bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KIF23 promotes autophagy‐induced imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukaemia through activating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Huang Yong , Yuan Chunyan , Liu Qiwei , Wang Lingying
Published: September 2022

Imatinib, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, shows remarkable efficacy in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Autophagy protects tumour cells against chemotherapeutic stimulation and contributes to imatinib resistance in CML. Kinesin family member 23 (KIF23) is involved in cytokinesis and associated with autophagy. The role of KIF23 in autophagy‐induced imatinib resistance in CML was investigated. First, to induce drug resistance, CML cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of imatinib. The concentration of imatinib resistance in CML cells was screened through upregulation of 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. KIF23 was elevated in imatinib‐resistant tissues and cells of CML. Second, knockdown of KIF23 reduced IC50 values of imatinib‐resistant CML cells to imatinib. Moreover, silence of KIF23 also suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of imatinib‐resistant CML cells. Third, immunofluorescence analysis showed that the number of LC3 bright spots in imatinib‐resistant CML cells was reduced by silence of KIF23. Knockdown of KIF23 upregulated p62 expression and downregulated the expression ratio of LC3‐II to LC3‐I in imatinib‐resistant CML cells. Last, silence of KIF23 decreased nuclear β‐catenin and increased cytoplasmic β‐catenin in imatinib‐resistant CML cells. Activator of Wnt/β‐catenin attenuated KIF23 silence‐induced increase of apoptosis and decrease of autophagy in imatinib‐resistant CML cells. In conclusion, loss of KIF23 repressed autophagy‐induced imatinib resistance in CML cells through inactivation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
The experience of transitioning to adulthood for young people on the autistic spectrum in theUK: a framework synthesis of current evidence using an Ecosystemic model
Authors: Crompton Rebecca J. , Bond Caroline
Published: September 2022

Transitioning to adulthood presents particular difficulties for young people on the autistic spectrum. This review looks at the views of key stakeholders regarding the transition to adulthood and associated support, within the UK. Four databases were searched and of the 564 initial results, nine papers met the inclusion criteria. A framework synthesis approach was taken, using the biopsychosocial ecological model (Kranzler et al., 2020) (School Psychology, 35, 2020 and 419) to map the experiences of individuals on the autistic spectrum, their families and professionals. Data analysis was conducted deductively with findings highlighting the challenging experiences young people and their families face and systemic barriers to accessing and providing support. Facilitative factors are identified, indicating a need for more inter‐agency collaboration, inclusivity and individualisation of support. There was substantial interaction between the systems surrounding the child, indicating a complex and multi‐faceted impact on experience. Further support is provided for the applicability of ecosystemic models to the study of autism. Key policy suggestions and gaps in the research base are considered.
Updates in biologic therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and NSAID‐exacerbated respiratory disease
Authors: Xu Xinni , Reitsma Sietze , Wang De Yun , Fokkens Wytske J.
Published: September 2022

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) associated with type 2 inflammation and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)‐exacerbated respiratory disease (N‐ERD) can be difficult to control with standard medical therapy and sinus surgery. In this group, biologicals are potentially promising treatment options. The phase III clinical trials for omalizumab, dupilumab, mepolizumab and benralizumab in CRSwNP have demonstrated favourable outcomes. Moving forward, direct comparisons among biologicals, refining patient selection criteria for specific biologicals, determining optimal treatment duration and monitoring long‐term outcomes are areas of emerging interest. This review summarizes the clinical evidence from the recent 2 years on the role of biologicals in severe CRSwNP and N‐ERD, and proposes an approach towards decision‐making in their use.
Assessing approaches to learning with nonparametric multidimensional scaling
Authors: Knezek Gerald , Gibson David , Christensen Rhonda , Trevisan Ottavia , Carter Morgan
Published: September 2022

This article reports on a trace‐based assessment of approaches to learning used by middle school aged children who interacted with NASA Mars Mission science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) games in Whyville, an online game environment with 8 million registered young learners. The learning objectives of two games included awareness and knowledge of NASA missions, developing knowledge and skills of measurement and scaling, applying measurement for planetary comparisons in the solar system. Trace data from 1361 interactions were analysed with nonparametric multidimensional scaling methods, which permitted visual examination and statistical validation, and provided an example and proof of concept for the multidimensional scaling approach to analysis of time‐based behavioural data from a game or simulation. Differences in approach to learning were found illustrating the potential value of the methodology to curriculum and game‐based learning designers as well as other creators of online STEM content for pre‐college youth. The theoretical framework of the method and analysis makes use of the Epistemic Network Analysis toolkit as a post hoc data exploration platform, and the discussion centres on issues of semantic interpretation of interaction end‐states and the application of evidence centred design in post hoc analysis.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Educational game play has been demonstrated to positively affect learning performance and learning persistence.

Trace‐based assessment from digital learning environments can focus on learning outcomes and processes drawn from user behaviour and contextual data.

Existing approaches used in learning analytics do not (fully) meet criteria commonly used in psychometrics or for different forms of validity in assessment, even though some consider learning analytics a form of assessment in the broadest sense.

Frameworks of knowledge representation in trace‐based research often include concepts from cognitive psychology, education and cognitive science.

