a phase 3, multicenter, open‐label, equivalence trial conducted across 57 sites. In total, 567 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo treatment with either GL Glargine or Lantus® for 26 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants in each treatment arm who manifested treatment‐induced anti‐insulin antibodies (AIA). Secondary endpoints included efficacy and safety metrics, changes in glycated haemoglobin levels, and a comparative assessment of adverse events. Results were analysed using an equivalence test comparing the limits of the 90% confidence interval (CI) for treatment‐induced AIA development to the prespecified margins.

Results

The percentages of participants positive for treatment‐induced glycated haemoglobin by week 26 were similar between the GL Glargine (19.2%) and Lantus® (21.3%) treatment groups, with a treatment difference of −2.1 percentage points and a 90% CI (−7.6%, 3.5%) (predefined similarity margins: −10.7%, 10.7%). The difference in glycated haemoglobin was −0.08% (90% CI, −0.23, 0.06). The overall percentage of participants with any treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar between the GL Glargine (80.1%) and Lantus® (81.6%) treatment groups.

Conclusions

GL Glargine was similar to Lantus® in terms of immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety, based on the current study.
Evaluating the global impact of low physical activity on type 2 diabetes: Insights from the global burden of disease 2019 study
Authors: Luo Juan , Zhao Xinlan , Li Qianru , Zou Binbin , Xie Wen , Lei Yanjun , Yi Jinglin , Zhang Chi
Published: April 2024

Aim

We aimed to assess the global implications of low physical activity (LPA) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019.

Methods

The analysis was conducted by examining the age‐standardized disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) rates over a 30‐year period. To assess the trends, we utilized estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs).

Results

The study revealed a notable increase in the burden of DALYs attributable to T2DM resulting from LPA, with an EAPC of 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.78‐0.89). Among the regions examined, Oceania showed the highest burden, whereas Eastern Europe exhibited the lowest burden. Specifically, within the Central Asia region, a considerable increase in T2DM‐LPA DALYs was observed, with an EAPC of 3.18 (95% confidence interval 3.01‐3.36). The burden associated with T2DM‐LPA DALYs was found to be similar between genders and increased across all age groups, peaking in the 80‐84 years. Furthermore, there was a clear association between the socio‐demographic index (SDI) and the age‐standardized DALYs rate. Regions categorized as low‐middle and middle SDI experienced a substantial rise in burden.

Conclusion

This study highlights a substantial increase in the T2DM‐LPA DALYs in low‐middle and middle SDI regions, as well as among individuals aged 80‐84 years. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing comprehensive global health interventions that promote physical activity, particularly targeting high‐risk populations and regions.
An update review of post‐transplant diabetes mellitus: Concept, risk factors, clinical implications and management
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Copur Sidar , Topçu A. Umur , Guldan Mustafa , Ozbek Lasin , Gaipov Abduzhappar , Ferro Charles , Cozzolino Mario , Cherney David Z. I. , Tuttle Katherine R.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Kidney transplantation is the gold standard therapeutic alternative for patients with end‐stage renal disease; nevertheless, it is not without potential complications leading to considerable morbidity and mortality such as post‐transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM). This narrative review aims to comprehensively evaluate PTDM in terms of its diagnostic approach, underlying pathophysiological pathways, epidemiological data, and management strategies.

Methods

Articles were retrieved from electronic databases using predefined search terms. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies investigating PTDM diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and management strategies.

Results

PTDM emerges as a significant complication following kidney transplantation, influenced by various pathophysiological factors including peripheral insulin resistance, immunosuppressive medications, infections, and proinflammatory pathways. Despite discrepancies in prevalence estimates, PTDM poses substantial challenges to transplant. Diagnostic approaches, including traditional criteria such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c, are limited in their ability to capture early PTDM manifestations. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) emerges as a valuable tool, particularly in the early post‐transplant period. Management strategies for PTDM remain unclear, within sufficient evidence from large‐scale randomized clinical trials to guide optimal interventions. Nevertheless, glucose‐lowering agents and life style modifications constitute primary modalities for managing hyperglycemia in transplant recipients.

