bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual differences in L1 attainment and language aptitude predict L2 achievement in instructed language learners
Authors: L. Sparks Richard , S. Dale Philip , M. Patton Jon
Published: May 2023

Although most children learn to communicate in their first language (L1), there is normal and expected variation in their rate of acquisition across all components of the language system. Until recently, most second language acquisition and second language (L2) researchers have assumed that individual differences (IDs) in L1 acquisition are small and irrelevant to IDs in L2 acquisition. However, growing evidence has found strong relationships between IDs in L1 attainment and ultimate L2 achievement. In this longitudinal study, US secondary students were administered measures of L1 written and oral achievement, L1 cognitive processing, and L2 aptitude, then followed over 3 years of Spanish instruction and administered standardized measures of L2 literacy and oral proficiency at the end of each year. Hierarchical regressions followed by regression commonality analysis showed that IDs in L1 achievement alone (reading, writing, vocabulary, and print exposure) accounted for substantial unique variance in L2 reading, writing, listening comprehension, and oral proficiency, while L2 aptitude accounted for additional unique variance at the end of each year. A new finding showed that variance accounted for by L1 skills increased from first to second to third year. Results lend additional support to the conclusion of strong L1–L2 relationships between IDs in L1 attainment and IDs in L2 achievement.
Apophysomyces variabilis as an emerging pathogen in Mainland China
Authors: Li Xiu‐Ying , Wang Shuang‐Jie , Huang Guo‐Mei , Zheng Dong‐Yan , Al‐Odaini Najwa , Pan Kai‐Su , Zheng Yan‐Qing , Cao Cun‐Wei
Published: May 2023

Background

Mucormycosis is a rare form of invasive, rapidly progressive and lethal opportunistic fungal infection caused by Mucorales. Although Rhizopus arrhizus (R. arrhizus) is the most commonly isolated Mucorales worldwide, infections caused by Apophysomyces variabilis (A. variabilis) are increasing.

Objectives and Methods

We present a case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by A. variabilis in an immunocompetent woman. In order to further understand the characteristics of the strain isolated from the patient, we identified the strain through ITS sequencing, assessed the ability to tolerate salt concentrations and temperature conditions, in addition to performing in vitro drug susceptibility testing against common antifungal agents.

Results

The strain showed 98.76% identity with A. variabilis in the NCBI database, and it was found to tolerate higher temperatures and salt concentrations than previously reported strains. The strain was sensitive to amphotericin B and posaconazole, but not to voriconazole, itraconazole, 5‐fluorocytosine and echinocandins.

Conclusions

This case indicates that Mucorales caused by A. variabilis should be recognised as an emerging pathogen that can cause a high mortality rate in the absence of prompt diagnosis and proper treatment in China, aggressive surgical debridement combined with prompt and appropriate antifungal treatment may improve outcomes.
Walking the ‘design–build–test–learn’ cycle: flux analysis and genetic engineering reveal the pliability of plant central metabolism
Authors: Schwender Jorg
Published: May 2023

This article is a Commentary on Morley et al. (2023), 239: 1834–1851.
Novel Claw‐shaped Bone Plate in Complex Unstable Scapular Neck and Body Fractures: Comparison with Reconstruction Locking Plate
Authors: Shi Huiming , Zhang Kun , Hu Yuanjun , Wu Wei , Liu Ning , Lu Haixia
Published: May 2023

Objective

For complex and unstable scapular fractures requiring simultaneous fixation of the glenoid neck, the lateral margin of the body, and/or the scapular diaphysis, reconstruction locking plate is difficult to achieve satisfactory fixation. In order to optimize the fixation effect, the newly designed claw‐shaped bone plate was designed for fixing such fractures. We also evaluate the clinical effects and follow‐up at an average of 1 year after treatment in scapular internal fixation by using reconstruction locking plate and claw‐shaped bone plate in complex unstable scapular body and glenoid neck fracture.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from 2018 to 2021, thirty‐three patients (27 males and six females) who were defined unstable scapular fractures by Ada–Miller. Fifteen patients (52.86 ± 8.26 years) received claw‐shaped bone plate and 18 cases (51.61 ± 11.31 years) received reconstruction locking plate with the intermuscular approach. The clinical effect was evaluated based on the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, surgical complications, clinical healing time and Constant–Murley score (CMS). The data analysis by Student t, Mann–Whitney U test and Pearson's chi squared test.

Results

Compared with reconstruction locking plate, the claw‐shaped bone plate showed shorter operation time (102.73 ± 18.43 min vs. 156 ± 37.53, P < 0.0001), higher CMS (94.00 ± 4.07 vs. 89.88 ± 5.42, P = 0.02) and no differences between the two groups regarding intraoperative blood loss (208.00 ± 96.45 mL vs. 269.44 ± 120.21, P = 0.12) and clinical healing times (9.96 ± 1.52 vs. 10.05 ± 1.67, P = 0.87). Follow‐up were conducted at first, third, 6 and 12 months after surgery. The operation was successful in all patients with no intraoperative complications.

