bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predation risk estimated on live and artificial insect prey follows different patterns
Authors: Zvereva Elena L. , Kozlov Mikhail V.
Published: December 2022

Models mimicking prey organisms are increasingly used in ecological studies, including testing fundamental ecological and evolutionary theories. The general consensus is that predation risk estimated on artificial models may not quantitatively correspond to predation pressure on live prey, but it still can be used in various comparisons. We tested whether the use of live and artificial prey reveals the same patterns of variation in predation risk. We exposed live prey (blowfly larvae and puparia) and plasticine models of blowfly puparia in two boreal forest sites, both openly and in ant‐ and bird‐exclusion treatments, and we quantified attacks by both avian and invertebrate predators. Bird attack rates were always higher on live puparia than on their plasticine models, but the magnitude of this difference declined from 8.4‐fold in early summer to 2‐fold in mid‐ and late‐summer. We attribute these changes to different responses to prey by experienced adult birds that dominate the bird communities in early summer versus explorative juvenile birds that are abundant later in the season. Invertebrate daily predation rates on maggots decreased from 56% in early summer to 28% in late summer, but invertebrate attacks on plasticine models showed no seasonal changes. Overall, invertebrate predation on maggots was 67‐fold greater than their predation on models. Observations showed that wood ants did not attack plasticine models and did not leave on them any damage marks. Estimates based on artificial prey indicate a much greater role of bird predation than invertebrate predation, while estimates based on live prey suggest the opposite pattern. Thus, using live and artificial prey may lead to different conclusions about relative importance of different predator groups in a locality. Moreover, for both avian and invertebrate predators, predation risk based on artificial and live prey shows different seasonal changes and may potentially demonstrate different spatial patterns.
Spatiotemporal distributions of mammals occurring in an agro‐prairie ecosystem
Authors: Palomo‐Munoz Gabriela , Werdel Ty J. , Piper Colleen W. , Peek Matthew S. , Ricketts Andrew M. , Ahlers Adam A.
Published: December 2022

Anthropogenic activities since the European colonization of the North American Great Plains have drastically altered landscape composition and configuration, subsequently affecting native biodiversity. These contemporary human‐modified landscapes may affect mammal species' distributions, diel activity patterns, habitat use, and interspecific interactions, though a better understanding of these effects on mammals occurring in remaining prairie landscapes is needed. To fill this gap, we surveyed 381 randomly selected sites in 2018, 2019, and 2020 using motion‐sensing camera traps across the western part of the US state of Kansas (7,160,077 ha). Sites were separated by ≥2 km ( = 8.16 km, SD = 3.61), and cameras were secured to a metal post 40 cm above ground and randomly oriented toward the north or south. We placed an olfactory attractant (mixture of skunk essence and petroleum jelly) on a wooden stake 3 m in front of each camera. Cameras were in place at each site for 28 consecutive days for each year. We manually identified all mammal species detected at each site, collating these data into a database that included taxonomic information for 14 families of mammals (Antilocapridae, Bovidae, Canidae, Cervidae, Cricetidae, Dasypodidae, Didelphidae, Erethizontidae, Felidae, Heteromyidae, Leporidae, Mephitidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Sciuridae, and Muridae) comprising 28 total species. We recorded 31,178 mammal photographs (nonindependent events) over 27,954 camera trap nights during 2018 (n = 10,351), 2019 (n = 9478), and 2020 (n = 8125). Additionally, we included the time and date of each photocapture. Moreover, we gathered survey‐specific data useful for modeling species‐specific detection along with site‐level habitat composition data taken at each site each year. These data will be useful for examining habitat use, species distributions, diel activity patterns, and spatiotemporal interactions between species and across guilds of mammals occurring in a rapidly changing agro‐prairie ecosystem. There are no copyright restrictions, but we ask researchers to cite this paper when using these data for publication.
Genetic aetiology distribution of 398 foetuses with congenital heart disease in the prenatal setting
Authors: Yi Tong , Hao Xiaoyan , Sun Hairui , Zhang Ye , Han Jiancheng , Gu Xiaoyan , Sun Lin , Liu Xiaowei , Zhao Ying , Guo Yong , Zhou Xiaoxue , He Yihua
Published: December 2022

Aims

Copy number variant‐sequencing (CNV‐seq) and exome sequencing (ES) have been used as powerful tools in understanding the role of genetic variants in congenital heart diseases (CHDs). A few previous large cohort studies have utilized CNV‐seq and ES to investigate prenatally diagnosed CHD. Here, we sought to determine the value of CNV‐seq and ES for genetic evaluation of foetal CHDs.