Discussion

The complex interplay between PTDM and the transplant process necessitates individualized diagnostic and management approaches. While early recognition and intervention are paramount, modifications to maintenance immunosuppressive regimens based solely on PTDM risk are not warranted, given the potential adverse consequences such as increased rejection risk. Further research is essential to refine management strategies and enhance outcomes for transplant recipients.
Patterns of initial and first‐intensifying antidiabetic drug utilization among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Scotland, 2010–2020: A retrospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Mahmoud Fatema , Mueller Tanja , Mullen Alexander , Sainsbury Christopher , Rushworth Gordon F. , Kurdi Amanj
Published: April 2024

Aim

To evaluate the utilization and prescribing patterns of antidiabetic drugs (ADDs) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at treatment initiation and first intensification.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed using linked routinely collected data of patients with T2DM who received ADDs between January 2010 and December 2020 in Scotland. The prescribing patterns were quantified using frequency/percentages, absolute/relative change, and trend tests.

Results

Overall, 145 909 new ADD users were identified, with approximately 91% (N = 132 382) of patients receiving a single ADD at first treatment initiation. Metformin was the most often prescribed monotherapy (N = 118 737, 89.69%). A total of 50 731 patients (39.40%) who were started on metformin (N = 46 730/118 737, 39.36%) or sulphonylurea (SU; N = 4001/10 029, 39.89%) monotherapy had their treatment intensified with one or more additional ADD. Most initial‐metformin (45 963/46 730; 98.36%) and initial‐SU users (3894/4001; 97.33%) who added further drugs were intensified with single ADDs. SUs (22 197/45 963; 48.29%) were the most common first‐intensifying monotherapy after initial metformin use, but these were replaced by sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in 2019 (SGLT2 inhibitors: 2039/6065, 33.62% vs. SUs: 1924/6065, 31.72%). Metformin was the most frequently added monotherapy to initial SU use (2924/3894, 75.09%). Although the majority of patients received a single ADD, the use of combination therapy significantly increased over time. Nevertheless, there was a significant increasing trend towards prescribing the newer ADD classes (SGLT2 inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors) as monotherapy or in combination compared with the older ones (SUs, insulin, thiazolidinediones) at both drug initiation and first intensification.

Conclusions

An overall increasing trend in prescribing the newer ADD classes compared to older ADDs was observed. However, metformin remained the most commonly prescribed first‐line ADD, while SGLT2 inhibitors replaced SUs as the most common add‐on therapy to initial metformin use in 2019.
Cell‐type specific molecular expression levels by restricted‐dimensional cytometry
Authors: Kaplan David , Lazarus Hillard M. , Christian Eric
Published: April 2024

Background

Cytometric analysis has been commonly used to delineate distinct cell subpopulations among peripheral blood mononuclear cells by the differential expression of surface receptors. This capability has reached its apogee with high‐dimensional approaches such as mass cytometry and spectral cytometry that include simultaneous assessment of 20–50 analytes. Unfortunately, this approach also engenders significant complexity with analytical and interpretational pitfalls.

Methods

Here, we demonstrate a complementary approach with restricted‐dimensionality to assess cell‐type specific intracellular molecular expression levels at exceptional levels of precision. The expression of five analytes was individually assessed in four mononuclear cell‐types from peripheral blood.

Results

Distinctions in expression levels were seen between cell‐types and between samples from different donor groups. Mononuclear cell‐type specific molecular expression levels distinguished pregnant from nonpregnant women and G‐CSF‐treated from untreated persons. Additionally, the precision of our analysis was sufficient to quantify a novel relationship between two molecules—Rel A and translocator protein—by correlational analysis.