What this paper adds

To assess skills‐in‐action, stronger connections of learning analytics with educational measurement can include parametric and nonparametric statistics integrated with theory‐driven modelling and semantic network analysis approaches widening the basis for inferences, validity, meaning and understanding from digital traces.

An expanded methodological foundation is offered for analysis in which nonparametric multidimensional scaling, multimodal analysis, epistemic network analysis and evidence‐centred design are combined.

Implications for practice and policy

The new foundations are suggested as a principled, theory‐driven, embedded data collection and analysis framework that provides structure for reverse engineering of semantics as well as pre‐planning frameworks that support creative freedom in the processes of creation of digital learning environments.
Cross‐valence inhibition in forming and retrieving ambivalent attitudes
Authors: Primoceri Pierpaolo , Ullrich Johannes
Published: September 2022

Many things in life are ambivalent, and it might sometimes be useful or necessary to ignore their positive attributes when judging their negative attributes and vice versa. Cross‐valence inhibition may complicate this task, leading people to underestimate the positive and negative attributes of ambivalent stimuli. In three studies (total N = 155), participants learned to associate combined evaluative information (gains and losses) with attributes of unfamiliar objects (size and colour of Chernoff faces). Participants then estimated (Studies 1–3) or experienced and recalled (Study 3) the gains and losses associated with novel ambivalent attribute combinations. As predicted, both in estimation and recall, participants rated gains (losses) to be lower, the higher the losses (gains) associated with the stimulus. The effect occurred only when the two attributes were evaluatively conflicting (Study 2). Cross‐valence inhibition might lead to maladaptive behaviour when positive and negative attributes are in fact separable in hedonic experience.
Intensified inequities: Young people's experiences of Covid‐19 and school closures in Uganda
Authors: Datzberger Simone , Parkes Jenny , Bhatia Amiya , Nagawa Rehema , Kasidi Joan Ritar , Musenze Brian Junior , Naker Dipak , Devries Karen
Published: September 2022

Uganda had the longest period of school closures worldwide as a response measure during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Drawing on longitudinal qualitative data from the Contexts of Violence in Adolescence Cohort Study (CoVAC) (2018–2023), we examine how this has affected the lives of adolescents in Uganda. Our analysis showcases how intersecting inequities based on socioeconomic circumstances, gender and location have intensified, with detrimental effects on young people's educational paths and life circumstances. Strategies that take the intersections of these inequities into account are urgently needed to help the most disadvantaged and marginalized young people return to school.
A comparison of microbiota in the ladybird Harmonia axyridis between native and invaded ranges
Authors: Li Hongran , Shu Xiaohan , Zhou Jincheng , Meng Ling , Zhou Xuguo , Obrycki John J. , Li Baoping
Published: September 2022

As a biocontrol agent of aphids and coccids, the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), was introduced from its native Asian range into North America. There, it has spread quickly and widely, potentially contributing to the decline of endemic ladybirds. This study examined microbial communities residing in H. axyridis in its native and introduced or invaded regions. We collected ladybirds at 11 localities across mainland China (native range) and at seven localities across the USA (invaded range) and applied next‐generation amplicon sequencing to examine microbial communities. We found that the diversity of the microbial community of H. axyridis in the invaded range declined compared to the native range. The microbial community differed markedly in composition between native and invaded ranges. Among all identified 22047 amplicon sequence variants, only 4.2% were shared by the two ranges, whereas 4967 were unique to the invaded and 16159 to the native range. Our findings suggest that the composition of the microbial community of H. axyridis is largely restructured in the invaded North American region compared to the native Asian region.
Insect‐plant‐fungus interactions in mycorrhizal associations, with a focus on spittlebugs and ectomycorrhizal host plants
Authors: Thompson Vinton
Published: September 2022

Mycorrhizal plants mediate interactions between their root‐associated fungal symbionts and insect herbivores. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations tend to boost phloem sap sucking insects and host specialist chewing insects but depress host generalist chewing insects. In turn, insect herbivores have only small negative effects on the abundance of AM fungi. Ectomycorrhizal (EM) associations, less studied, have no consistent effect on phloem sap‐sucking or chewing insects, but their insect herbivores have strong negative effects on EM fungal abundance.

Spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea) feed on xylem sap and are disproportionately associated with EM plants, probably because many EM fungi are especially well equipped to access nitrogen (N) from complex soil organic matter. Assimilated N is transported in host plant xylem sap as amino acids, the primary food source for xylem‐feeding insects.

Although EM plants account for only 2% of all vascular plants, about 19% of spittlebugs have EM primary hosts. This compares to 9% of hosts that are rhizobial or actinorhizal N‐fixing plants, alternative modes of root‐associated N acquisition that also attract spittlebugs.

Notable spittlebug EM host plants includePinusandAbies(Pinaceae),Quercus,AlnusandBetula(Fagales),Salix(Salicaceae),Eucalyptus(Myrtaceae) and the gymnospermGnetum(Gnetales).

Some EM plants, including severalPinusspecies, host spittlebug pests and some play an important role in the ecology of spittlebug vectors of the bacterial plant pathogenXylella fastidiosa.

