bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral palsy in African paediatric populations: A scoping review
Authors: Murugasen Serini , Springer Priscilla , Olusanya Bolajoko O. , Gladstone Melissa , Newton Charles , Kakooza‐Mwesige Angelina , Donald Kirsten A.
Published: February 2024

Aim

To review the epidemiology and outcomes of African children with cerebral palsy (CP) over a 21‐year period.

Method

The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science online databases were searched for original research on African children with CP aged 18 years and younger published from 2000 to 2021.

Results

A total of 1811 articles underwent review against explicit criteria; 93 articles were selected for inclusion in the scoping review. The reported prevalence of CP ranged from 0.8 to 10 per 1000 children. Almost half had perinatal risk factors, but up to 26% had no identifiable risk factor. At least one‐third of children with CP had one or more comorbidities, most commonly epilepsy, intellectual disability, and malnutrition. African children with CP demonstrated excess premature mortality approximately 25 times that of the general population, predominantly from infections. Hospital‐based and younger populations had larger proportions of children with severe impairments. African children with CP had inadequate access to care and education, yet showed functional improvements compared to controls for all evaluated interventions.

Interpretation

The prevalence of CP in Africa remains uncertain. African children with CP have different risk profiles, greater premature mortality, and more severe functional impairments and comorbidities compared to the Global North. Several barriers prevent access to optimal care. Larger African studies on validated and effective interventions are needed.
Disentangling mechanisms that mediate soil fungal α and β diversity during forest secondary succession
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Dong Biao , Huang Yongtao , Dai Handan , Yang Zhu , Fu Shenglei , Li Qiang , Yuan Yidan , Tan Yuhua , Li Huan , Liu Shirong
Published: February 2024

Understanding the mechanisms controlling community diversity is a central, topic in ecology, particularly in microbial ecology. Although species pools and local assembly processes are believed to play non‐negligible roles in shaping the within‐community (α) and among‐community (β) diversity of microbial communities, their relative importance as succession progresses remains elusive. Moreover, the roles of both mechanisms on diversity might be strikingly different depending on whether saturation is considered or not, yet this issue is far less appreciated. To investigate the mechanisms underlying soil fungal α and β diversity during secondary succession, soil samples were collected from six different successional chronosequences including 293 plots across different climatic zones. We found that in all chronosequences, increases in α diversity tracked increases in species pool size, showing a linear unsaturated relationship, despite β diversity not always co‐varied with species pool size. After correcting for differences in species pools, environmental selection appeared to explain variation in β diversity rather than variation in α diversity. Further piecewise structural equation modeling demonstrated that the species pool was more important in α diversity change than environmental selection in most of the cases, whereas the importance of heterogeneous selection outweighed species pool in shaping β diversity. Overall, these findings represent one of the first to demonstrate that most local fungal communities might be unsaturated, where the relative importance of species pool and environmental selection for variations in α and β diversity during secondary succession differs markedly. Considering the mechanisms controlling diversity will be distinctly different under unsaturation or saturation, we set up an extended conceptual model combined with saturation theory to broaden the perspective to comprehensively understand mechanisms causing biodiversity change during secondary succession in unsaturated/saturated communities, intending to enhance our ability to predict soil fungal diversity in the future.
Molecular diagnostics in sericulture: A paradigm shift towards disease diagnosis in silkworms
Authors: Deepika Iyyangar , Ramesh Kureeckal V. , Kumar Indira , Singh Abhishek , Debnath Rajal , Dubey Himanshu , Shukla Pawan , Ponnuvel Kangayam M. , Moorthy S. Manthira , Subrahmanyam Gangavarapu
Published: February 2024

Sericulture, the practice of rearing silkworms for the production of silk, is an essential agro‐based industry in several countries. However, silkworms are susceptible to a variety of diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites, which may have a significant negative impact on global silk production. Traditional methods of pathogen identification, such as microscopy and laboratory culturing, have limitations in terms of accuracy and efficiency. The development of molecular techniques for pathogen identification has revolutionised the field of sericulture over the last decade. Genomic DNA and RNA‐based molecular techniques allow for the rapid and accurate detection of disease‐causing pathogens in silkworms. Molecular diagnosis has several advantages over traditional methods, including increased sensitivity and specificity, shorter turnaround time and the ability to detect pathogens that are difficult to culture or visualise under a microscope. Molecular techniques have been applied to detect several important pathogens of silkworms, includingNosemasp., nucleopolyhedrovirus, cypovirus, iflavirus and bidensovirus. The use of molecular diagnostics in sericulture is immensely important as the demand for high‐quality silk increases globally and the assessment of emerging pathogens associated with crop loss is essential. Major advancements in the improvement and application of molecular methods for diagnosing widespread silkworm pathogens are discussed.
Long non‐coding RNAs mediate fish gene expression in response to ocean acidification
Authors: Kang Jingliang , Chung Arthur , Suresh Sneha , Bonzi Lucrezia C. , Sourisse Jade M. , Ramirez‐Calero Sandra , Romeo Daniele , Petit‐Marty Natalia , Pegueroles Cinta , Schunter Celia
Published: February 2024