Conclusions

Restricted‐dimensional cytometry can provide a complementary approach to define characteristics of cell‐type specific intracellular protein and phosphoantigen expression in mononuclear cells.
An intelligent detecting model for financial frauds in Chinese A‐share market
Authors: Sun Yunchuan , Zeng Xiaoping , Xu Ying , Yue Hong , Yu Xipu
Published: April 2024

Financial frauds can cause serious damage to financial markets but are hard to detect manually. In this study, we develop an intelligent detecting model to efficiently identify financial frauds by using XGBoost on raw financial data items in corporation financial statements. With listed companies in Chinese A‐share Market taken as samples, empirical results reveal that the proposed model works better than traditional models by a large margin in detecting fraud. Notably, the proposed model exhibits superior performance when used together with raw financial data items than with financial indicators. Moreover, the proposed model remains robust on outperformance in fraud detection when serial fraud cases are recoded, test periods are altered, more raw financial data are input, as well as other machine learning models–the AdaBoost and SVM–are selected as benchmark models. Our study enriches the application of machine learning in finance sector, and highlights the economic significance of raw financial data as the financial system's most fundamental components.
Season‐driven climatic variables influence the temporal patterns of functional diversity and taxonomic dissimilarity of dung beetles in introduced Brazilian pasture ecosystem
Authors: Correa César M. A. , da Silva Pedro Giovâni , Abot Alfredo R. , Noriega Jorge Ari , Puker Anderson , Vaz‐De‐Mello Fernando Z.
Published: April 2024

Understanding the processes and mechanisms that underlie the spatiotemporal patterns of biodiversity is of paramount relevance, given the ongoing global climate and land cover changes. Here, we investigated the influence of season‐related climatic variables on two dimensions of dung beetle diversity (taxonomic and functional) and at different scales (alpha and beta) within an introduced Brazilian pasture ecosystem.

We sampled dung beetles over 52 consecutive weeks, comprising the dry and rainy seasons. We related taxonomic and functional variables to season‐related climate variables (temperature, precipitation and humidity) using absolute values and changes from consecutive samplings (Δ, differences between samplings).

We found higher species richness and abundance values in the rainy season. Changes in climatic variables between consecutive samplings caused effects only in functional dispersion, temporal β‐diversity and species losses but not in species richness and abundance of dung beetles. However, these effects are dependent on the season. In the rainy season, increased precipitation between samplings caused a decrease in functional dispersion and an opposite pattern was found in the dry season. Similarly, increased temperature values between samplings caused decreases in both temporal β‐diversity and species losses of dung beetles, with an opposite pattern in the dry season.

Season‐associated climatic variables showed contrasting effects on dung beetle taxonomic and functional metrics. Temporal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity may be driven by different climatic variables, which can be associated with the sorting of species or species traits related to their thermal niche.
Identification of the molecular etiology in rare congenital hemolytic anemias using next‐generation sequencing with exome‐based copy number variant analysis
Authors: Isik Esra , Aydinok Yesim , Albayrak Canan , Durmus Basak , Karakas Zeynep , Orhan Mehmet Fatih , Sarper Nazan , Aydın Sultan , Unal Selma , Oymak Yesim , Karadas Nihal , Turedi Aysen , Albayrak Davut , Tayfun Funda , Tugcu Deniz , Karaman Serap , Tobu Mahmut , Unal Ekrem , Ozcan Alper , Unal Sule , Aksu Tekin , Unuvar Aysegul , Bilici Mustafa , Azik Fatih , Ay Yilmaz , Gelen Sema Aylan , Zengin Emine , Albudak Esin , Eker Ibrahim , Karakaya Taner , Cogulu Ozgur , Ozkinay Ferda , Atik Tahir
Published: April 2024

Objectives

In congenital hemolytic anemias (CHA), it is not always possible to determine the specific diagnosis by evaluating clinical findings and conventional laboratory tests. The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and clinical‐exome‐based copy number variant (CNV) analysis in patients with CHA.

Methods

One hundred and forty‐three CHA cases from 115 unrelated families referred for molecular analysis were enrolled in the study. Molecular analysis was performed using two different clinical exome panels in 130 patients, and whole‐exome sequencing in nine patients. Exome‐based CNV calling was incorporated into the traditional single‐nucleotide variant and small insertion/deletion analysis pipeline for NGS data in 92 cases. In four patients from the same family, the PK Gypsy variant was investigated using long‐range polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Molecular diagnosis was established in 86% of the study group. The most frequently mutated genes were SPTB (31.7%) and PKLR (28.5%). CNV analysis of 92 cases revealed that three patients had different sizes of large deletions in the SPTB and six patients had a deletion in the PKLR.