Conclusions

For the treatment of complex and unstable scapular neck body fractures, the application of claw‐shaped bone plate demonstrated short operation time, better stability of the fracture block, and higher CMS. In the intraoperative and postoperative follow‐up showed better clinical results and rehabilitation effects.
Environmental influences on childhood asthma: Climate change
Authors: Biagioni Benedetta , Cecchi Lorenzo , D'Amato Gennaro , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella
Published: May 2023

Climate change is a key environmental factor for allergic respiratory diseases, especially in childhood. This review describes the influences of climate change on childhood asthma considering the factors acting directly, indirectly and with their amplifying interactions. Recent findings on the direct effects of temperature and weather changes, as well as the influences of climate change on air pollution, allergens, biocontaminants and their interplays, are discussed herein. The review also focusses on the impact of climate change on biodiversity loss and on migration status as a model to study environmental effects on childhood asthma onset and progression. Adaptation and mitigation strategies are urgently needed to prevent further respiratory diseases and human health damage in general, especially in younger and future generations.
Hyperspectral assessment of acne skin exposed to intense pulsed light (IPL) intense pulsed light in acne treatment
Authors: Zdrada‐Nowak Julita , Stolecka‐Warzecha Anna , Odrzywołek Wiktoria , Deda Anna , Błońska‐Fajfrowska Barbara , Wilczyński Sławomir
Published: May 2023

Background

The mechanism of intense pulsed light action on the skin is based on selective photothermolysis. The light delivered to the tissue is scattered and absorbed by chromophores that absorb a beam of radiation of a specific length. The skin reflectance changes depending on the physiological state of the tissue, as shown by the hyperspectral camera. The aim of the study was to assess the hyperspectral reflectance of acne skin before and after intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and to compare it with the reflectance of healthy skin.

Materials and methods

The study involved 27 volunteers with diagnosed moderate acne. The control group consisted of 20 people without acne lesions. All acne volunteers underwent a series of four treatments using IPL at weekly intervals. The volunteers with acne lesions were photographed before the series of treatments and a week after the 4th treatment.

Results

Acne skin shows lower reflectance than healthy skin. Acne skin after IPL therapy is characterized by a higher reflectance compared to acne skin before the therapy and resembles the reflectance of the skin of the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the acne skin before the treatments and the skin of the control group.

Conclusions

The effect of IPL therapy on acne skin is the increase of its reflectance by reducing the number of chromophores, which brings it closer to the reflectance value of healthy skin. Hyperspectral imaging allows for: the evaluation of the treated skin at each stage, a precise selection of the light wavelength depending on the problem, and therefore, for optimizing the number of irradiations and increasing the safety of the therapy.
Evaluation of compressive behaviour of porous structures under large deformation using micro‐CT, DVC and micro‐FE
Authors: Sriram Kunnoth , Mahajan Puneet , Ahmad Suhail , Bhatnagar Naresh
Published: May 2023

Compressive behaviour of open and closed cell polyurethane foam samples under large deformation is studied using micro‐Computed Tomography (micro‐CT), Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) technique and micro‐Finite Element (micro‐FE) modelling. The micro‐CT images of the foam samples at different compression strains are used to determine anisotropy in the foams, to obtain qualitative information on deformation mechanisms, to quantify the deformation and strains using a local DVC approach and to generate images for micro‐FE modelling of the foam samples. Micro‐FE modelling predicts the deformation using an elastoplastic material model coupled with continuum damage mechanics. Two different types of boundary conditions, experimentally derived (ExBC) and interpolated from DVC (IPBC), were implemented to evaluate the displacements in the micro‐FE models. A reduced integration scheme in micro‐FE analysis resulted in high artificial energy and was discarded in favour of full integration. The displacement predicted by IPBC matched with DVC displacement contours for closed cell foam. The ExBC‐predicted axial displacement (W) showed a better agreement with DVC than transverse displacements (U, V) contours. However, a significant statistical comparison (R2 > 0.70) of all displacements was obtained for both IPBC and ExBC. For open cell foam, both boundary conditions predicted a significant difference in the displacement contours with respect to DVC measurements. Still, the axial displacements of ExBC and IPBC showed a better statistical significance (R2 > 0.70).
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*05:282Q allele by next generation sequencing
Authors: Desoutter Judith , Lion Julien , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Guillaume Nicolas
Published: May 2023

HLA‐C*05:282Q differs from HLA‐C*05:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon ‐24 in exon 1.
The novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*15:656, first identified in a Korean individual by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Shin Sue , Kim Yumi , Park Hyunwoong , Yoon Jong Hyun , Roh Eun Youn
Published: May 2023

HLA‐B*15:656 differs from B*15:27:01:01 by two nucleotide substitutions in codon 163 (CTG > GAG).
Gender bias in medical education: A scoping review
Authors: Yaman Reena , Hagen Kate M. , Ghaith Summer , Luong Hanna , Almader‐Douglas Diana , Langley Natalie R.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This scoping review summarises five decades of research on gender bias in subjective performance evaluations of medical trainees.

Method

A medical librarian searched PubMed, Ovid Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane DBSR in June 2020. Two researchers independently reviewed each abstract to determine if it met inclusion criteria (original research article investigating gender bias in subjective medical trainee evaluations by staff). References from selected articles were also reviewed for inclusion. Data were extracted from the articles, and summary statistics were performed.