The majority of the transcribed genome does not have coding potential but these non‐coding transcripts play crucial roles in transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation of protein‐coding genes. Regulation of gene expression is important in shaping an organism's response to environmental changes, ultimately impacting their survival and persistence as population or species face global change. However, the roles of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), when confronted with environmental changes, remain largely unclear. To explore the potential role of lncRNAs in fish exposed to ocean acidification (OA), we analyzed publicly available brain RNA‐seq data from a coral reef fish Acanthochromis polyacanthus. We annotated the lncRNAs in its genome and examined the expression changes of intergenic lncRNAs (lincRNAs) between A. polyacanthus samples from a natural CO2 seep and a nearby control site. We identified 4728 lncRNAs, including 3272 lincRNAs in this species. Remarkably, 93.03% of these lincRNAs were species‐specific. Among the 125 highly expressed lincRNAs and 403 differentially expressed lincRNAs in response to elevated CO2, we observed that lincRNAs were either neighboring or potentially trans‐regulating differentially expressed coding genes associated with pH regulation, neural signal transduction, and ion transport, which are known to be important in the response to OA in fish. In summary, lncRNAs may facilitate fish acclimation and mediate the responses of fish to OA by modulating the expression of crucial coding genes, which offers insight into the regulatory mechanisms underlying fish responses to environmental changes.
Latest advances in the reversal strategies for direct oral anticoagulants
Authors: Escal Jean , Lanoiselée Julien , Poenou Géraldine , Zufferey Paul , Laporte Silvy , Mismetti Patrick , Delavenne Xavier
Published: February 2024

Background

Since the late 2000s, Europe has granted approval for various thrombotic risk‐related uses of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Unlike traditional anticoagulants, DOACs do not necessitate routine coagulation monitoring. Nevertheless, clinical practice often encounters bleeding events associated with these medications, making the need for effective reversal strategies evident.

Objectives

The study aims to take stock of current reversal strategies for DOACs, with a particular emphasis on the latest compounds that have been developed or are currently under development.

Methods

For obtaining information regarding the ongoing reversal strategies and the compounds under development, we referred to ClinicalTrials website, PubMed, and Google Scholar.

Results

In 2024, two specific antidotes to DOACs have already received approval when reversal of anticoagulation is needed owing to life‐threatening or uncontrolled bleeding: idarucizumab that reverses the effects of dabigatran, and andexanet alfa, designed to counteract activated factor X inhibitors such as apixaban and rivaroxaban. Furthermore, ciraparantag, a potential universal reversal agent, is currently in advanced stages of clinical development. Concerns remain regarding the safety of specific reversal agents, especially concerning the risk of thrombosis. Additionally, the cost of these antidotes remains high. Consequently, nonspecific strategies to counteract anticoagulant medications, including activated charcoal, hemodialysis, and concentrates of coagulation factors, still have utility.

Conclusion

With the validation of specific and nonspecific antidotes, DOACs could supplant traditional oral anticoagulants. This progress represents a significant advancement in anticoagulation therapy. However, ongoing research is crucial to address remaining safety concerns of the specific reversion agents of DOACs in clinical practice.
Factors affecting walleye and sauger recruitment in Lewis and Clark Lake, South Dakota, 2001–2022
Authors: Radigan William J. , Chvala Phil , Longhenry Christopher , Pegg Mark
Published: February 2024

Abundance of adult walleye (Sander vitreus) and sauger (Sander canadensis), two important sport fishes, decreased significantly during 2001–2022 in Lewis and Clark Lake, a border water between Nebraska and South Dakota, despite walleye fingerling stocking and stable age‐0 abundance of both species. We sought to identify factors that drove variation in age‐0 abundance from 2001 to 2022 using an information theoretic approach. Age‐0 walleye catch per unit effort (CPUE) was correlated to mean monthly outflow, mean annual precipitation, and mean April gauge height in a delta. Age‐0 sauger CPUE was correlated to adult conspecific CPUE, mean April Heating Degree Days, and mean annual precipitation. Our findings suggest that both biotic and abiotic factors were important for explaining variation in age‐0 CPUE of sauger, but mainly abiotic factors for walleye. As such, manipulation of abiotic factors (i.e., outflow) by installing entrainment barriers may be more effective than manipulation of biotic factors (i.e., stocking).
Roles of linker region flanked by transmembrane and peptidoglycan binding region of PomB in energy conversion of the Vibrio flagellar motor
Authors: Miyamura Yusuke , Nishikino Tatsuro , Koiwa Hiroaki , Homma Michio , Kojima Seiji
Published: February 2024