Conclusions

In this study, NGS provided a high molecular diagnostic rate in cases with rare CHA. Analysis of the CNVs contributed to the diagnostic success.
Uncovering the determinants of brain functioning, behavior and their interplay in the light of context
Authors: Branchi Igor
Published: April 2024

Notwithstanding the huge progress in molecular and cellular neuroscience, our ability to understand the brain and develop effective treatments promoting mental health is still limited. This can be partially ascribed to the reductionist, deterministic and mechanistic approaches in neuroscience that struggle with the complexity of the central nervous system. Here, I introduce the Context theory of constrained systems proposing a novel role of contextual factors and genetic, molecular and neural substrates in determining brain functioning and behavior. This theory entails key conceptual implications. First, context is the main driver of behavior and mental states. Second, substrates, from genes to brain areas, have no direct causal link to complex behavioral responses as they can be combined in multiple ways to produce the same response and different responses can impinge on the same substrates. Third, context and biological substrates play distinct roles in determining behavior: context drives behavior, substrates constrain the behavioral repertoire that can be implemented. Fourth, since behavior is the interface between the central nervous system and the environment, it is a privileged level of control and orchestration of brain functioning. Such implications are illustrated through the Kitchen metaphor of the brain. This theoretical framework calls for the revision of key concepts in neuroscience and psychiatry, including causality, specificity and individuality. Moreover, at the clinical level, it proposes treatments inducing behavioral changes through contextual interventions as having the highest impact to reorganize the complexity of the human mind and to achieve a long‐lasting improvement in mental health.
Functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac function in a large cohort of adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy treated with glucocorticoids
Authors: Schiava Marianela , Lofra Robert Muni , Bourke John P. , Díaz‐Manera Jordi , James Meredith K. , Elseed Maha A. , Malinova Monika , Michel‐Sodhi Jassi , Moat Dionne , Ghimenton Elisabetta , Mccallum Michelle , Díaz Carla Florencia Bolaño , Mayhew Anna , Wong Karen , Richardson Mark , Tasca Giorgio , Eglon Gail , Eagle Michelle , Turner Cathy , Heslop Emma , Straub Volker , Bettolo Chiara Marini , Guglieri Michela
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

The transition to adult services, and subsequent glucocorticoid management, is critical in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This study aims (1) to describe treatment, functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac status during transition to adulthood and adult stages; and (2) to explore the association between glucocorticoid treatment after loss of ambulation (LOA) and late‐stage clinical outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective single‐centre study on individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (≥16 years old) between 1986 and 2022. Logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards models and survival analyses were conducted utilizing data from clinical records.

Results

In all, 112 individuals were included. Mean age was 23.4 ± 5.2 years and mean follow‐up was 18.5 ± 5.5 years. At last assessment, 47.2% were on glucocorticoids; the mean dose of prednisone was 0.38 ± 0.13 mg/kg/day and of deflazacort 0.43 ± 0.16 mg/kg/day. At age 16 years, motor function limitations included using a manual wheelchair (89.7%), standing (87.9%), transferring from a wheelchair (86.2%) and turning in bed (53.4%); 77.5% had a peak cough flow <270 L/min, 53.3% a forced vital capacity percentage of predicted <50% and 40.3% a left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. Glucocorticoids after LOA reduced the risk and delayed the time to difficulties balancing in the wheelchair, loss of hand to mouth function, forced vital capacity percentage of predicted <30% and forced vital capacity <1 L and were associated with lower frequency of left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, without differences between prednisone and deflazacort. Glucocorticoid dose did not differ by functional, respiratory or cardiac status.