Results

A total of 212 abstracts were reviewed, and 32 met criteria. Twenty (62.5%) evaluated residents, and 12 (37.5%) studied medical students. The majority of studies on residents were Internal Medicine (n = 8, 40.0%) and Surgery (n = 7, 35.0%). All studies were performed in North America and were either retrospective or observational. Nine (28.0%) were qualitative, and 24 (75.0%) were quantitative. The majority of studies were published in the last decade (n = 21, 65.6%). Twenty (62.5%) studies documented gender bias, of which 11 (55%) found that males received higher quantitative performance evaluations and 5 (25%) found that females received higher evaluation scores. The remaining 4 (20%) reported gender differences in qualitative evaluations.

Conclusions

Most studies detected gender bias in subjective performance evaluations of medical trainees, with a majority favouring males. There is a paucity of studies on bias in medical education with a lack of standardised approach to investigating bias.
Patient and specimen identification in a tertiary care pediatric hospital: Barcodes do not scan themselves
Authors: Al‐Eshaq Dana Hussain , Bradley Roisin T. , McBride Eileen R. A. , Ford Jason C.
Published: May 2023

Background

Despite the safety improvements linked to the use of barcodes for patient and specimen identification, patient misidentification remains a leading cause of transfusion‐associated reactions including fatalities. A wealth of evidence supports the use of barcodes in general, but there is less published evidence of real‐world barcode compliance. This project investigates barcode scanning compliance for patient and specimen identification at a tertiary care pediatric/maternity hospital.

Study Design and Methods

Transfusion laboratory specimen collection noncompliance events between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019 were retrieved from the hospital laboratory information system. Data were analyzed including stratification of collections by collector role and collection event. A survey of blood collectors was conducted.

Results

Collection compliance for 6285 blood typing specimens was evaluated. Full barcode scanning identification of both patient and specimen was utilized in only 33.6% of total collections. The remaining two thirds of collections were overridden by the blood collector: no barcode scanning occurred in 31.3%, while the specimen accession label was scanned but not the patient armband in 32.3% of total collections. There were significant differences between phlebotomists and nurses, with more phlebotomists performing the full scanning and specimen scanning only, while more nurses obtained specimens without patient or specimen scanning (p < .001). Blood collectors identified hardware challenges and training gaps as key contributors to barcode noncompliance.

Discussion

Our study highlights an instance of poor barcode scanning compliance for patient and specimen identification. We formulated improvement strategies and launched a quality improvement project to address factors influencing noncompliance.
Incipient Fault Point Detection Based on Multiscale Diversity Entropy
Authors: Ekwaro-Osire Stephen , Gandur Nazir Laureano , Lopez-Salazar Camilo Alberto
Published: May 2023

If the incipient fault (IF) point is not corrected, it may imply a poor prognostic framework, a false value of remaining useful life (RUL), and unexpected catastrophic failure. The use of the concept of multiscale diversity entropy (MDE) in the context of predicting IF is a novel area that has yet to be fully explored. Since MDE is commonly used for measuring a system’s dynamic complexity from a signal, it is worth exploring for predicting IF. Can MDE be used to develop a framework to predict the IF of a system? This study developed a new framework to determine the IF. The performance of the framework was demonstrated on bearing data and battery data. In addition, the results of this study were compared with another methodology, widely used for predicting IF. In conclusion, this new methodology produces a more accurate prediction of IF because of the physical principles associated with MDE.
Dynamic Simulation of an Offshore Aquaculture Structure Subjected to Combined Wave and Current Conditions
Authors: Cheng Hui , Ong Muk Chen , Li Lin
Published: May 2023

The reliable design of offshore aquaculture structures (OAS) for fish farming in the open ocean is vital to the marine aquaculture industry in the future. However, the lack of easy-to-access numerical tools for the dynamic analysis of OAS challenges the sustainable development of marine aquaculture. This article presents a newly developed numerical library under an open-source, finite-element analysis code, Code_Aster, enabling the dynamic analysis of OAS. A numerical model of OAS is first developed using the present numerical library and then validated against experiments. The validation shows a good agreement in terms of structural motions and tensions in mooring lines. After that, the dynamic responses of this model are analyzed subjected to irregular waves and current conditions from field measurements on an offshore fish farm site. The results indicate that a negative mean pitch angle will occur when the current velocity is large.
Erosion of heterogeneous rock drives diversification of Appalachian fishes
Authors: Stokes Maya F. , Kim Daemin , Gallen Sean F. , Benavides Edgar , Keck Benjamin P. , Wood Julia , Goldberg Samuel L. , Larsen Isaac J. , Mollish Jon Michael , Simmons Jeffrey W. , Near Thomas J. , Perron J. Taylor
Published: May 2023

The high levels of biodiversity supported by mountains suggest a possible link between geologic processes and biological evolution. Freshwater biodiversity is high not only in tectonically active settings but also in tectonically quiescent montane regions such as the Appalachian Mountains. We show that erosion through different rock types drove allopatric divergence between lineages of the Greenfin Darter (
Nothonotus chlorobranchius
), a fish species endemic to rivers draining metamorphic rocks in the Tennessee River basin in the United States. In the past, metamorphic rock preferred by
N. chlorobranchius
was more widespread, but as erosion exposed other rock types, lineages of this species were progressively isolated in tributaries farther upstream, where metamorphic rock remained. Our results suggest a geologic mechanism for initiating allopatric diversification in mountains long after tectonic activity ceases.
Mid-circuit correction of correlated phase errors using an array of spectator qubits
Authors: Singh K. , Bradley C. E. , Anand S. , Ramesh V. , White R. , Bernien H.
Published: May 2023