The flagellar components of Vibrio spp., PomA and PomB, form a complex that transduces sodium ion and contributes to rotate flagella. The transmembrane protein PomB is attached to the basal body T‐ring by its periplasmic region and has a plug segment following the transmembrane helix to prevent ion flux. Previously we showed that PomB deleted from E41 to R120 (Δ41–120) was functionally comparable to the full‐length PomB. In this study, three deletions after the plug region, PomB (Δ61–120), PomB (Δ61–140), and PomB (Δ71–150), were generated. PomB (Δ61–120) conferred motility, whereas the other two mutants showed almost no motility in soft agar plate; however, we observed some swimming cells with speed comparable for the wild‐type cells. When the two PomB mutants were introduced into a wild‐type strain, the swimming ability was not affected by the mutant PomBs. Then, we purified the mutant PomAB complexes to confirm the stator formation. When plug mutations were introduced into the PomB mutants, the reduced motility by the deletion was rescued, suggesting that the stator was activated. Our results indicate that the deletions prevent the stator activation and the linker and plug regions, from E41 to S150, are not essential for the motor function of PomB but are important for its regulation.
THE COST OF TRADE DISRUPTIONS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Conesa Juan Carlos , Delventhal Matthew J. , Pujolas Pau S. , Raveendranathan Gajendran
Published: February 2024

We study trade disruptions at different stages of development in a two‐country, three‐sector model of Spain and United Kingdom from 1850 to 2000. The impact of trade disruptions depends on trade openness and the productivity gap between countries. A trade collapse today (more openness, less gap) comparable to the Inter‐War Trade Collapse (IWTC) decreases the capital stock threefold (12% instead of 4%) and lifetime consumption fourfold (1.58% instead of 0.37%). Capital accumulation amplifies the cost of trade disruptions. The IWTC promoted Spanish industrialization, while the opposite would be true today.
Fluid handling by foam wound dressings: From engineering theory to advanced laboratory performance evaluations
Authors: Gefen Amit , Alves Paulo , Beeckman Dimitri , Cullen Breda , Lázaro‐Martínez José Luis , Lev‐Tov Hadar , Santamaria Nick , Swanson Terry , Woo Kevin , Söderström Bengt , Svensby Anna , Malone Matthew , Nygren Erik
Published: February 2024

This article describes the contemporary bioengineering theory and practice of evaluating the fluid handling performance of foam‐based dressings, with focus on the important and clinically relevant engineering structure–function relationships and on advanced laboratory testing methods for pre‐clinical quantitative assessments of this common type of wound dressings. The effects of key wound dressing material‐related and treatment‐related physical factors on the absorbency and overall fluid handling of foam‐based dressings are thoroughly and quantitively analysed. Discussions include exudate viscosity and temperature, action of mechanical forces and the dressing microstructure and associated interactions. Based on this comprehensive review, we propose a newly developed testing method, experimental metrics and clinical benchmarks that are clinically relevant and can set the standard for robust fluid handling performance evaluations. The purpose of this evaluative framework is to translate the physical characteristics and performance determinants of a foam dressing into achievable best clinical outcomes. These guiding principles are key to distinguishing desirable properties of a dressing that contribute to optimal performance in clinical settings.
RETRACTED: Prevalence of anxiety and its risk factors in burn patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zaboli Mahdiabadi Morteza , Farhadi Bahar , Shahroudi Parichehr , Shahroudi Parinaz , Hekmati Pour Nafiseh , Hojjati Hamid , Najafi Masoomeh , Farzan Ramyar , Salehi Reza
Published: February 2024

The primary objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to ascertain the prevalence of anxiety and identify associated risk factors among individuals who have suffered burn injuries. We conducted a thorough and systematic search across various international electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science, as well as Persian electronic databases like Iranmedex and the scientific information database (SID). Our search encompassed the period from the earliest available records up to 8 August 2023. We employed keywords derived from Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) such as “Prevalence”, “Anxiety” and “Burns”. In total, 2586 burn patients participated in 13 cross‐sectional studies. The mean age of the participants was 32.88 (SD = 2.51). In a compilation of 13 studies, the documented overall occurrence rate of anxiety among burn patients stood at 16.1% (95% CI: 10.0% to 24.7%; I2 = 93.138%; p < 0.001). The outcomes of a meta‐regression analysis, which examined the association between anxiety in burn patients and the year of publication, did not uncover any significant correlation (p = 0.442). Furthermore, there was a notable association between anxiety in burn patients and factors such as gender, TBSA affected, educational level and the types of burn injuries. Therefore, healthcare providers need to recognize the substantial prevalence of anxiety in burn patients as a fundamental consideration. This recognition should prompt a proactive approach toward early detection and timely intervention. Developing personalized intervention strategies tailored to each patient's unique risk factors and needs is paramount. These strategies may encompass a range of therapeutic options such as counselling, psychotherapy or consultations with mental health specialists.
Effect of laparoscopic and open distal pancreatectomy on postoperative wound complications in patients with pancreatic cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Hong Chen , Liu Wei
Published: February 2024