Conclusion

Glucocorticoids after LOA preserve late‐stage functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac function. It is suggested using functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac status at transition stages for adult services planning.
Pyriform scale, Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell, 1894) (Hemiptera: Coccidae), infesting citrus trees in Morocco
Authors: Mrabti I. , Haddad N. , Watson G. W. , Brhadda N. , Ziri R. , Smaili M. C.
Published: April 2024

In the coastal area of North‐Western Morocco, 43 sites in four provinces were surveyed between spring 2022 and autumn 2023 for the presence of pest scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) on citrus trees. A known citrus pest species, pyriform scale, Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell, 1894) (Coccidae), was found at four sites. This is the first paper reporting pyriform scale on citrus in Morocco so a species description based on 62 slide‐mounted adult females is provided. Currently, P. pyriformis is not causing damage on citrus in Morocco, but potentially it might become a pest on this crop or other commercial fruit crops, such as avocado. Populations of P. pyriformis therefore should be monitored to detect any spread of the scale to other areas and crops. The infestations were found to be associated with a predator Chilocorus bipustulatus (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and two parasitic wasps: an ectoparasitoid, Aphytis sp. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), and an unidentified endoparasitoid (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea).
Fracture criteria and initiation mechanism of concrete based on material configurational mechanics
Authors: Wang Chao , Feng Jili
Published: April 2024

In this study, the interaction force between an in‐plane elliptical inclusion and a crack is evaluated using the Eshelby equivalent inclusion and material configurational force method. The toughening effect of coarse aggregates on concrete is investigated. The fracture criteria for mixed‐mode cracks based on the characteristics of the crack‐tip plastic zone assessed by the principal configurational stress difference are proposed and verified by experimental results in the literature. The fracture probability is then used to improve the fracture criteria, and the dimensionless factor associated with stress intensity factors is introduced to determine the fracture probability. Additionally, the volume fraction of coarse aggregates, the age and fatigue life of concrete are considered in the present fracture criteria. Theoretical studies show that the interaction between a crack and a hard or soft inclusion exhibits mutual repulsion and attraction. The size and shape of the crack‐tip plastic zones assessed by the Mises stress and the principal configurational stress difference are essentially the same. The fracture load envelopes increase with the increase in the volume fraction of coarse aggregates and the age of concrete and shrink with the increase in the life ratio.
Fishes move to transient local refuges, not persistent landscape refuges during river drying experiment
Authors: Archdeacon Thomas P. , Gonzales Eric J. , Yackulic Charles B.
Published: April 2024

Anthropogenically driven flow intermittency is increasing in freshwater streams, with important implications for the management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems. Because most freshwater fishes are mobile, they are expected to emigrate from intermittent reaches, but this may not be true in streams transitioning from perennial to intermittent. Here, we attempt to determine if riverine fishes vacate drying reaches before intermittency or remain in local refuges.

We implemented a controlled, in situ experimental flow reduction resulting in intermittency, reducing flows from ~1.0 to 0 m3/s over a 3‐week period. We monitored fish and fish‐habitat changes over a 5‐week period before, during and after flow reductions.

During flow reductions, total wetted habitat was ultimately reduced by 91%. Habitat loss over time was not equal among habitat types: pool habitat increased slightly as run habit was lost, and backwater and isolated pool habitats were not strongly related to discharge. Likewise, water depth in run habitats decreased faster than other habitats.

Only the river carpsucker Carpiodes carpio appeared to move upstream during flow recession; seven other species remained within drying sites. Habitat loss negatively affected fish populations, but at a lower rate than that at which habitat was lost, until sites dried completely. Overall, two species, red shiner Cyprinella lutrensis and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis, had increased population growth during the study, whereas the remaining species had population declines.