The fossil record and dated molecular phylogenies suggest that spittlebugs initially evolved in parallel with EM Pinaceae.
Hydromechanical coupling model for mechanical and hydraulic behavior of fractured rock mass in the framework of advanced general particle dynamics
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Fan Xiaowei , Du Erbao , Bi Jing , Berto Filippo
Published: September 2022

In this paper, hydromechanical coupling model is proposed to study the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of fractured rock mass in the framework of advanced general particle dynamics (GPD), and the relationship between stress and seepage is determined. Then, the proposed model is employed to investigate one‐dimensional seepage, and the numerical seepage field is in a good agreement with the analytical solution, implying the feasibility and accuracy of advanced GPD method. Finally, the proposed model is applied to analyze the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of surrounding rock mass around excavated tunnel under hydromechanical coupling conditions, and the numerical results obtained by the proposed model are in a good agreement with those obtained by PFC, which further verifies the correctness of the proposed model.
Evaluating the effect of management on patients with oral hypofunction: A longitudinal study
Authors: Onuki Wakana , Magara Jin , Ito Kayoko , Ita Reiko , Kawada Satomi , Tsutsui Yuhei , Nakajima Yuta , Sakai Haruka , Tsujimura Takanori , Inoue Makoto
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Declining oral function may affect subsequent physical frailty in the older population. The aim of this longitudinal study was to summarise data on patients who underwent functional oral examination and evaluate the impact of management on patients with oral hypofunction (OHF).

Methods

Dental outpatients aged over 65 years at their initial visit to the Niigata University Hospital received detailed assessment of seven oral function items to diagnose oral hypofunction using diagnostic criteria defined by the Japanese Society of Gerodontology. Patients with OHF at the first assessment received management including oral health guidance for low function and dental treatment. They were re‐evaluated approximately 6 months later and the two assessments were compared. According to the results of the second assessment, the patients were divided into two groups: OHF improved and OHF re‐diagnosed.

Results

Of the 273 patients who underwent the first assessment, 86 (31.5%) were diagnosed with OHF and received management. Of those, 42 (48.8%) completed the second assessment. Comparing the first and second assessment, significant improvement was observed in oral hygiene, occlusal force, tongue–lip motor function of /pa/, mastication and swallowing. The change in values from the first assessment demonstrated a significant difference between the OHF improved and re‐diagnosed groups only in occlusal force.

Conclusion

Management for patients with OHF can contribute to the improvement of poor oral function, and an increase in occlusal force was notable in the recovery from OHF.
Factors related to a college student's career optimism and their perception of career services
Authors: Thompson Dorothy A. , Dent Heidi L. , Fine Monica B.
Published: September 2022

A student's expectation for a positive outcome for their future career development is referred to as career optimism. Career Services, a common university department, utilizes the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) to understand how students form career interests and make educational and vocational choices. Then Career Services can assist students in finding a career that matches their interests. We hypothesize that students' perception of the assistance provided by the Career Services department when the SCCT is applied, impacts the student's career optimism. In addition, we hypothesize, and results support, that different factors, such as a student's chosen major, impact student perception of Career Services and career optimism.
Anti‐tumour potential of PD‐L1/PD‐1 post‐translational modifications
Authors: Zhou Shimeng , Zhu Jinfeng , Xu Jingwei , Gu Bingzi , Zhao Qiao , Luo Congzhou , Gao Zhoufeng , Chin Y. Eugene , Cheng Xiaju
Published: September 2022

The immune checkpoint programmed death receptor 1 (PD‐1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) are biologically important immunosuppressive molecules, and the PD‐L1/PD‐1‐mediated signalling pathway is currently considered one of the main mechanisms of tumour escape immune surveillance. PD‐L1 is highly expressed on the cytomembrane of tumour cell and binds to PD‐1 receptor of activated T cells. This interaction activates PD‐L1/PD‐1 downstream signal transduction, inhibiting T cells anti‐tumour activity. Therefore, inhibitors of PD‐L1/PD‐1 activation, showing significant efficacy in some types of tumours, have been widely approved in clinical tumour therapy. Recent research on PD‐L1/PD‐1 signalling pathway regulation has shown post‐translational modifications (PTMs) form of PD‐L1 or PD‐1, including glycosylation, ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and acetylation, which may play an important role in PD‐L1/PD‐1 signalling pathway regulation and anti‐tumour function of T cells. In this review, we focused on PTMs of PD‐L1/PD‐1 research and potential applications in tumour immunotherapy.
The evaluation of an automated mariPOC SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen test compared to RT‐qPCR SARS‐CoV‐2 assay and comparison of its sensitivity in Delta‐ and Omicron‐variant samples
Authors: Krutova Marcela , Brajerova Marie , Kepka Zdenek , Briksi Ales , Hubacek Petr , Drevinek Pavel
Published: September 2022

Background

The rapid diagnostics tests for SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen vary in their sensitivities, and moreover, genomic mutations may further affect the performance of the assays. We aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of an automated antigen assay and compare its sensitivity in Delta‐ and Omicron‐variant positive clinical samples.

Material and methods

The analytical performance of an automated mariPOC SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen test was evaluated on a population of community‐dwelling subjects with mild respiratory symptoms or being asymptomatic investigated by the RT‐qPCR Allplex™ SARS‐CoV‐2 assay. The sensitivity and specificity of the antigen test were evaluated on prospective 621 nasopharyngeal swabs along with oropharyngeal swabs. The sensitivity regarding variants determined by the Allplex™ SARS‐CoV‐2 Variant assays was analysed in additional, retrospective 158 Delta and 59 Omicron samples.