At present, it is regarded as a safe and efficient operation to treat terminal pancreatic disease. In this paper, we present a summary of the results of the clinical trials that have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic and open‐access pancreatic resection for pancreatic carcinoma of the end of the pancreas. Systematic review of the comparison between laparoscopy and open‐access pancreatic resection was conducted. Comparative studies published before October 2023 were included. The selection of the studies was done according to a particular classification and exclusion criterion. A few of our results, which were post‐surgery, were associated with injury, were compared. Where appropriate, the reliability of the data has been corroborated by a sensitive analysis. Six trials of 2075 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent distal pancreatic resection to be included in the definitive data analysis. Among them, 447 were treated with open‐access surgery and 296 were treated with laparoscope. Six trials showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of postoperative wound infection in patients with pancreas cancer who received a distal pancreatectomy between laparoscopy and open surgery(OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 0.76–3.61 p = 0.20). Four trials did not reveal any statistically significant differences in the risk of postoperative haemorrhage among patients with pancreas cancer who received a distal pancreatectomy between laparoscopy and open surgery (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 0.54–6.26 p = 0.33). Both trials did not reveal any statistically significant difference in the duration of operation for patients with pancreas cancer who received a distal pancreatectomy between laparoscopy and open surgery (MD, 13.58; 95% CI, −7.31–34.46 p = 0.2). Based on these meta‐analyses, the use of laparoscopy or open surgery was not associated with an increase in the risk of postoperative infection or haemorrhage. Furthermore, the duration of the two operations did not differ significantly. These two procedures appear to be a safe and viable choice in the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma. Nevertheless, a randomized, controlled study should be performed to verify the validity of this observation.
Exploring causal correlations between inflammatory cytokines and varicose veins: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Min Shen , Xing Mengzhen , Jiang Hehe , Zhang Linlin , Chen Chen , Ma Yuning , Ma Yuxia
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and the risk of varicose veins. The data were sourced from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of European individuals. Multiple Mendelian randomization (MR) methods were used to evaluate the association between inflammatory cytokines and varicose veins. The study found significant associations between elevated levels of certain inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., CASP‐8, Vascular endothelial growth factor A levels (VEGF_A)) and an increased risk of varicose veins, while others (e.g., 4EBP1, MMP‐10) showed a protective effect. The MR‐Egger Intercept and heterogeneity tests indicated no significant pleiotropy or heterogeneity. This comprehensive MR analysis identifies several cytokines as potential contributors to the pathogenesis of varicose veins, offering insights into novel therapeutic targets. Our findings underscore the importance of inflammation in varicose veins and suggest that targeting specific cytokines could be a promising strategy for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins.
RETRACTED: Prevalence of surgical site infection and risk factors in patients after knee surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zaboli Mahdiabadi Morteza , Farhadi Bahar , Shahroudi Parinaz , Mohammadi Mohsen , Omrani Amin , Mohammadi Maryam , Hekmati Pour Nafiseh , Hojjati Hamid , Najafi Masoomeh , Majd Teimoori Zahra , Farzan Ramyar , Salehi Reza
Published: February 2024

The present systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) and risk factors in patients after knee surgery. A comprehensive and systematic search was carried out across various international electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science, as well as Persian electronic databases like Iranmedex and the Scientific Information Database (SID). This search involved the utilization of keywords derived from Medical Subject Headings, such as ‘Prevalence’, ‘Surgical wound infection’, ‘Surgical site infection’ and ‘Orthopaedics’, spanning from the earliest records up to 1 October 2023. To assess the quality of the included studies, the Appraisal tool for Cross‐Sectional Studies (AXIS tool) was utilized. The study encompassed a combined participant pool of 11 028 individuals who underwent knee surgery across seven selected studies. The collective prevalence of SSI in patients who underwent knee surgery, as reported in the seven included studies, was determined to be 3.0% (95% CI: 1.2% to 7.5%; I2 = 96.612%; p < 0.001). The combined prevalence of SSI in patients with DM, as reported in six studies, was 5.1% (95% CI: 1.7% to 14.5%; I2 = 79.054%; p < 0.001). Similarly, the pooled prevalence of SSI in patients with HTN, drawn from four studies, was 1.8% (95% CI: 0.7% to 4.5%; I2 = 63.996%; p = 0.040). Additionally, the collective prevalence of SSI in patients with a history of tobacco use, based on findings from six studies, was 4.8% (95% CI: 1.4% to 15.2%; I2 = 93.358%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis was conducted within six studies, categorizing them by two countries, namely China and the USA. These analyses revealed that the prevalence of SSI following knee surgery was 3.0% in China and 2.0% in the USA. It is noteworthy that variations in SSI prevalence across different studies may be attributed to a multitude of factors, particularly varying risk factors among patient populations. To address this issue and mitigate the impact of SSI on knee surgery patients, it is advisable to develop tailored interventions.
Evaluating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Jie Geng and Huang Qi combination on reducing surgical site infections in colorectal cancer surgeries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Shiwang , Tian Xudong , Li Shengcai , Wu Zhengquan , Li Yanlong , Liao Ting , Liao Zhifeng
Published: February 2024