Methods and results

We recruited 398 pregnant women diagnosed with CHDs between 8 January 2017 and 30 November 2020. CNV‐seq and ES were performed on foetal and parent samples. CHD cases were classified following the guidelines of the International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code and the Tenth and Eleventh Revisions of the International Classification of Diseases. Data on aneuploids (AUP), pathogenic CNVs (pCNVs), and single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were collected and compared, following appropriate procedures. We identified genetic abnormalities in 129 (32.41%) foetuses. These abnormalities included AUP (10.80%), pCNVs (13.32%), and SNVs (8.04%). ES analysis yielded higher SNVs in cases without AUP or pCNVs. Non‐isolated CHDs were associated with higher genetic abnormalities than isolated CHDs, mainly due to AUP differences between the two groups. The prevalence of genetic defects was the highest in foetuses with atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO), and conotruncal defects (CTD). AVSD and anomalies of atrioventricular junctions and valves were associated with AUP abnormalities. CTD, anomalies of extrapericardial arterial trunks, and anomalies of the ventricular outflow tracts were the most common CHD categories diagnosed using CNVs. The most common CHDs associated with single ventricle (SV) abnormalities were heterotaxy (Hex) (14.89%), LVOTO (14.58%), and ventricular septal defect (VSD) (26.67%, 4/15). Although the ES yields were higher than CNV‐seq for VSD (44.4%, 4/9), LVOTO (20%, 7/35), Hex (14.89%, 7/47), and CTD (9.1%, 11/121), its diagnostic yield did not increase for SV (6.7%, 1/15), AVSD (3.8%, 1/26), or right ventricular obstruction defects (2.6%, 1/38). The most common mutations were observed in KMT2D, CHD7, and NOTCH1.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort study to investigate the incidence of SNVs using ES in foetal CHD. CNV‐seq and ES identified genetic abnormalities in nearly 1/3 of foetal CHD cases. Thus, CNV‐seq and ES can provide clinically relevant information for pregnancy management.
Relationship between haemodynamic indicators and haemogram in patients with heart failure
Authors: Oh Takuya , Ogawa Kazuo , Nagoshi Tomohisa , Minai Kosuke , Ogawa Takayuki , Kawai Makoto , Yoshimura Michihiro
Published: December 2022

Aims

Pulmonary congestion, reduced cardiac output, neurohumoral factor activation, and decreased renal function associated with decreased cardiac function may have various effects on haemograms. The relationship between these factors and haemograms in patients with heart failure has not been sufficiently investigated. Recently, it was suggested that the lungs are an important site for platelet (Plt) biosynthesis and that it is necessary to study the relationship between pulmonary congestion and Plt count in heart failure in detail. In this study, we examined the relationship between various haemodynamic indicators and haemograms in detail using statistical analyses.

Methods and results

A total of 345 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of cardiac function between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020 were included in the study. Haemodynamic indices, including left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and cardiac index (CI), were measured. Plasma noradrenaline (Nor) concentration, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), white blood cell (WBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) level, and Plt count were measured using blood samples collected at the same time. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the relationship between LVEDP, CI, plasma Nor concentration, eGFR, WBC count, Hb level, and Plt count. Bayesian inference using SEM was performed for Plt count. A total of 345 patients (mean age: 66.0 ± 13.2 years) were included in this study, and 251 (73%) patients were men. After simple and multiple regression analyses, path diagrams were drawn and analysed using SEM. LVEDP showed a significant negative relationship with Plt count (standardized estimate: −0.129, P = 0.015), and CI showed a significant negative relationship with Hb level (standardized estimate: −0.263, P < 0.001). Plasma Nor concentration showed a significant positive relationship with WBC count (standardized estimate: 0.165, P = 0.003) and Plt count (standardized estimate: 0.198, P < 0.001). The eGFR had a significant positive relationship with Hb level (standardized estimate: 0.274, P < 0.001). Bayesian inference using SEM revealed no relationship between LVEDP and Hb level or WBC count but a significant negative relationship between LVEDP and Plt count.