Results

The overall sensitivity of the antigen test in prospective samples was 77.9% (113/145; 95% confidence interval [CI] 70.3–84.4) with the specificity of 99.8% (95% CI 98.8–100). Regarding the variant, the sensitivity was higher in Omicron‐variant samples, 93.2% (55/59; 95% CI 83.5–98.1), compared to Delta‐variant samples, 71.5% (113/158; 95% CI 63.8–78.4; p = .001).

Conclusion

In community‐dwelling subjects with mild respiratory symptoms or being asymptomatic, the automated mariPOC SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen test showed high sensitivity over 98.0% in subgroup samples with cycle threshold (Ct) values < 25. Regarding the variant, the antigen test sensitivity was higher in the Omicron‐variant samples compared to the Delta‐variant samples. The analytical performance of the antigen test can differ between the SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, and a re‐evaluation should be performed for new circulating lineages.
Simultaneous enhancement of emission and thermal sensitivity via phase transition in Gd2(MoO4)3:Yb3+/Er3+ crystals
Authors: Li Dongyu , Xu Weijiang , Huang Zhen , Jin Xiao , Xu Bing , Zhang Zhenghe , Zhang Tingting , Wang Deng , Liu Xuping , Suo Hao , Li Qinghua
Published: September 2022

The effects of site symmetric distortion induced by the phase transition on up‐conversion emission and thermal sensing performance of Gd2(MoO4)3:Yb3+/Er3+ (GMO) crystals were elaborately studied by minimizing interference from many factors. Monoclinic GMO showed a much stronger fluorescence intensity and larger fluorescence intensity ratio under the irradiation of 980 nm laser in comparison to the orthorhombic counterpart. These remarkable up‐conversion properties stemmed from the low site symmetry with large site symmetric distortion in monoclinic GMO. Moreover, the thermal sensing property of the samples was assessed based on the fluorescence intensity ratio technique, where monoclinic GMO exhibited much higher maximum absolute sensitivity (Sa = 0.0257 K−1 at 510 K) due to the site symmetric distortion, which was further explained by the Judd–Ofelt theory and polarizability of the chemical bond volume model. Results opened an efficient avenue for achieving highly sensitive thermometry in many daily scenarios via finely tailoring the local site symmetry.
Excellent energy‐storage property and thermal stability of PLZT‐based antiferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Zhou Yongxin , Xia Jiake , Chen Xuefeng , Wang Genshui
Published: September 2022

(Pb, La)(Zr, Ti)O3antiferroelectric (AFE) materials are promising materials due to their energy‐storage density higher than 10 J cm−3, but their low energy‐storage efficiency and poor temperature stability limit their application. In this paper, the (1 − x)(Pb0.9175La0.055)(Zr0.975Ti0.025)O3–xPb(Yb1/2Nb1/2)O3(PLZTYN100x) AFE ceramics were prepared via two‐step sintering method and investigated thoroughly. With the doping of Yb3+and Nb5+, the phase structure transforms from the orthorhombic phase (AFEO) to the coexistence of the orthorhombic‐and‐tetragonal phases. This structure reduces the free energy difference between the AFE and ferroelectric phases and reduces the fluctuation of energy with temperature, improving the energy storage efficiency and temperature stability. When thex = 0.05 (PLZTYN5), the AFE ceramic exhibits excellent temperature stability and ultrahigh energy storage performance, whose recoverable energy density (Wrec) is 6.8–8.2 J cm−3at 30 kV mm−1in the temperature range from −55 to 75°C, and efficiency (ƞ) is 78%–86.7%. In addition, the change ofWrecis less than 15%, exceeding the performance of most AFE ceramics. The results demonstrate that the PLZTYN5 ceramic has great potential in pulse power capacitors.
Mg3B2O6 microwave dielectric ceramics fabricated by combining cold sintering with post‐annealing process
Authors: Chi Mengjiao , Liu Yahan , Zhao Jianwei , Dong Chao , Luo Xinjiang , Wang Dawei , Liu Bing , Mao Minmin , Shi Feng , Song Kaixin
Published: September 2022

It is difficult to get pure‐phase Mg3B2O6 (abbreviated as MBO) ceramics by the traditional high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method. In this paper, pure‐phase MBO ceramics were successfully densified and obtained by combining the cold sintering and post‐annealing process. The relative density of MBO ceramics was ∼80% cold sintered at 150°C/90 min/800 MPa, which was further improved to ∼91% by post‐annealing at 900°C, 400°C lower than that of the traditional high‐temperature sintering process (∼1300°C). X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman results demonstrated that the secondary phase of MgO was effectively eliminated, and dense microstructure was observed by the cold‐sintering process plus post‐annealing treatment. Finally, the microwave dielectric properties of MBO were evaluated with εr: 5.15–6.37, Q×f: 5942–16 686 GHz, τf: −48.45–69.72 ppm/°C.
Comparative antiplatelet effects of chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide
Authors: Bashir Khalid , Burns Tammy , Pirruccello Samuel J. , Aurit Sarah J. , Hilleman Daniel E.
Published: September 2022