Postoperative wound infections (PWIs) pose a significant challenge in colorectal cancer surgeries, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased morbidity. This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the efficacy of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combination of Jie Geng and Huang Qi in reducing PWIs following colorectal cancer surgeries. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we focused on seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1256 patients, examining the incidence of PWIs within 30 days post‐surgery, alongside secondary outcomes such as length of hospital stay and antibiotic use. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in PWI incidence in the TCM‐treated group compared to controls, with a Risk Ratio of 0.21 (95% CI: 0.14 to 0.30, p < 0.01), a notable decrease in hospital stay (Mean Difference: 1.2 days, 95% CI: 0.15 to 1.28 days, p < 0.01) and a significant reduction in antibiotic use (Risk Ratio: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.36, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that Jie Geng and Huang Qi in TCM could be an effective adjunct in postoperative care for colorectal cancer surgeries, underscoring the need for further high‐quality RCTs to substantiate these results and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Developing an entrepreneurial mindset in supply chain managers: Exposing a powerful potential
Authors: Goldsby Thomas J. , Kuratko Donald F. , Goldsby Michael G.
Published: February 2024

Entrepreneurship and supply chain management (SCM), respectively, have enjoyed meteoric rises in business practice and scholarly attention over the past three decades. Further, each of the two disciplines has much to offer the other. Yet, we have not witnessed sustained, meaningful integration of principles, practices, and influences despite powerful potential. This paper explores this potential by featuring prospects for entrepreneurship to influence SCM, and vice versa, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to SCM and supply chain orientation (SCO) to entrepreneurial activities. In particular, we illustrate a validated assessment and diagnostic tool, the Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (CEAI), adapted for supply chain managers with the intent of instilling corporate entrepreneurial activity among supply chain professionals. Granted, supply chain managers are typically tasked with meeting expectations toward customer service effectiveness, efficiency, asset utilization, and safety. Yet, we believe that forming an organizational environment conducive to entrepreneurial thinking could be extremely valuable in the supply chain realm, enhancing capabilities like agility, plasticity, and responsiveness such that innovation and business growth are achieved alongside traditional SCM expectations. Further, we feature several avenues for future research at the interface of entrepreneurship and SCM.
Targeting type H vessels in bone‐related diseases
Authors: Xu Juan , He Shuang‐jian , Xia Ting‐ting , Shan Yu , Wang Liang
Published: February 2024

Blood vessels are essential for bone development and metabolism. Type H vessels in bone, named after their high expression of CD31 and Endomucin (Emcn), have recently been reported to locate mainly in the metaphysis, exhibit different molecular properties and couple osteogenesis and angiogenesis. A strong correlation between type H vessels and bone metabolism is now well‐recognized. The crosstalk between type H vessels and osteoprogenitor cells is also involved in bone metabolism‐related diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, fracture healing and bone defects. Targeting the type H vessel formation may become a new approach for managing a variety of bone diseases. This review highlighted the roles of type H vessels in bone‐related diseases and summarized the research attempts to develop targeted intervention, which will help us gain a better understanding of their potential value in clinical application.
Differential phase contrast (DPC) mapping electric fields: Optimising experimental conditions
Authors: Li Chen , Mu Xiaoke , Korytov Maxim , Alexandrou Ioannis , Bosch Eric G. T.
Published: February 2024

DPC in Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) is a valuable method for mapping the electric fields in semiconductor materials. However, optimising the experimental conditions can be challenging. In this paper, we test and compare critical experimental parameters, including the convergence angle, camera length, acceleration voltage, sample configuration, and orientation using a four‐quadrant segmented detector and a Si specimen containing layers of different As concentrations. The DPC measurements show a roughly linear correlation with the estimated electric fields, until the field gets close to the detection limitation, which is ∼0.5 mV/nm with a sample thickness of ∼145 nm. These results can help inform which technique to use for different user cases: When the electric field at a planar junction is above ∼0.5 mV/nm, DPC with a segmented detector is practical for electric field mapping. With a planar junction, the DPC signal‐to‐noise ratio can be increased by increasing the specimen thickness. However, for semiconductor devices with electric fields smaller than ∼0.5 mV/nm, or for devices containing curved junctions, DPC is unreliable and techniques with higher sensitivity will need to be explored, such as 4D STEM using a pixelated detector.
Out‐of‐school time use in Pakistan: A qualitative study featuring youth's voices
Authors: Kerai Salima , Ibrahim Marium , Molyneux Tonje M. , Hussain Uzma , Gadermann Anne , Kassam Rosemin , Pardhan Almina , Oberle Eva
Published: February 2024