Scaling up invariably error-prone quantum processors is a formidable challenge. Although quantum error correction ultimately promises fault-tolerant operation, the required qubit overhead and error thresholds are daunting. In a complementary proposal, colocated, auxiliary “spectator” qubits act as in situ probes of noise and enable real-time, coherent corrections of data qubit errors. We used an array of cesium spectator qubits to correct correlated phase errors on an array of rubidium data qubits. By combining in-sequence readout, data processing, and feedforward operations, these correlated errors were suppressed within the execution of the quantum circuit. The protocol is broadly applicable to quantum information platforms and establishes key tools for scaling neutral-atom quantum processors: mid-circuit readout of atom arrays, real-time processing and feedforward, and coherent mid-circuit reloading of atomic qubits.
Shifting microbial communities can enhance tree tolerance to changing climates
Authors: Allsup Cassandra M. , George Isabelle , Lankau Richard A.
Published: May 2023

Climate change is pushing species outside of their evolved tolerances. Plant populations must acclimate, adapt, or migrate to avoid extinction. However, because plants associate with diverse microbial communities that shape their phenotypes, shifts in microbial associations may provide an alternative source of climate tolerance. Here, we show that tree seedlings inoculated with microbial communities sourced from drier, warmer, or colder sites displayed higher survival when faced with drought, heat, or cold stress, respectively. Microbially mediated drought tolerance was associated with increased diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, whereas cold tolerance was associated with lower fungal richness, likely reflecting a reduced burden of nonadapted fungal taxa. Understanding microbially mediated climate tolerance may enhance our ability to predict and manage the adaptability of forest ecosystems to changing climates.
Gene therapy milestone looms, but field seeks better options
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: May 2023

FDA is expected to endorse Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment, as safety concerns linger over uses of viruses
U.S. planning test reactor to run on weapons-grade uranium
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: May 2023

Use of highly enriched fuel in civilian reactor would contravene decades-old nonproliferation policy
The Outer Membrane Cytochrome OmcA Is Essential for Infection of Shewanella oneidensis by a Zebrafish-Associated Bacteriophage
Authors: Grenfell Andrew W. , Intile Peter J. , McFarlane John A. , Leung Dani C. , Abdalla Khalid , Wold Michael C. , Kees Eric D. , Gralnick Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2023

Phage exert selective pressure on bacteria that influences and shapes the composition of microbial populations. However, there is a lack of native, experimentally tractable systems for studying how phage influence microbial population dynamics in complex communities.
Multicenter Evaluation of the BIOFIRE Blood Culture Identification 2 Panel for Detection of Bacteria, Yeasts, and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Positive Blood Culture Samples
Authors: Rhoads Daniel D. , Pournaras Spyros , Leber Amy , Balada-Llasat Joan-Miquel , Harrington Amanda , Sambri Vittorio , She Rosemary , Berry Gregory J. , Daly Judy , Good Caryn , Tarpatzi Aikaterini , Everhart Kathy , Henry Tai , McKinley Kathleen , Zannoli Silvia , Pak Pil , Zhang Fan , Barr Rebecca , Holmberg Kristen , Kensinger Bart , Lu Daisy Y.
Published: May 2023

Diagnostic tools that can rapidly identify and characterize microbes growing in blood cultures are important components of clinical microbiology practice because they help to provide timely information that can be used to optimize patient management. This publication describes the bioMérieux BIOFIRE Blood Culture Identification 2 (BCID2) Panel clinical study that was submitted to the U.S.
First report of a nephrite deposit from Somaliland, Africa: Characterization and geological and archaeological implications
Authors: Shi Guanghai , Jia Ru , Santosh M. , Liang Huan , He Huaiyu
Published: May 2023

Nephrite jade is of wide interest, not only for its value as a highly valued precious stone, but also for its significance in tracing geological and petrological processes. Here, we report the first discovery of a nephrite deposit in Africa, located in Somaliland. Field investigations revealed that two open nephrite pits at Goodieood and Laasmacaane are composed of a series of discontinuous vein-shaped nephrite bodies stretching for ∼2 km and defining a nephrite belt. Dolomitic marble and epidote-amphibole are the major rock types in this nephrite belt. Most of the nephrites show grayish green color, while a few are grayish white to light-grayish green, with an occasional brownish rind mainly in nephrite gravels from the secondary deposits. The nephrite is composed of tremolite and actinolite with minor diopside, pargasite, edenite, and apatite. Most nephrites display fine fiber microstructures, and the tremolite-actinolite aggregates show crystallographic preferred orientation. Parallel to the nephrite bodies, epidote-amphibole rocks appear as a metasomatic dark-colored boundary zone, composed mainly of actinolite-tremolite, epidote, and titanite with minor rutile, pargasite, edenite, diopside, and zircon. The dolomitic marble displays dolomite replacement partially by antigorite. Textural observations suggest a sequence from Na-, Al-, and Fe-rich toward Mg-rich compositions, leading to the possibility of prospecting for white nephrite. The various features suggest that the deposit belongs to a fluorine-bearing Ca-Fe-P fluid-dominant skarn. This deposit is estimated to have more than 1000 tons of nephrite jade reserves and has important significance for the exploration for more economic nephrite deposits in Africa, South America, and even Antarctica, as well as potentially important archaeological implications in establishing a connection between the nephrite jades and materials for the Hargeisan lithic industries, as part of the social development in eastern Africa. Comparison with a typical white nephrite deposit in Saidikulam provides insights into the formation of white and nonwhite nephrites.
The Effect of Glyoxylate Shunt Inactivation on Biosynthesis of Adipic Acid through Inverted Fatty Acid β-Oxidation by Escherichia coli Strains
Authors: Gulevich A. Yu. , Skorokhodova A. Yu. , Debabov V. G.
Published: May 2023