Chlorthalidone (CTD) may be superior to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in the reduction of adverse cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. The mechanism of the potential benefit of CTD could be related to antiplatelet effects. The objective of this study was to determine if CTD or HCTZ have antiplatelet effects. This study was a prospective, double‐blind, randomized, three‐way crossover comparison evaluating the antiplatelet effects of CTD, HCTZ, and aspirin (ASA) in healthy volunteers. The effects of these treatments on platelet activation and aggregation were assessed using a well‐established method with five standard platelet agonists. Thirty‐four patients completed the three‐way crossover comparing pre‐ and post‐treatment changes in platelet activation and aggregation studies. There were statistically significant antiplatelet effects with ASA but not with CTD or HCTZ. Hypokalemia occurred in 0 (0%), 10 (30%), and 6 (18%) of the ASA, CTD, and HCTZ patients, respectively. The results of our study suggest that the benefits of CTD and HCTZ in reducing adverse cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension is not a result of an antiplatelet effect. In our study, hypokalemia with CTD was more prevalent than that reported in a large outcome trial in patients with hypertension. The clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain.
Sleep patterns, sluggish cognitive tempo, and daytime sleepiness – a commentary on Fredrick et al. (2022)
Authors: Sadeghi‐Bahmani Dena , Brand Serge
Published: September 2022

Fredrick et al. (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2022) showed in their cross‐sectional and observational study that higher Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) traits were associated with more impaired subjective and objective sleep parameters. Importantly, data were gathered from adolescents and their parents, thus, enhancing the validity of the findings. In addition, the observed pattern of associations was unrelated to ADHD traits, age, sex, medication, or pubertal development. In the present commentary, we acknowledge the scientific value and practical and clinical implications of these findings. For future studies, we propose seven research avenues, which might help to further clarify the neurophysiological, psychological, and behavioral associations between SCT traits and sleep patterns.
Treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with chronic urticaria during pregnancy: Results of PREG‐CU, a UCARE study
Authors: Kocatürk Emek , Al‐Ahmad Mona , Krause Karoline , Gimenez‐Arnau Ana M. , Thomsen Simon Francis , Conlon Niall , Marsland Alexander , Savk Ekin , Criado Roberta F. , Danilycheva Inna , Fomina Daria , Godse Kiran , Khoshkhui Maryam , Gelincik Aslı , Degirmentepe Ece Nur , Demir Semra , Ensina Luis Felipe , Kasperska‐Zajac Alicja , Rudenko Michael , Valle Solange , Medina Iris , Bauer Andrea , Zhao Zuotao , Staubach Petra , Bouillet Laurence , Küçük Özlem Su , Baygül Arzu , Maurer Marcus
Published: September 2022

Background

Although chronic urticaria (CU) is a common and primarily affects females, there is little data on how pregnancy interacts with the disease.

Objective

To analyse the treatment use by CU patients before, during and after pregnancy as well as outcomes of pregnancy.

Methods

PREG‐CU is an international, multicentre study of the Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence network. Data were collected via a 47‐item‐questionnaire completed by CU patients who became pregnant during their disease course.

Results

Questionnaires from 288 CU patients from 13 countries were analysed. During pregnancy, most patients (60%) used urticaria medication including standard‐dose second generation H1‐antihistamines (35.1%), first generation H1‐antihistamines (7.6%), high‐dose second‐generation H1‐antihistamines (5.6%) and omalizumab (5.6%). The preterm birth rate was 10.2%; rates were similar between patients who did and did not receive treatment during pregnancy (11.6% vs. 8.7%, respectively). Emergency referrals for CU and twin birth were risk factors for preterm birth. The caesarean delivery rate was 51.3%. More than 90% of new‐borns were healthy at birth. There was no link between any patient or disease characteristics or treatments and medical problems at birth.

Conclusion

Most CU patients used treatment during pregnancy especially second‐generation antihistamines which seem to be safe during pregnancy regardless of the trimester. The rates of preterm births and medical problems of new‐borns in CU patients were similar to population norms and not linked to treatment used during pregnancy. Emergency referrals for CU increased the risk of preterm birth and emphasize the importance of sufficient treatment to keep urticaria under control during pregnancy.
Learning curve analysis for duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection: A single‐operator experience
Authors: Ozeki Yuichiro , Hirasawa Kingo , Sawada Atsushi , Ikeda Ryosuke , Nishio Masafumi , Fukuchi Takehide , Kobayashi Ryosuke , Sato Chiko , Maeda Shin
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Superficial duodenal epithelial tumors are emerging targets for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, it is unknown how competence is achieved in duodenal ESD. This study aimed to elucidate the learning curve for duodenal ESD.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 100 consecutive patients who underwent duodenal ESD by a single endoscopist between March 2014 and September 2021. The primary outcome was to define the learning curve for duodenal ESD by an endoscopist with sufficient non‐duodenal ESD experience. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) curve analysis was used to assess the learning curve in terms of procedural speed. Comparative analyses of phases identified using the CUSUM method were performed.