The current study addresses the lack of out‐of‐school time (OST) research in low‐ and middle‐income countries by exploring OST use in the context of Pakistan and incorporating youth's voices. Using a qualitative descriptive design with focus‐group discussions, we conducted a study in three middle schools set in low‐ to middle‐income neighborhoods in urban and rural areas of Karachi, Pakistan. We engaged 86 youth (50% girls; aged 10–15 years) that were purposefully selected from grade six (31.4%), seven (44.2%) and eight (24.4%) classrooms, balancing gender and locality. In each focus group, we asked participants to describe their afterschool activity routine on a typical weekday afternoon until bedtime. Digital recordings of discussions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. Based on sixteen focus groups with five to six participants in each group, we identified eight distinct categories: religious activities, schoolwork, screentime, helping adult family members, family time, outdoor play, indoor leisure activities, and hanging out with friends. We found that structured activities (e.g., religious activities and schoolwork supervised by an adult) were reported more frequently than unstructured activities (e.g., outdoor play and family time). Participation in activities varied by gender and location (i.e., urban vs. rural), highlighting disparities associated with the sociocultural context that marginalized youth face. Our findings provide a glimpse into the everyday lives of Pakistani youth outside of school. Additionally, they elucidate how economic resources, sociocultural norms regarding gender, and community safety shape youth's time use and socialization patterns. Findings from this study can inform the development of OST activities and initiatives aimed at promoting the positive development of Pakistani youth.
Performance of continuous controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness measurement by the novel SmartExam in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Song Sherlot J. , Nogami Asako , Liang Lilian Y. , Yoneda Masato , Leung Howard H.W. , Nakajima Atsushi , Lai Jimmy C.T. , Wong Grace L.H. , Shu Sally S.T. , Wong Vincent W.S. , Yip Terry C.F.
Published: February 2024

Background & Aims

FibroScan® Expert 630 and FibroScan® Mini+430 are novel vibration‐controlled transient elastography devices equipped with the same SmartExam software, which allows continuous measurement of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) during the entire examination. This study aims to compare the CAP variabilities and the quantification for liver fibrosis and steatosis between the conventional FibroScan and the SmartExam‐equipped machines in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Methods

This retrospective study included 118 patients with biopsy‐proven MASLD who underwent liver biopsy at two tertiary centres between 2021 and 2023. Liver stiffness and steatosis measurements were performed using both FibroScan machines and M and XL probes for each individual. Liver histology was used as the reference standard for liver fibrosis and steatosis staging.

Results

Standard deviations of continuous CAP (cCAP) were significantly lower than those of CAP for all probes (p < .0001). CAP variability was significantly associated with body mass index (p < .01), probe selection (p < .001) as well as the random effect of centre. Only the effect of probe selection (p < .001) was significantly associated with cCAP variability. No significant difference was found in the performance of staging liver fibrosis and steatosis between two types of machines at the same cut‐offs.

Conclusions

The SmartExam‐based VCTE reduces the variability of CAP measurement and achieves a similar accuracy as the FibroScan 502 device for the estimation of both hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Future studies should determine if cCAP is a better tool to monitor changes in steatosis than the original CAP.
Links between gut microbiome, metabolome, clinical variables and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease severity in bariatric patients
Authors: Schwenger Katherine J. P. , Sharma Divya , Ghorbani Yasaman , Xu Wei , Lou Wendy , Comelli Elena M. , Fischer Sandra E. , Jackson Timothy D. , Okrainec Allan , Allard Johane P.
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Bacterial species and microbial pathways along with metabolites and clinical parameters may interact to contribute to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and disease severity. We used integrated machine learning models and a cross‐validation approach to assess this interaction in bariatric patients.

Methods

113 patients undergoing bariatric surgery had clinical and biochemical parameters, blood and stool metabolite measurements as well as faecal shotgun metagenome sequencing to profile the intestinal microbiome. Liver histology was classified as normal liver obese (NLO; n = 30), simple steatosis (SS; n = 41) or non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH; n = 42); fibrosis was graded F0 to F4.

Results

We found that those with NASH versus NLO had an increase in potentially harmful E. coli, a reduction of potentially beneficial Alistipes putredinis and an increase in ALT and AST. There was higher serum glucose, faecal 3‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl)‐3‐hydroxypropionic acid and faecal cholic acid and lower serum glycerophospholipids. In NAFLD, those with severe fibrosis (F3–F4) versus F0 had lower abundance of anti‐inflammatory species (Eubacterium ventriosum, Alistipes finegoldii and Bacteroides dorei) and higher AST, serum glucose, faecal acylcarnitines, serum isoleucine and homocysteine as well as lower serum glycerophospholipids. Pathways involved with amino acid biosynthesis and degradation were significantly more represented in those with NASH compared to NLO, with severe fibrosis having an overall stronger significant association with Superpathway of menaquinol‐10 biosynthesis and Peptidoglycan biosynthesis IV.