Conclusions

LVEDP, CI, plasma Nor concentration, and eGFR were related to WBC count, Hb level, and Plt count in patients with heart failure. There was a strong relationship between elevated LVEDP and decreased Plt count, suggesting that pressure overload on the lungs may interfere with the function of the lung as a site of Plt biosynthesis.
Mechanistic Studies on the Bidentate Lewis Acid Catalyzed Domino Inverse Electron‐Demand Diels‐Alder/Thiol Transfer Reaction
Authors: Beeck Sebastian , Wegner Hermann A.
Published: December 2022

Recently, we presented a novel enantioselective multicomponent reaction of phthalazines, aldehydes and thiols accessing thioether‐substituted 1,2‐dihydronaphthalenes. Herein, a comprehensive investigation on the mechanism of this domino inverse electron‐demand (IEDDA)/thiol transfer reaction is disclosed. In particular, the origin of the stereochemical outcome has been rationalized, as well as structural requirement of the thiol component for an efficient transfer step. Detailed NMR spectroscopy studies uncover a competing reaction pathway resulting in N,S‐acetals. In addition, DFT computations illuminate the mechanism of the group transfer process and enable an explanation for the formation of the most dominant by‐product. The insights allow a direct prediction of suitable substrates for the reaction and provide the basis for further developments of novel stereoselective domino reactions.
Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones: Chemical Synthesis, Fluorescence Properties and Applications
Authors: Renault Kévin , Renard Pierre‐Yves , Sabot Cyrille
Published: December 2022

Photophysical properties of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones have long been neglected, in particular compared with those of coumarins, their oxygenated counterparts, despite their complementarity in terms of absorbance and fluorescence windows. This review provides first an overview of the synthesis of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones, focusing on the most recent contributions. Fluorescence properties of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and of their π‐extended derivatives are tackled through the description of a series of examples and applications, including chemosensing and biosensing.
Enrichment of homoacetogens converting H2/CO2 into acids and ethanol and simultaneous methane production
Authors: He Yaxue , Cassarini Chiara , Lens Piet N.L.
Published: December 2022

An anaerobic granular sludge was enriched to utilize H2/CO2 in a continuous gas‐fed up‐flow anaerobic sludge reactor by applying operating conditions expected to produce acetic acid, butyric acid, and ethanol. Three stages of fermentation were found: Stage I with acetic acid accumulation with the highest concentration of 35 mM along with a pH decrease from initial 6 to 4.5. In Stage II, H2/CO2 was replaced by 100% H2 to induce solventogenesis, whereas butyric acid was produced with the highest concentration of 2.5 mM. At stage III with 10 µM tungsten (W) addition, iso‐valeric acid, valeric acid, and caproic acid were produced at pH 4.5–5.0. In the batch tests inoculated with the enriched sludge taken from the bioreactor (day 70), however, methane production occurred at pH 6. Exogenous 15 mM acetate addition enhanced both the H2 and CO2 consumption rate compared to exogenous 10, 30, and 45 mM acetate by the enriched sludge. Exogenous acetate was failed to be converted to ethanol using H2 as electron donor by the enriched acetogens.
Biological functions of compounds from Bacillus subtilis and its subspecies, Bacillus subtilis natto
Authors: Miyazawa Taiki , Abe Chizumi , Bhaswant Maharshi , Ikeda Ryoichi , Higuchi Ohki , Miyazawa Teruo
Published: December 2022