Using Escherichia coli MG1655 lacIQ, ∆ackA-pta, ∆poxB, ∆ldhA, ∆adhE, ∆fadE, PL-SDφ10-atoB, Ptrc-ideal-4-SDφ10-fadB, PL-SDφ10-tesB, ∆yciA as a core strain, derivatives capable of synthesizing adipic acid from glucose through the inverted fatty acid β-oxidation pathway were obtained. Biosynthesis of the target compound by recombinants was ensured by the primary condensation of acetyl-CoA and succinyl-CoA by 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase PaaJ and the catalysis of the final reaction of the cycle by acyl-CoA dehydrogenases FadE and FabI. Deletion in the strains of sucCD genes encoding components of succinyl-CoA synthase did not increase the relative intracellular availability of succinyl-CoA for target biosynthetic reactions and did not lead to an increase in adipic acid accumulation by the recombinants. The secretion of succinic and malic acids by the strains with an impaired tricarboxylic acid cycle remained almost unchanged, indicating the activity in the cells of glyoxylate shunt reactions that compete with the cycle reactions for isocitrate, required for succinyl-CoA formation. When isocitrate lyase, malate synthases A and G, and bifunctional kinase/phosphatase of isocitrate dehydrogenase were inactivated in strains due to deletion of the aceBAK operon genes and glcB, adipic acid synthesis by recombinants increased three-fold and reached 0.33 mM.
Longitudinal assessment of the eating pattern of people with dementia and its association with problems for feeding and malnutrition: a prospective follow-up study protocol
Authors: Saucedo Figueredo María Carmen , Morilla-Herrera Juan Carlos , Kaknani Uttumchandani Shakira , Durá Pérez Elena , San Alberto Giraldos Mercedes , Nava del Val Maria Antonia , Hierrezuelo Martín María Jesús , Gómez Borrego Ana Belén , García Irazusta Manuela , Gálvez González María , Miguel Morales-Asencio Jose
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Dementia conditions the patient’s nutrition from the beginning and vice versa. Generating difficulties for feeding (FEDIF) will influence its evolution. There are currently few nutritional longitudinal studies in people with dementia. Most focus on problems already established. The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia (EdFED) Scale identifies FEDIF of patients with dementia by studying their behaviours while eating or being fed. It also indicates areas of potential clinical interventions.

Methods and analysis

Prospective multicentre observational study carried out in nursing homes, Alzheimer’s day care centres and primary healthcare centres. The study population will be dyads composed by the patient (diagnosed of dementia, over 65 years of age and who have feeding difficulties) and their family caregiver. Sociodemographic variables and nutritional status (body mass index, Mini Nutritional Assessment, blood test and calf and arm circumference) will be assessed. The Spanish version of the EdFED Scale will be completed and the presence of nursing diagnoses related to feeding behaviours will be collected. Follow-up will take place for 18 months.

Ethics and dissemination

All data will be carried out respecting European legislation 2016/679 in data protection, and the Spanish ‘Organic Law 3/2018 of December 2005’. The clinical data will be kept segregated and encrypted. The informed consent has been obtained. The research has been authorised by the Costa del Sol Health Care District on 27 February 2020 and the Ethics Committee on 2 March 2021. It has obtained funding from the Junta de Andalucía on 15 February 2021. Findings of the study will be presented at provincial, national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Changes in the heartbeat-evoked potential are associated with functional seizures
Authors: Elkommos Samia , Martin-Lopez David , Koreki Akihiro , Jolliffe Claire , Kandasamy Rohan , Mula Marco , Critchley Hugo D , Edwards Mark J , Garfinkel Sarah , Richardson Mark P , Yogarajah Mahinda
Published: May 2023

Background

Patients with functional seizures (FS) can experience dissociation (depersonalisation) before their seizures. Depersonalisation reflects disembodiment, which may be related to changes in interoceptive processing. The heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP) is an electroencephalogram (EEG) marker of interoceptive processing.

Aim

To assess whether alterations in interoceptive processing indexed by HEP occur prior to FS and compare this with epileptic seizures (ES).

Methods

HEP amplitudes were calculated from EEG during video-EEG monitoring in 25 patients with FS and 19 patients with ES, and were compared between interictal and preictal states. HEP amplitude difference was calculated as preictal HEP amplitude minus interictal HEP amplitude. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of HEP amplitude difference in discriminating FS from ES.