Conclusions

In bariatric patients, NASH and severe fibrosis were associated with specific bacterial species, metabolic pathways and metabolites that may contribute to NAFLD pathogenesis and disease severity.
The secreted feruloyl esterase of Verticillium dahliae modulates host immunity via degradation of GhDFR
Authors: Wang Yajuan , Liao Xiwen , Shang Wenjing , Qin Jun , Xu Xiangming , Hu Xiaoping
Published: February 2024

Feruloyl esterase (ferulic acid esterase, FAE) is an essential component of many biological processes in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. This research aimed to investigate the role of FAE and its regulation mechanism in plant immunity. We identified a secreted feruloyl esterase VdFAE from the hemibiotrophic plant pathogen Verticillium dahliae. VdFAE acted as an important virulence factor during V. dahliae infection, and triggered plant defence responses, including cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. Deletion of VdFAE led to a decrease in the degradation of ethyl ferulate. VdFAE interacted with Gossypium hirsutum protein dihydroflavanol 4‐reductase (GhDFR), a positive regulator in plant innate immunity, and promoted the degradation of GhDFR. Furthermore, silencing of GhDFR led to reduced resistance of cotton plants against V. dahliae. The results suggested a fungal virulence strategy in which a fungal pathogen secretes FAE to interact with host DFR and interfere with plant immunity, thereby promoting infection.
A meta‐analytic review of the implementation characteristics in parenting interventions to promote early child development
Authors: Ahun Marilyn N. , Ali Nazia Binte , Hentschel Elizabeth , Jeong Joshua , Franchett Emily , Yousafzai Aisha K.
Published: February 2024

This review summarizes the implementation characteristics of parenting interventions to promote early child development (ECD) outcomes from birth to 3 years. We included 134 articles representing 123 parenting trials (PROSPERO record CRD42022285998). Studies were conducted across high‐income (62%) and low‐and‐middle‐income (38%) countries. The most frequently used interventions were Reach Up and Learn, Nurse Family Partnership, and Head Start. Half of the interventions were delivered as home visits. The other half used mixed settings and modalities (27%), clinic visits (12%), and community‐based group sessions (11%). Due to the lack of data, we were only able to test the moderating role of a few implementation characteristics in intervention impacts on parenting and cognitive outcomes (by country income level) in the meta‐analysis. None of the implementation characteristics moderated intervention impacts on cognitive or parenting outcomes in low‐ and middle‐income or high‐income countries. There is a significant need in the field of parenting interventions for ECD to consistently collect and report data on key implementation characteristics. These data are needed to advance our understanding of how parenting interventions are implemented and how implementation factors impact outcomes to help inform the scale‐up of effective interventions to improve child development.
Systemic neurophysiological signals of auditory predictive coding
Authors: Muñoz‐Caracuel Manuel , Muñoz Vanesa , Ruiz‐Martínez Francisco J. , Vázquez Morejón Antonio J. , Gómez Carlos M.
Published: February 2024

Predictive coding framework posits that our brain continuously monitors changes in the environment and updates its predictive models, minimizing prediction errors to efficiently adapt to environmental demands. However, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of these predictive phenomena remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the systemic neurophysiological correlates of predictive coding processes during passive and active auditory processing. Electroencephalography (EEG), functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and autonomic nervous system (ANS) measures were analyzed using an auditory pattern‐based novelty oddball paradigm. A sample of 32 healthy subjects was recruited. The results showed shared slow evoked potentials between passive and active conditions that could be interpreted as automatic predictive processes of anticipation and updating, independent of conscious attentional effort. A dissociated topography of the cortical hemodynamic activity and distinctive evoked potentials upon auditory pattern violation were also found between both conditions, whereas only conscious perception leading to imperative responses was accompanied by phasic ANS responses. These results suggest a systemic‐level hierarchical reallocation of predictive coding neural resources as a function of contextual demands in the face of sensory stimulation. Principal component analysis permitted to associate the variability of some of the recorded signals.
The Limits of Interest: Moral economy and public engagement in the regulation of derivatives in the United States
Authors: Ziegler J. Nicholas , Posch Konrad , Nath Thomas
Published: February 2024

This article analyzes the public comments submitted to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), 2010–2014, in response to proposed rules for implementing the Dodd‐Frank reforms. By addressing a fine‐grained typology of commenting organizations to a topic model of the combined comments, we illuminate a new pattern of public engagement in financial regulation. Contrary to the economic concept of regulatory capture, our data show no sharp divide between the suppliers of complex derivatives (the dealer banks) and their customers in other parts of the finance industry. In keeping with the general concept of financialization—but contrary to its strongest versions—our data show distinctly delimited evidence of a convergence between the banks and other sectors. Instead of either capture or all‐embracing financialization, the comments submitted to the CFTC display an overriding opposition in the justifications used by commenters to explain their preferences. Commenters from the financial services and allied sectors consistently adopt a language of technical legitimation. Commenters in agriculture, livestock, retail energy, and many nonmarket organizations adopt a language of moral justification. The clarity of the divide between these two idioms indicates that the underlying purposes of new financial instruments are now being questioned. Even in the realm of esoteric financial instruments such as derivatives, the moral economy of market competition is once again subject to debate among market participants as well as observers.
Evaluation of a compounding phospholipid base for the percutaneous absorption of high molecular weight drugs using the Franz finite dose model
Authors: Banov Daniel , Song Guiyun , Carvalho Maria , Bassani August S. , Valdez Benigno C.
Published: February 2024

Background

Permeation‐enhancing compounding bases are aimed to facilitate the penetration of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) across the skin barrier.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the percutaneous absorption of radiolabeled human insulin (14C‐isototpe) when incorporated in a proprietary phospholipid base designed to deliver APIs with high molecular weights (HMW). The aim was not to claim the transdermal delivery of insulin with potential therapeutic applications in diabetes but, instead, to evaluate the ability of the compounding phospholipid base to deliver HMW drugs.