Natto, fermented food produced by Bacillus subtilis natto (B. subtilis natto), is widely consumed around the world, and its potential health functions are attracting attention. Natto has been reported to have a variety of bioactive compounds such as levan, menaquinone‐7, nattokinase, and others. Such bioactive compounds produced by B. subtilis natto are deeply involved in the function of natto, because they are consequently contained in natto. This review summarizes bioactive compounds and its functions of (1) B. subtilis and its subspecies, (2) B. subtilis natto. Overall, natto is a natural source of bioactive compounds and is expected to be applied to functional foods.
Comparison of the effects of different infant formulas on the growth and development and intestinal flora of infants
Authors: Yin Ning , Liu Xinran , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Wen Jing , Ma Huijuan , Yin Xueqian , Xie Craig‐Kui , Hou Yanmei , Wang Junbo
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different infant formulas on the growth and development, sleep, allergy symptoms, and intestinal flora of infants. A total of 428 infants participated in the study. Breastfeeding (BF) was used as the control, and the remaining subjects were randomly assigned to the full goat milk protein formula group (FGM), partial goat milk protein formula group (PGM), and cow milk formula group (M). During the 6‐month feeding experiment, data on the growth, sleep, allergy symptoms, and intestinal flora of infants were collected using questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical examinations. In general, the basic information of the participants was consistent among the groups. There were no differences in infant weight, length, or head circumference among the groups (p > .05). The sleep time of infants in the formula‐fed groups was longer than that of the breastfeeding group at baseline (p < .05), but there were no differences at mid‐term or outcome (p > .05). The incidence of allergic symptoms continued to decrease, and the total scores of allergic symptoms did not differ among the groups (p > .05). The relative abundance of intestinal Bifidobacteriaceae in the PGM group was lower than that in the other groups (p < .05). There was no difference in the β‐diversity of intestinal flora between formula‐fed and breastfed infants (p > .05). There were strong correlations in the composition of the main intestinal flora at the family level between the formula and breastfeeding groups. This study showed that within 6 months of feeding, there were no significant differences in the growth and development, allergic symptoms, or intestinal flora of the infants among the groups.
A comprehensive ecological flow calculation for a small hydropower development river: A case study
Authors: Qu Jiamei , Ding Xiaowen , Sang Jing , Fenech Adam , Zhang Xinyi
Published: December 2022

Small hydropower projects play a significant role in supplying clean energy and promoting economic development all around the world. The calculation of a river's ecological flow, that is, not only the quantity but also the quality of flowing water, in the watershed where small hydropower projects are located play an important role in scientifically guiding the discharge of small hydropower stations in the upper reaches of the river. By combining Gini coefficient with hydrological variation diagnosis, this study provided a novel approach to test the randomness of hydrological series and assess the evenness of runoff distribution. Furthermore, this study is the first attempt to calculate ecological flow for two separate periods (flood and low‐water periods), and thus is able to better reflect annual runoff variations. In the meantime, the Tennant method was improved by introducing of monthly runoff coefficient and median substitution, and integrating four other hydrological methods (empirical method, Qp method, annual distribution method and minimum monthly average measured runoff method) into the comprehensive calculation and analysis. The above methods were applied to the ecological base flow calculation for a small hydropower project in Dongjiang River basin of China. Through comprehensive and comparative analysis, better applicability was demonstrated by the improved Tennant method and the annual distribution method. The recommended values of ecological base flow for each month were derived at the range of 407–431 m3/s during the flood period and 179–239 m3/s during the low‐water period. This study demonstrated that the method could meet the ecological flow calculation requirements for river ecosystem and provide scientific basis for the delineation of ecological flow thresholds, and thereby ensure the healthy and sustainable development of small hydropower and the healthy river aquatic ecosystem.
Safe peripheral blood stem cell collection in patients less than 10 kg: A single‐center review
Authors: Pasko Bryce E. , DomBourian Melkon , Helander Louise , Sanders Mary , Annen Kyle
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Peripheral blood stem cell collection (PBSCC) is well‐documented in adults and pediatric patients with larger total blood volume (TBV). However, very little data are available for the successful PBSCC of pediatric patients weighing less than 10 kg. Here, we highlight our institutional approach to PBSCC in this smaller‐sized patient population.

Methods

Our protocol, including blood prime, was reviewed for PBSCC for bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in 18 children weighing 4.5‐9.9 kg who safely underwent 37 PBSCC procedures at a single institution, Children's Hospital Colorado, between September 2016 and February 2022.

Results

We attained the individualized collection goals in all 18 patients with an average yield of 17.03 million CD34+ cells/kg of patient body weight (range: 0.84‐67.45 million/kg). The average collection efficiency of the procedures was 41.5% (range: 23.0%‐71.5%). We performed all 37 procedures safely and without complication. The estimated average TBV was 587 mL (range: 351‐765 mL), the average blood volume processed was 596 mL (range: 351‐756 mL), and the average TBVs processed was 2.5 (range: 1‐4).