Results

The FS group demonstrated a significant reduction in HEP amplitude between interictal and preictal states at F8 (effect size rB=0.612, false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected q=0.030) and C4 (rB=0.600, FDR-corrected q=0.035). No differences in HEP amplitude were found between states in the ES group. Between diagnostic groups, HEP amplitude difference differed between the FS and ES groups at F8 (rB=0.423, FDR-corrected q=0.085) and C4 (rB=0.457, FDR-corrected q=0.085). Using HEP amplitude difference at frontal and central electrodes plus sex, we found that the ROC curve demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.893, with sensitivity=0.840 and specificity=0.842.

Conclusion

Our data support the notion that aberrant interoception occurs prior to FS. Changes in HEP amplitude may reflect a neurophysiological biomarker of FS and may have diagnostic utility in differentiating FS and ES.
Occurrence of adverse events and change in disease activity after initiation of etanercept in paediatric patients with juvenile psoriatic arthritis in the CARRA Registry
Authors: Correll Colleen K , Stryker Scott , Collier David , Phillips Thomas A , Dennos Anne C , Balevic Stephen J , Beukelman Timothy
Published: May 2023

Objective

Etanercept is commonly used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis, including juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA); however, information on etanercept’s safety and effectiveness in clinical practice is limited. We used data from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry to evaluate etanercept’s safety and effectiveness in JPsA in clinical practice.

Methods

We analysed safety and effectiveness data for paediatric patients enrolled in the CARRA Registry who had a JPsA diagnosis and had used etanercept. Safety was assessed by calculating rates of prespecified adverse events of special interest (AESIs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). Effectiveness was assessed by a variety of disease activity measures.

Results

Overall, 226 patients had JPsA and received etanercept; 191 met criteria for safety analysis and 43 met criteria for effectiveness analysis. AESI and SAE incidence rates were low. There were five events: three uveitis, one new-onset neuropathy and one malignancy. Incidence rates were 0.55 (95% CI: 0.18, 1.69), 0.18 (95% CI: 0.03, 1.29) and 0.13 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.09) per 100 patient-years for uveitis, neuropathy and malignancy, respectively. Etanercept showed effectiveness for JPsA treatment; 7 of 15 (46.7%) had an American College of Rheumatology-Pediatric Response 90, 9 of 25 (36.0%) had a clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score 10-joint ≤1.1 and 14 of 27 (51.9%) had clinically inactive disease at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Data in the CARRA Registry showed that etanercept treatment was safe in treating children with JPsA, with low AESIs and SAEs. Etanercept was also effective, even when assessed in a small sample size.
Alteration of innate lymphoid cell homeostasis mainly concerns salivary glands in primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Kawka Lou , Felten Renaud , Schleiss Cédric , Fauny Jean-Daniel , Le Van Quyen Pauline , Dumortier Hélène , Monneaux Fanny , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric
Published: May 2023

Objective

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a cell population implicated in the pathogenesis of various chronic inflammatory diseases, but little is known about their role in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of ILC subsets in peripheral blood (PB) and their quantity and location in minor salivary glands (MSGs) in pSS.

Methods

The frequency of ILC subsets was analysed in the PB of patients with pSS and healthy controls (HCs) by flow cytometry. The amount and location of ILC subsets in MSGs were studied in patients with pSS and sicca controls by immunofluorescence assay.

Results

In PB, the frequency of ILC subsets did not differ between patients with pSS and HCs. The circulating frequency of the ILC1 subset was increased in patients with pSS with positive anti-SSA antibodies and that of the ILC3 subset was reduced in patients with pSS with glandular swelling. In MSGs, the ILC3 number was higher in lymphocytic-infiltrated than non-infiltrated tissue in patients with pSS and normal glandular tissues in sicca controls. The ILC3 subset was preferentially located at the periphery of infiltrates and was more abundant in small infiltrates of recently diagnosed pSS.

Conclusion

Altered ILC homeostasis mainly concerns salivary glands in pSS. Most ILCs in MSGs consist of the ILC3 subset, located at the periphery of lymphocytic infiltrates. The ILC3 subset is more abundant in smaller infiltrates and in recently diagnosed pSS. It might play a pathogenic role in the development of T and B lymphocyte infiltrates in the early stages of pSS.
Filling in the gaps: a road map to establish a model system to study developmental programmed cell death
Authors: Rowarth Nathan M. , Tattrie Sophie B. , Dauphinee Adrian N. , Lacroix Christian R. , Gunawardena Arunika H.L.A.N.
Published: May 2023

Only a handful of model systems for studying programmed cell death (PCD) exist. The model Arabidopsis thaliana has generated a plethora of knowledge, but it is essential to introduce new models to broaden our understanding of the commonalities of PCD. This review focuses on Aponogeton madagascariensis (the lace plant) as a choice model to study PCD in vivo. PCD plays a key role in plant development and defence. Thus, identifying key regulators across plants is a priority in the field. The formation of perforations in lace plant leaves in areas called areoles is a striking example of PCD. Cells undergoing PCD within areoles can be easily identified from a loss of their anthocyanin pigmentation. In contrast, cells adjacent to veins, non-PCD cells, retain anthocyanins, creating a gradient of cell death. The spatiotemporal pattern of perforation formation, a gradient of cell death within areoles, and the availability of axenic cultures provide an excellent in vivo system to study mechanisms of developmental PCD. The priorities to further develop this model involve sequencing the genome, establishing transformation protocols, and identifying anthocyanin species to determine their medicinal properties. We discuss practical methodologies and challenges associated with developing the lace plant as a model to study PCD.
Growth and survival of native wetland species in shallow capped centrifuged tailings and co-mixed tailings: a meso-scale greenhouse study
Authors: Degenhardt Dani , Van Dongen Angeline , Hudson Jessica J. , Utting Nicholas , Schreiber Stefan G.
Published: May 2023