Methods

The percutaneous absorption of 14C‐insulin was determined using human torso skin and the Franz skin finite dose model. Two topical test formulations were prepared for in vitro evaluation: insulin 1% in phospholipid base (standard) and insulin 1% in phospholipid base HMW. The rate of percutaneous absorption (mean flux) and the distribution of 14C‐insulin through the skin were evaluated for both topical test formulations. A two‐way ANOVA was used to determine statistical differences.

Results

The 14C‐insulin was distributed into the stratum corneum, epidermis and dermis. Mean flux values showed a rapid penetration upon application and the maximum flux was achieved at 30 min, followed by a slow decline. Subsequently, a slower decline was observed for the topical test formulation including the phospholipid base HMW.

Conclusion

The phospholipid base HMW facilitates the percutaneous absorption of HMW drugs across human cadaver skin and, therefore, it may potentially be a useful option for compounding pharmacists and practitioners when considering the skin for the percutaneous delivery of large drugs.
Defining sepsis in small animals
Authors: Cortellini Stefano , DeClue Amy E. , Giunti Massimo , Goggs Robert , Hopper Kate , Menard Julie M. , Rabelo Rodrigo C. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Sharp Claire R. , Silverstein Deborah C. , Sinnott‐Stutzman Virginia , Stanzani Giacomo
Published: February 2024

Objective

To discuss the definitions of sepsis in human and veterinary medicine.

Design

International, multicenter position statement on the need for consensus definitions of sepsis in veterinary medicine.

Setting

Veterinary private practice and university teaching hospitals.

Animals

Dogs and cats.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Sepsis is a life‐threatening condition associated with the body's response to an infection. In human medicine, sepsis has been defined by consensus on 3 occasions, most recently in 2016. In veterinary medicine, there is little uniformity in how sepsis is defined and no consensus on how to identify it clinically. Most publications rely on modified criteria derived from the 1991 and 2001 human consensus definitions. There is a divergence between the human and veterinary descriptions of sepsis and no consensus on how to diagnose the syndrome. This impedes research, hampers the translation of pathophysiology insights to the clinic, and limits our abilities to optimize patient care. It may be time to formally define sepsis in veterinary medicine to help the field move forward. In this narrative review, we present a synopsis of prior attempts to define sepsis in human and veterinary medicine, discuss developments in our understanding, and highlight some criticisms and shortcomings of existing schemes.

Conclusions

This review is intended to serve as the foundation of current efforts to establish a consensus definition for sepsis in small animals and ultimately generate evidence‐based criteria for its recognition in veterinary clinical practice.
One‐sided sharp thresholds for homology of random flag complexes
Authors: Newman Andrew
Published: February 2024

We prove that the random flag complex has a probability regime where the probability of nonvanishing homology is asymptotically bounded away from zero and away from one. Related to this main result, we also establish new bounds on a sharp threshold for the fundamental group of a random flag complex to be a free group. In doing so, we show that there is an intermediate probability regime in which the random flag complex has fundamental group that is neither free nor has Kazhdan's property (T).
Methodology for the Development of a Closed 2-Channel Impeller With Low Susceptibility to Clogging
Authors: Beck David , Thamsen Paul Uwe
Published: February 2024

Wastewater pumps are increasingly clogged by solids containing fibers. Closed 2-channel impellers in particular are often highly susceptible to clogging due to their geometric properties, even though they have among the highest clear water efficiencies compared to other wastewater impellers. With the help of a clogging test rig, a prototype that can accommodate different closed 2-channel geometries, the use of three-dimensional simulation as well as an optical access for high-speed recordings, a methodology is to be created, whereby this impeller type can be effectively optimized. In this paper, the first impeller modification is calculated, manufactured, simulated, and tested with this methodology.
Contribution to the knowledge of Aceria and Aculus species (Acari: Eriophyidae) associated to Lamiaceae with descriptions of two new species from Northeast Iran

Authors: Honarmand Arash , Lotfollahi Parisa , Xue Xiao-Feng
Published: February 2024

During field surveys of eriophyoid mites in northeast Iran (Razavi Khorasan, Iran, summer 2023), two new vagrant eriophyoid species (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) on Lamiaceae plants were discovered, illustrated and described. They are Aceria borselaniensis sp. nov. on Hymenocrater calycinus Benth. and Aculus khorasanii sp. nov. on Salvia yangii B.T.Drew. Furthermore, the checklists and morphological keys of Aceria and Aculus mite species associated with Lamiaceae plants around the world are provided.