Fishes were able to find transient local refuges during flow reductions but did not vacate sites before intermittent conditions. Accounting for lack of emigration from anthropogenic flow‐intermittent reaches will be important for designing conservation actions for fishes threatened by increasing flow intermittency. Creation of refuge habitats may not be effective for widely dispersed species that do not actively seek refuge habitats, unless those habitats support enough individuals to maintain resilience following the intermittent conditions.
Losses of low‐germinating, slow‐growing species prevent grassland composition recovery from nutrient amendment
Authors: Yang Zhongling , Li Junyong , Xiao Rui , Zhang Chunhui , Ma Xiaojun , Du Guozhen , Li Guoyong , Jiang Lin
Published: April 2024

Nutrient enrichment often alters the biomass and species composition of plant communities, but the extent to which these changes are reversible after the cessation of nutrient addition is not well‐understood. Our 22‐year experiment (15 years for nutrient addition and 7 years for recovery), conducted in an alpine meadow, showed that soil nitrogen concentration and pH recovered rapidly after cessation of nutrient addition. However, this was not accompanied by a full recovery of plant community composition. An incomplete recovery in plant diversity and a directional shift in species composition from grass dominance to forb dominance were observed 7 years after the nutrient addition ended. Strikingy, the historically dominant sedges with low germination rate and slow growth rate and nitrogen‐fixing legumes with low germination rate were unable to re‐establish after nutrient addition ceased. By contrast, rapid recovery of aboveground biomass was observed after nutrient cessation as the increase in forb biomass only partially compensated for the decline in grass biomass. These results indicate that anthropogenic nutrient input can have long‐lasting effects on the structure, but not the soil chemistry and plant biomass, of grassland communities, and that the recovery of soil chemical properties and plant biomass does not necessarily guarantee the restoration of plant community structure. These findings have important implications for the management and recovery of grassland communities, many of which are experiencing alterations in resource input.
Lactic acid bacteria and manganese‐based additives for improved lucerne, perennial grass, and perennial grass‐white clover preservation as silage
Authors: Nikodinoska Ivana , Wambacq Eva , Landschoot Sofie , Moran Colm A.
Published: April 2024

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly used as silage inoculants. Manganese sulphate (MnSO4) has been proposed to protect certain LAB during oxygen exposure and improve silage aerobic stability (ASTA). The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of inoculants in preservation of different forages. A short‐term screening trial investigated the effect of 24 additive treatments, compared to a negative control, on ensiling perennial grass in mini‐silos (2.75 L) for 7 d. The additive treatments comprised different ratios of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum [IMI 507026, IMI 507027, and IMI 507028] and Pediococcus pentacaceus [IMI 507024 and IMI 507025], with or without MnSO4. Target parameters, such as low levels of fresh matter loss, pH, acetic acid, ammonia‐nitrogen fraction (NH3–N/Total N), and high levels of lactic acid and ASTA, were considered for treatment selection. Eight treatments were selected based on a principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering of the target parameters. These selected treatments subsequently underwent a 100 d long‐term trial using lucerne, perennial grass, and perennial grass‐white clover forages. All silages treated with the eight additives exhibited an improved homolactic fermentation and a lower (p < .001) pH, acetic acid, and ethanol content than the control. Although DM losses and ASTA markedly improved in the treatments containing MnSO4 in the short‐term trial, these effects were not observed in the long‐term trial. These outcomes suggest that the selected additives can improve silage fermentation quality across a broad range of forages, but further studies are required to assess the impact of MnSO4 on ASTA.
Evaluation of hepatosteatosis and gallstone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Karahan Doğu , Şahin İdris
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The prevalence rates of hepatosteatosis and gallstones are increasing owing to the multifactorial causes of chronic kidney disease, and the prevalence may change with the availability of different forms of renal replacement therapy. We aimed to determine the incidence or prevalence rates of hepatosteatosis, cholelithiasis, and acute cholecystitis in patients with chronic kidney disease and compare them between renal replacement therapy modalities.

Methods

A total of 270 patients (90 with chronic kidney disease stages III–V, 90 undergoing peritoneal dialysis, and 90 undergoing hemodialysis) were included and categorized into the pre‐dialysis, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis groups. The patients were questioned about previous gallbladder surgeries and chronic diseases. The results of abdominal ultrasonography, tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were retrospectively evaluated with respect to the findings on the hepatobiliary system. Hepatosteatosis and cholelithiasis were diagnosed by expert radiologists on the basis of abdominal ultrasonography, tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The prevalence rates of hepatosteatosis, cholelithiasis, and other liver findings were compared between the groups.