This 3-year meso-scale greenhouse study used 55-gallon columns to evaluate the survival and growth of boreal wetland communities planted on centrifuge (CF) tailings and co-mixed (CM) tailings capped with different reclamation cover soil capping designs. The CF tailings were capped with a shallow layer (10 and 30 cm) of peat reclamation material (PRM) and the CM tailings were capped with a shallow layer (5 cm) of PRM above 15 or 35 cm of reclamation subsoil (till). After 3 years, plant survival and growth on CF tailings showed significant improvement with a 10 cm PRM cap compared to the uncapped tailings, and plants growing on a 30 cm PRM cap outperformed those on the 10 cm PRM cap. Plant growth on CM tailings was significantly improved with a soil cover containing 5 cm PRM and at least 15 cm till. Among the seven native wetland species included in this study, the top performing species in terms of survival and above-ground biomass were Salix bebbiana, Scirpus microcarpus, and Carex aquatilis.
Degeneration of the Grover search algorithm with depolarization in the oracle-box wires
Authors: Rastegin Alexey E. , Shemet Anzhelika M.
Published: May 2023

Grover’s search algorithm and similar techniques are widely used in quantum information science. Communication lines with the so-called oracle are one of inevitable vulnerabilities of quantum search. The impact of localized dephasing and amplitude damping on Grover’s algorithm had already been discussed in recent literature. In this paper, we study the influence of depolarization in the oracle-box wires on the search process. It is shown that even low level of noise is sufficient to degenerate Grover’s algorithm. Complementarity relations between the relative entropy of coherence and the success probability in the presence of depolarization are studied as well.
Existence of Four-Intersection-Point Limit Cycles with Only Saddles Separated by Two Parallel Straight Lines in Planar Piecewise Linear Systems
Authors: Liu Xiao-Juan , Yang Xiao-Song
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we study a family of planar piecewise linear systems with saddles separated by two parallel lines, and mainly investigate the existence of four-intersection-point limit cycles. We provide complete conclusions on the existence of a special four-intersection-point limit cycle and a heteroclinic loop. And, based on these results, we give some sufficient conditions for the existence of general four-intersection-point limit cycles. Some examples are given to illustrate the main results.
Novel concepts of treating vascular inflammation underlying neonatal lung diseases
Authors: Sehgal Arvind , Garrick Steven P. , Nold Marcel F. , Nold-Petry Claudia A.
Published: May 2023

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common sequela of prematurity. Although multifactorial in etiology, there is increasing evidence that fetal growth restriction (FGR) and antenatal exposure of the fetus to inflammation play important roles in the postnatal pathophysiology of BPD. Recent studies have focused on disrupted angiogenesis and its influence on alveolarization. Although there are multiple mechanistic links, inflammation is known to be a key driver of this disruption, affecting pulmonary arterial circulation. Although postnatal corticosteroids are commonly used in extremely premature infants to treat inflammation, aimed at obviating the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation or to facilitate extubation, the use of dexamethasone has not reduced the incidence of BPD. Here, we summarize current knowledge on alternative anti-inflammatory treatment options, which have shown promising outcomes either preclinically or clinically. These include supplementation with vitamins C and E (antioxidants), ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, pentoxifylline, anti-inflammatory cytokines of the IL (interleukin)-1 family, namely IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-37, and the beneficial properties of breast milk. Evaluating these alternative treatments, either individually or as combination therapies in randomized controlled trials stands to immensely benefit the clinical outlook, particularly regarding BPD, for extremely premature infants.
Conventional Mirror Therapy versus Immersive Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy: The Perceived Usability after Stroke
Authors: da Silva Jaques Eliana , Figueiredo Anelise Ineu , Schiavo Aniuska , Loss Bianca Pacheco , da Silveira Gabriel Hoff , Sangalli Vicenzo Abichequer , da Silva Melo Denizar Alberto , Xavier Léder Leal , Pinho Márcio Sarroglia , Mestriner Régis Gemerasca
Published: May 2023

Background. Stroke is a widespread and complex health issue, with many survivors requiring long-term rehabilitation due to upper-limb impairment. This study is aimed at comparing the perceived usability of two feedback-based stroke therapies: conventional mirror therapy (MT) and immersive virtual reality mirror therapy (VR). Methods. The study involved 45 participants, divided into three groups: the stroke survivors (n=15), stroke-free older adults (n=15), and young controls (n=15). Participants performed two tasks using both MT and VR in a semirandom sequence. Usability instruments (SUS and NASA-TLX) were applied at the end of the activities, along with two experience-related questions. Results. The results indicated that both MT and VR had similar levels of perceived usability, with MT being more adaptable and causing less overall discomfort. Conversely, VR increased the perception of task difficulty and prevented participants from diverting their attention from the mirror-based feedback. Conclusion. While VR was found to be less comfortable than MT, both systems exhibited similar perceived usability. The comfort levels of the goggles may play a crucial role in determining the usability of VR for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke.
Maternal Immunity Transfer of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) following Vaccination with a Live-Attenuated Vibrio harveyi Vaccine
Authors: Muhamad-Sofie Mohd Hafiz Ngoo , Mohamad Aslah , Azzam-Sayuti Mohamad , Lee Jing Yie , Omar Wan Haifa Haryani Wan , Chin Yong Kit , Amal Mohammad Noor Azmai , Annas Salleh , Zamri-Saad Mohd , Ina-Salwany Md Yasin
Published: May 2023