Conclusion

PBSCC in patients ranging from 4.5 to 9.9 kg is safe and effective for collecting peripheral blood stem cells for BMT.
On the equivalence of certain quasi‐Hermitian varieties
Authors: Aguglia Angela , Giuzzi Luca
Published: December 2022

By Aguglia et al., new quasi‐Hermitian varieties in depending on a pair of parameters from the underlying field have been constructed. In the present paper we study the structure of the lines contained in and consequently determine the projective equivalence classes of such varieties for odd and . As a byproduct, we also prove that the collinearity graph of is connected with diameter 3 for .
Importance of Target‐Mediated Drug Disposition (TMDD) of Small‐Molecule Compounds and Its Impact on Drug Development—Example of the Class Effect of HSD‐1 Inhibitors
Authors: An Guohua , Katz David A.
Published: December 2022

With more potent drug candidates being developed, the incidence of target‐mediated drug disposition (TMDD) in small‐molecule compounds has significantly increased in the past decade. Moreover, TMDD appears to apply to some small‐molecule compound classes. The main purpose of the current review is to increase the awareness of TMDD in a series of small‐molecule inhibitors of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD‐1) using ABT‐384, SPI‐62, MK‐0916, BMS‐823778, and BI‐187004 as case examples. Although developed independently by different pharmaceutical companies, these HSD‐1 inhibitors demonstrated strikingly similar nonlinear pharmacokinetic behaviors when wide dose ranges were evaluated in first‐in‐human (FIH) single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) studies. Recognizing TMDD in small‐molecule compounds is important, as the information can be leveraged to select the appropriate dose regimen, improve clinical trial design, as well as predict pharmacological target occupancy. In this review, we summarize the general pharmacokinetic features that facilitate the recognition of small‐molecule TMDD, provide case examples of specific HSD‐1 inhibitors, highlight the importance of recognizing TMDD of small‐molecule compounds during clinical development, and comment on the importance of utilizing pharmacometric modeling to facilitate the quantitative understanding of small‐molecule compounds exhibiting TMDD.
Maternal and neonatal safety of COVID‐19 vaccination during the peri‐pregnancy period: A prospective study
Authors: Li Minghui , Hao Jianzhen , Jiang Tingting , Deng Wen , Lu Huihui , Wang Shiyu , Wan Gang , Xie Yao , Yi Wei
Published: December 2022

Background

To investigate the safety of inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine in Chinese pregnant women and their fetuses when inoculated during the peri‐pregnancy period.

Methods

Eligible pregnant women were prospectively collected and divided into a vaccine group (n = 93) and control group (n = 160) according to whether they had been vaccinated against COVID‐19 within 3 months before their last menstruation period (LMP) and after pregnancy. Demographic data of couples, complications during pregnancy and delivery of pregnant women, and data of newborns at birth were collected.

Results

Sixty‐six women were vaccinated with a median time of 35.5 (range = 0–91) days before LMP, and 27 women were vaccinated with a median time of 17 (range = 1–72) days after LMP. The incidence of premature rupture of membrane (PROM) in the vaccine group was significantly higher than that in the control group (16.13% vs. 6.88%, p = 0.019). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that maternal peri‐pregnancy COVID‐19 vaccination was not an independent risk factor for PROM (odds ratio: 2.407, 95% confidence interval: 0.932–6.216, p = 0.069). There was no difference in the incidence of other complications during pregnancy and delivery between the two groups. A total of 253 neonates were delivered, including two cases with congenital abnormalities in each group. The incidence of congenital abnormalities between the two groups was similar (2.15% vs. 1.25%, p = 0.626). There was no difference in neonatal length, weight, head circumference, and Apgar score between the two groups (p > 0.05), but the incidence of neonatal jaundice in the vaccine group was significantly higher than that in the control group (20.43% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that maternal peri‐pregnancy vaccination, postpartum blood loss, cesarean section, 1‐min Apgar score, and paternal smoking were independent risk factors for neonatal jaundice.

Conclusions

It is safe for pregnant women and their fetuses to be inoculated the inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine during the peri‐pregnancy period, but attention should be paid to neonatal jaundice.
Emotional recognition across the adult lifespan: Effects of age, sex, cognitive empathy, alexithymia traits, and amygdala subnuclei volumes
Authors: Malykhin Nikolai , Pietrasik Wojciech , Aghamohammadi‐Sereshki Arash , Ngan Hoang Kim , Fujiwara Esther , Olsen Fraser
Published: December 2022