Results

In total, 98 patients were included in the analysis. Evaluation of the cumulative sum curve revealed four distinct phases in the graph: phase I, cases 1–25 (learning phase); phase II, cases 26–47 (proficiency phase); phase III, cases 48–72 (mastery phase); and phase IV, cases 73–98 (after introduction of general anesthesia). The median procedural speed was significantly faster in phase II than in phase I (11.1 mm2/min vs 7.0 mm2/min, P = .002). Clinically significant intraoperative perforation tended to decrease through phase II to phase IV (22.7%, 12.0%, and 3.8% in phases II, III, and IV, respectively). Delayed perforation occurred only in phases I and II.

Conclusions

Duodenal ESD requires 25 cases to gain proficiency and 50 to achieve mastery even for an endoscopist with extensive non‐duodenal ESD experience.
The global incidence of adverse events associated with fecal microbiota transplantation in children over the past 20 years: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Ji‐Gan , Liang Qing , Dou Hui‐Hong , Ou Yuan
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To understand the global incidence of the adverse events associated with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in children over the past 20 years.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, and Chongqing Weipu) for high‐quality articles written over the past 20 years and made selections based on the quality standard score. The study characteristics and incidences of adverse events were extracted from each article, meta‐analysis was performed using the R.3.6.3 software, and randomized‐effect or fixed‐effect meta‐analyses were used to determine the incidence of adverse events. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 18 articles involving 681 children were included in the analysis. The total effective rate of FMT in children was 85.75% (95% CI: 76.23–93.15%), of which the overall efficacy of FMT for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection was 91.22% (95% CI: 83.49–96.68%) and the overall adverse event rate was 28.86% (95% CI: 19.56–39.15%), with a mild to moderate adverse event rate of 27.72% (95% CI: 17.86–38.83%) and a severe adverse event rate of 0.90% (95% CI: 0.33–1.76%). The most common mild to moderate adverse events were as follows: bellyache, 14.02% (95% CI: 5.43–25.77%); diarrhea, 7.75% (95% CI: 2.69–15.11%); and bloating, 7.36% (95% CI: 1.79–16.28%). Other adverse events included fever, 2.34%; vomiting, 3.12%; nausea, 1.50%; hematochezia, 2.30%; anorexia, 1.94%; and fatigue, 0.03%. The only death reported was in a study from China, in which the patient died of sepsis and liver failure 4 weeks after FMT. The other serious adverse event was an immunodeficiency patient with severe hematochezia. Another study in the United States described seven serious adverse events including one death that was not considered to be related to FMT; however, they did not describe the events in detail. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.02–15.42, P = 0.76).

Conclusion

Adverse events related to FMT in children are mostly mild to moderate, of short duration, and self‐limiting. Therefore, the use of FMT in children is safe and worthy of widespread promotion.
Characteristics of shifting ability in children with mild intellectual disabilities: an experimental study with a task‐switching paradigm
Authors: Kitamura Y. , Okumura Y. , Shirakawa Y. , Ikeda Y. , Kita Y.
Published: September 2022

Background

Shifting enables flexible switch between tasks or mental sets. It is a component of the executive function that plays critical roles in human behaviour control. However, shifting ability in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) has not been well clarified because of the use of intellectually demanding tasks in previous studies. The present study invented a novel shifting task with minimal intellectual demands and aimed to clarify the characteristics of shifting in adolescents with ID.

Methods

Adolescents with ID (n = 21) and chronological‐age‐matched (n = 10) and mental‐age‐matched controls (n = 33) performed a novel shifting task with simple rule switching (i.e. change in direction). Analyses focused on the switch cost or the increase in the reaction time associated with rule switching.

Results

Two subtypes of adolescents with ID were found with respect to the switch cost: one that lacks it and another with an increased switch cost. The lack of a switch cost was unique to the subgroup adolescents with ID and was not indicated in the control group.

Conclusions

The present study indicated that shifting in adolescents with ID does not depend solely on their intellectual function and is highly heterogeneous. This finding further implies that executive functions, including shifting, must be evaluated separately from their intellectual functions.
Treatment of sensitive skin by short‐wave radiofrequency combined with intense pulsed light
Authors: Jin Tingting , Pan Lei , Zhao Ye , Wu Sufan , Sun Yi
Published: September 2022

Background

Sensitive skin is a widespread dermatologic condition, and no optimal treatments have been established so far.

Objective

To investigated the efficacy and safety of the combined therapy of short‐wave radiofrequency (SWRF) and intense pulsed light (IPL) in improving transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and facial erythema in sensitive skin patients.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with sensitive skin received the SWRF treatment once per week for 4 weeks and IPL treatment once. Digital photographs and three‐dimensional images were taken at each follow‐up. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by the improvement of sensitive scale‐10 including irritant symptoms and facial erythema. In addition, erythema area and TEWL values were measured.