Findings

Hepatosteatosis and cholelithiasis were detected in 16.7% and 21.5% of the 270 cases, respectively. Hepatosteatosis was present in 17.8%, 25.6%, and 6.7% of patients in the pre‐dialysis, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis groups, respectively. The prevalence of hepatosteatosis was significantly higher in patients undergoing hemodialysis than in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (p = 0.002). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the peritoneal dialysis and pre‐dialysis groups or between the hemodialysis and pre‐dialysis groups (p >0.05). The prevalence rates of cholelithiasis were 15.6%, 28.9%, and 20.0%, in the pre‐dialysis, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis groups, respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences among the groups. The incidence of acute cholecystitis was significantly higher in the hemodialysis group than in the pre‐dialysis group (p = 0.006).

Discussion

Our study showed that the hepatobiliary system is frequently affected in chronic kidney disease and that the findings may differ depending on the renal replacement therapy modality.
Poor neighbourhoods as targets for mass incarceration: Notes on the Brazilian war on drugs
Authors: Keese Pedro Bertolucci
Published: April 2024

This article analyses mass incarceration in Brazil and how the ongoing ‘war on drugs’ results in punitive dynamics involving the police and the judiciary, leading to the imprisonment of residents of poor neighbourhoods. I argue that the war on drugs intensifies the criminalisation of stigmatised and impoverished territories, extending beyond individual cases. In section 2, drawing on research from the United States and Brazil, I explore the key aspects of the spatial concentration of incarceration in both countries. In section 3, I focus on the specific dynamics of the war on drugs in Brazil, encompassing the shifts in drug policy, legislation, police tactics and the judiciary's role in the prisonisation of specific social places. This article intends to bridge a theoretical gap in the study of spatial concentration of incarceration in Brazil, underscoring the relevance of understanding the complex relationship between prisons and marginalised communities within Brazilian cities.
Meat quality evaluation of breast fillets of different strains of chicken broilers with deep pectoral myopathy
Authors: Giampietro‐Ganeco Aline , de Barba Bruna Regina , Galvão Alessandro Cazonatto , Trindade Marco Antonio , Borba Hirasilva , Stefani Lenita Moura , Boiago Marcel Manente , da Silva Robazza Weber
Published: April 2024

Chicken meat is a significant source of protein and other nutrients. The poultry industry is responsible for creating many jobs and is essential to the global economy. Thus, the sector demands high‐quality products to satisfy consumers' expectations. Advances in poultry production with the rapid creation of heavier birds have increased the incidence of deep pectoral myopathy, provoking substantial losses to the sector. Several quality indicators of breast fillets obtained from chicken broilers of the strains Cobb 500 and Ross AP95 were measured to evaluate the strain influence on the characteristics of broilers' breast fillets with different severities of deep pectoral myopathy (DPM). Overall, the myopathy affected the quality attributes of the breast fillets more significantly than the broilers strain. However, the results of some individual quality attributes are strain‐specific. Moreover, myopathy severity tends to soften the differences between the characteristics of the strains.
Does cash transfer program improve recipients' social participation? Evidence from low‐income households data in China
Authors: Hu Hongwei , He Haotian , Li Yue , Zhang Kairan , Hu Xinyi
Published: April 2024

Enhancing social participation among low‐income households has long been regarded as a component of building an inclusive and equitable society. This study examines the association between China's Dibao program and social participation among beneficiaries. Furthermore, it explores the heterogeneous effects between urban and rural groups as well as across age groups. We analyzed panel data from 2015 to 2017 and combined propensity score matching and differences‐in‐differences methods to examine the effects of Dibao on recipients' social participation in participatory governance (PG) service co‐production (SC), and relational participation. This study demonstrates that receiving Dibao greatly enhances beneficiaries' social participation, PG, and SC, but has minimal impact on relational involvement. According to heterogeneity analysis, urban and middle‐aged recipients are significantly affected by Dibao. Future reforms of Dibao and similar welfare programs need to tailor based on geographic differences and demographic diversity to enhance recipients' social participation.