Vibriosis causes a major setback in the marine aquaculture industry. In controlling vibriosis, vaccination of the broodstock could help in transferring the initial immunity to the fry and perhaps giving immunity to them during the culture period. This study determines the efficacy of three live-attenuated Vibrio harveyi vaccine (LAVh) derivatives on zebrafish broodstock in providing immunological protection to their offspring against pathogenic Vibrio spp. Zebrafish were vaccinated intraperitoneally with full effective dose (ED80) and monitored for 14 weeks. On week 6, the specimens were intraperitoneally (i.p.) challenged with pathogenic 107 CFU/ml of Vibrio spp., and subsequently another batch was left to spawn. Thereafter, the antibody level of larvae was monitored for 4 weeks post-hatching. Groups of juvenile zebrafish were given booster vaccination via immersion (1 × 107 CFU/mL) with vaccines similar to their predecessor. The fish were sampled weekly for four weeks to determine their antibody profile and pro-inflammatory gene expression. Finally, at week 3, the juvenile fish were challenged with pathogenic strains of Vibrio spp. Results of antibody profiling in the adult zebrafish model indicated that freeze-dried and stale LAVh delivers a longer immunological protective duration, while the FKVh vaccination group failed to provide immunological protection against V. alginolyticus. However, the gene expression of pro-inflammatory interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in the FKVh vaccinated group was elevated longer than that in the freeze-dried LAVh vaccinated group. Nevertheless, the relative percent survival (RPS) of both vaccination groups against pathogenic Vibrio spp. displayed 100% immunity. Overall, the freeze-dried LAVh vaccine was found to confer maternal immune protection for its offspring, provide a long duration of immunological protection and cross-protection coverage against pathogenic Vibrio spp., and have a longer shelf life. It is proposed to be commercially available for farmers to protect against Vibrio spp. infection.
Initial Insights into the Genetic Variation Associated with Metformin Treatment Failure in Youth with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Srinivasan Shylaja , Chen Ling , Udler Miriam , Todd Jennifer , Kelsey Megan M. , Haymond Morey W. , Arslanian Silva , Zeitler Philip , Gubitosi-Klug Rose , Nadeau Kristen J. , Kutney Katherine , White Neil H. , Li Josephine H. , Perry James A. , Kaur Varinderpal , Brenner Laura , Mercader Josep M. , Dawed Adem , Pearson Ewan R. , Yee Sook-Wah , Giacomini Kathleen M. , Pollin Toni , Florez Jose C.
Published: May 2023

Metformin is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in youth but with limited sustained glycemic response. To identify common variants associated with metformin response, we used a genome-wide approach in 506 youth from the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study and examined the relationship between T2D partitioned polygenic scores (pPS), glycemic traits, and metformin response in these youth. Several variants met a suggestive threshold (

P
<
1
×

10

−
6

), though none including published adult variants reached genome-wide significance. We pursued replication of top nine variants in three cohorts, and rs76195229 in ATRNL1 was associated with worse metformin response in the Metformin Genetics Consortium (n = 7,812), though statistically not being significant after Bonferroni correction (

P
=
0.06

). A higher β-cell pPS was associated with a lower insulinogenic index (

P
=
0.02

) and C-peptide (

P
=
0.047

) at baseline and higher pPS related to two insulin resistance processes were associated with increased C-peptide at baseline (

P
=
0.04
,
0.02

). Although pPS were not associated with changes in glycemic traits or metformin response, our results indicate a trend in the association of the β-cell pPS with reduced β-cell function over time. Our data show initial evidence for genetic variation associated with metformin response in youth with T2D.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Targeting Replication Stress and Chemotherapy Resistance with a Combination of Sacituzumab Govitecan and Berzosertib: A Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Abel Melissa L. , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Peer Cody , Redon Christophe E. , Nichols Samantha , Vilimas Rasa , Lee Min-Jung , Lee Sunmin , Shelat Meenakshi , Kattappuram Robbie , Sciuto Linda , Pinkiert Danielle , Graham Chante , Butcher Donna , Karim Baktiar , Sharma Ajit Kumar , Malin Justin , Kumar Rajesh , Schultz Christopher W. , Goyal Shubhank , del Rivero Jaydira , Krishnamurthy Manan , Upadhyay Deep , Schroeder Brett , Sissung Tristan , Tyagi Manoj , Kim Jung , Pommier Yves , Aladjem Mirit , Raffeld Mark , Figg William Douglas , Trepel Jane , Xi Liqiang , Desai Parth , Thomas Anish
Published: May 2023

PK results vs toxicity