Results

All patients showed subjective and objective improvement in irritant sensations and facial erythema after treatment. The TEWL values decreased from 20.29 ± 5.97 g·h−1·m−2 at baseline to 14.70 ± 6.02 g·h−1·m−2 after SWRF treatment and 13.78 ± 4.70 g·h−1·m−2 after combined therapy (p = 0.000). The clearance of the erythema area was statistically significant, with 14.05% ± 5.71% at baseline, 9.38% ± 4.08% after SWRF treatment, and 5.73% ± 2.79% after combined therapy (p = 0.000). No adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

The combination of SWRF with IPL was effective in relieving skin irritant sensations and facial erythema of sensitive skin by repairing skin barrier function.
Partner violence surrounding divorce: A record‐linkage study of wives and their husbands
Authors: Einiö Elina , Metsä‐Simola Niina , Aaltonen Mikko , Hiltunen Elina , Martikainen Pekka
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study analyzes the victimization trajectories of partner violence against women surrounding divorce, depending on whether the couple has children together.

Background

Prior studies have found that partner violence is associated with an increased risk of divorce. No study has assessed the victimization trajectories surrounding divorce for women with and without children, although women with children may remain at higher risk of violence following divorce.

Method

Using Finnish record‐linkage data of 22,468 divorced and 333,542 continuously married women and their husbands, we used repeated‐measures logistic regression analyses to assess changes in victimization for partner violence before and after divorce. The outcomes considered were police‐reported crimes committed by husbands against their wives and hospital‐treated assault injuries recorded for wives.

Results

The risk of crime victimization for partner assault was already elevated from 2 to 3 years before divorce, peaked in the year prior to divorce, and then mainly leveled off 1–2 years after divorce. Hospital data show that the time of the greatest risk was from 6 to 12 months before divorce, when divorce is usually filed for. Women with younger children experienced elevated risks of physical violence shortly before divorce and remained at higher risk of menace than women without children for a year after divorce.

Conclusion

Divorcing women committed assaults against their husbands, but these were mostly accompanied by victimization, suggesting that resistant violence was common for women as perpetrators. Women with a history of victimization need support, especially at the starts of their divorce processes.
Current classification of vascular anomalies of the head and neck
Authors: Oomen Karin P. Q. , Wreesmann Volkert B.
Published: September 2022

Vascular anomalies of the head and neck comprise a wide spectrum of phenotypically diverse lesions. Optimal diagnosis and management of these lesions are critically dependent upon establishment of uniform and well‐defined histopathologic, clinical, and radiological criteria, but these remain subject of debate. In this paper, we describe the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies classification scheme, which was first published in 1996 and updated in 2014. The strength of this proposal rests on its distinction between vascular malformations and tumors, and is responsible for its wide adoption. This paradigm serves as a developing platform for diagnosis, inter‐collegial communication, and treatment, and adhering to it will help clinicians to improve the management of vascular anomalies.
Angiosarcomas of the head and neck: Impact of large data analysis on clinical management
Authors: Wreesmann Volkert B. , Oomen Karin P. , Brennan Peter A.
Published: September 2022

Angiosarcoma is a rare but often fatal malignancy from blood and lymphatic vessels that can arise anywhere in the body and often affects the head and neck region. Although its dismal prognosis is predominantly explained by its aggressive biology, several secondary factors contribute to poor outcomes. These include a phenotypic resemblance to innocuous blood vessel lesions, which contributes to a significant degree of late diagnosis. Another important factor is the rarity of angiosarcoma, which has impaired scientific determination of its optimal treatment significantly. As a result, treatment of angiosarcomas has largely been guided by information derived from the study of sarcomas at large, themselves a highly heterogeneous group of mesenchymal cancers both from a diagnostic as well as therapeutical perspective. The Digital Revolution and resultant Information Age promise to transform the clinical management of rare cancers from a generic to a more customized approach. In this paper, we review the current understanding of head and neck angiosarcomas within the context of this process.
Regional inequality in China during its rise as a giant exporter: A value chain analysis
Authors: Duan Yuwan , Dietzenbacher Erik , Los Bart , Dai Ruochen
Published: September 2022

China's exports success has implications for regional income inequality, because most of its export products are manufactured in the coastal zone. We propose a value chain‐based accounting framework to quantify the contributions of exports to regional income inequality. We employ newly developed interregional input–output tables for China, which distinguish between processing export activities and ordinary export activities. We analyze the period 2002–2012, the decade during which China became the “Factory of the World.” We find that an RMB of processing exports contributed much more to regional inequality than an RMB of ordinary exports or domestic final demand. Still, changes in regional inequality (increasing in 2002–2007 and decreasing between 2007 and 2012) are much more due to rising ordinary exports in the first subperiod and the growth of domestic final demand coupled with changes in the configuration of value chains in the second.
VanG‐ and D‐Ala‐D‐Ser‐dependent peptidoglycan synthesis and vancomycin resistance in Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Belitsky Boris R.
Published: September 2022

A Clostridioides difficile strain deficient in the ddl gene is unable to synthesize the dipeptide D‐Ala‐D‐Ala, an essential component of peptidoglycan and the target of vancomycin. We isolated spontaneous suppressors of a ∆ddl mutation that allowed cell growth in the absence of D‐Ala‐D‐Ala. The mutations caused constitutive or partly constitutive expression of the vancomycin‐inducible vanG operon responsible for the synthesis of D‐Ala‐D‐Ser, which can replace D‐Ala‐D‐Ala in peptidoglycan. The mutations mapped to the vanS or vanR genes, which regulate expression of the vanG operon. The constitutive level of vanG expression was about 10‐fold above that obtained by vancomycin induction. The incorporation of D‐Ala‐D‐Ser into peptidoglycan due to high expression of the vanG operon conferred only low‐level resistance to vancomycin, but VanG was found to synthesize D‐Ala‐D‐Ala in addition to D‐Ala‐D‐Ser. However, the same, low resistance to vancomycin was also observed in cells completely unable to synthesize D‐Ala‐D‐Ala and grown in the presence of D‐Ala‐D‐Ser. D‐Ala‐D‐Ala presence was required for efficient vancomycin induction of the vanG operon showing that vancomycin is not by itself able to activate VanS. D‐Ala‐D‐Ser, similar to D‐Ala‐D‐Ala, served as an anti‐activator of DdlR, the positive regulator of the ddl gene, thereby coupling vanG and ddl expression.
Primary central nervous system other iatrogenic immunodeficiency‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders presenting as extraosseous plasmacytoma with a progressive clinical course: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ohgaki Fukutaro , Takemoto Yasunori , Paku Sujong , Tatezuki Junya , Kumagai Jiro , Shuto Takashi , Mochimatsu Yasuhiko
Published: September 2022

Other iatrogenic immunosuppressive‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders (OIIA‐LPDs) rarely occur in the central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, they almost always present as lymphoma and withdrawal by cessation of immunosuppressive treatment. We report a case of primary CNS OIIA‐LPD that presented as extraosseous plasmacytoma (EP) with a progressive clinical course in spite of immunosuppressive treatment cessation. A 78‐year‐old man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented with a month‐long headache. Magnetic resonance imaging showed mass lesions in the left temporal lobe, left middle fossa, and intradural cervical spine. The left temporal lesion was resected and diagnosed as EP histologically, and OIIA‐LPD presented as plasmacytoma integrally due to his history of immunosuppressive treatment using tacrolimus for RA. Despite immunosuppressive treatment cessation, OIIA‐LPD lesions did not regress but, on the contrary, showed a progressive clinical course. Considering his advanced age and renal dysfunction, postoperative treatment with radiation and moderate chemotherapy using prednisolone were administrated. Subsequently, the disease state stabilized, and the patient had a Karnofsky performance status score of 90 for 6 months; however, the tumor recurred with meningeal dissemination, and he died 8 months after treatment. Types of OIIA‐LPD onset as EP and its progressive clinical course resistant to cessation of immunosuppressive treatment are rare. Moreover, this OIIA‐LPD disease state worsened despite its radiosensitivity. We believe the progressive clinical course of this OIIA‐LPD case with its high cell proliferation is similar to Epstein–Barr virus negative plasmablastic lymphoma, which could lead to a poor outcome.
FKBP4 correlates with CD8+ T cells and lymphatic metastases in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yamin , Wang Jin , Yu Jing , Zhu Huiyong
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To identify the engagement of CD8+ T cells in the lymph node metastasis (LNM) of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and significant CD8+ T cell‐related genes regulating the LNM.

Subjects and methods

Tumor samples of primary OSCC patients were obtained (n = 71). CD8 expression in LNM− and LNM+ tumors were identified using tissue microarray (TMA)‐based immunohistochemistry (IHC) and compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. The LNM status, as well as the metagene expression of CD8+ T cells of OSCC patients, were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Metagenes related to LNM were screened using logistic regression analyses and further identified using TMA‐based IHC.

Results

CD8 was significantly positively associated with LNM (p < 0.05). Furthermore, tumors with higher expression of FKBP4 had significantly higher LNM rate (HR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.08 ~ 2.53; p < 0.05), which was also proven using TMA‐based IHC analysis.

Conclusion

CD8+ T cells might engage in the lymphatic metastases of OSCC. Among CD8+ T cell‐related genes, FKBP4 could be a promising biomarker to predict the risk of LNM of OSCC.
Is a spice missing from the recipe? The intra‐cellular localization of vanillin biosynthesis needs further investigations
Authors: Diamond A. , Barnabé S. , Desgagné‐Penix I.
Published: September 2022

Vanillin is the most popular flavor compound in the world. Substantial effort were made in the last decades to completely elucidate the metabolic pathway that leads to vanillin in plants, with some controversy reported. In V. planifolia, vanillin biosynthesis occurs in plastids or in redifferentiated‐plastids termed ‘‘phenyloplasts’’. More recently, it was shown that all enzymes required for the conversion of [14C]‐phenylalanine to [14C]‐vanillin‐glucoside are confined within that organelle. However, knowing that some of these enzymes are cytosolic or ER‐membrane bound in most plant species, it raises questions on the interpretation of data obtained from the technique used and on the true localization of the biosynthetic enzymes in V.planifolia. In addition, intense debate has emerged about the real participation of last enzyme of the pathway involving vanillin synthase (VpVAN) in the direct conversion of ferulic acid to vanillin. With the discovery of another enzyme capable of this conversion and the lack of activity of VpVAN in vitro, further disagreement emerged. One additional challenge to VpVAN being necessary and sufficient is that the transcript for this protein is abundant invarious non‐vanillin‐producing tissues of the vanilla plant. In this viewpoint, we discuss the findings surrounding the cellular‐localization and activity of enzymes of vanillin biosynthesis. This will help to further understand the pathway and urge for additional research study to resolve the debate.