The ability to recognize others' emotions is vital to everyday life. The goal of this study was to assess which emotions show age‐related decline in recognition accuracy of facial emotional expressions across the entire adult lifespan and how this process is related to cognitive empathy (Theory of Mind [ToM]), alexithymia traits, and amygdala subnuclei volumes in a large cohort of healthy individuals. We recruited 140 healthy participants 18–85 years old. Facial affect processing was assessed with the Penn Emotion Recognition task (ER40) that contains images of the five basic emotions: Neutral, Happy, Sad, Angry, and Fearful. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets were acquired on a 4.7T MRI system. Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationship between studied variables. We found that while both sexes demonstrated age‐related reduction in recognition of happy emotions and preserved recognition of sadness, male participants showed age‐related reduction in recognition of fear, while in female participants, age‐related decline was linked to recognition of neutral and angry facial expressions. In both sexes, accurate recognition of sadness negatively correlated with alexithymia traits. On the other hand, better ToM capabilities in male participants were associated with improvement in recognition of positive and neutral emotions. Finally, none of the observed age‐related reductions in emotional recognition were related to amygdala and its subnuclei volumes. In contrast, both global volume of amygdala and its cortical and centromedial subnuclei had significant direct effects on recognition of sad images.
Ambiguity Tolerance Can Improve through Poetry Appreciation and Creation
Authors: Hitsuwari Jimpei , Nomura Michio
Published: December 2022

Ambiguity tolerance is an individual trait indicating low aversion to ambiguity that is closely related to creativity. Appreciation and discussion of art are known to improve ambiguity tolerance, but the effects of appreciation and discussion have not been studied separately. In this study, we used haiku poetry with the characteristic of ambiguity to confirm the effect of appreciation by separating it from the discussion. Additionally, we conducted haiku creation to examine the effect of creation. To this end, 137 participants answered the ambiguity tolerance scale at five time points: before and after haiku appreciation and creation, and 1 week later. We also used the Multidimensional Attitude toward Ambiguity Scale, which organizes ambiguity tolerance into three subfactors. These subfactors are discomfort with ambiguity, absolutism, and the need for complexity and novelty, which correspond to the affective, cognitive, and epistemic aspects of ambiguity attitudes, respectively. The results showed that absolutism, which is the cognitive aspect of ambiguity tolerance, decreased after the appreciation and creation of haiku, and this effect persisted after 1 week. This result indicates that cognitive changes such as the acceptance of ambiguity can occur through the appreciation and creation of haiku, which require various interpretations and choices.
Sterols and pentacyclic triterpenoids from nettle root: content and composition as affected by pressurized liquid extraction
Authors: Cegledi Ena , Repajić Maja , Balbino Sandra , Peričić Matea , Dragović‐Uzelac Verica
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Nettle is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive molecules. The composition of nettle leaves and stems has been extensively studied, whereas the root has been insufficiently investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to optimize the parameters of advanced extraction technique, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), for the lipid fraction of nettle root rich in triterpenoid derivatives and to compare the efficiency of isolation under optimal conditions with conventional Soxhlet extraction (SE).

RESULTS

The PLE yields ranged from 0.39–1.63%, whereas the total content of triterpenoid derivatives ranged from 43.50–78.26 mg 100 g−1, with nine sterols and three pentacyclic triterpenoids identified and quantified within a total range of 42.81–76.57 mg 100 g−1 and 0.69–1.68 mg 100 g−1 dried root, respectively. The most abundant sterol and pentacyclic triterpenoid were β‐sitosterol and β‐amyrin acetate, with mean values of 50.21 mg 100 g−1 and 0.56 mg 100 g−1 dried root.

CONCLUSION

The optimal PLE conditions were 150 °C/5 min/four cycles and showed significantly better performance compared to SE (68 °C, 8 h), establishing an excellent technique for the isolation of the nettle root lipid fraction. Also, triterpenoid derivatives from nettle could be used as functional ingredients for the development of new foods and dietary supplements. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Incidence of radiation‐associated sarcoma after breast‐conserving surgery plus radiation
Authors: Wiener Alyssa A. , Schumacher Jessica R. , Hanlon Bret , Anderson Bethany , Neuman Heather B.
Published: December 2022

Background

Radiation‐associated sarcoma (RAS) is a rare sequela of radiotherapy. Radiotherapy modalities for breast conservation and radiation treatment (BCT) have changed over time. We sought to determine if the incidence of RAS after BCT has changed over time.

Methods

We identified breast cancer survivors (diagnosed 1988–2012) treated with BCT within the SEER database. We excluded patients with prior cancer, <1‐year follow‐up/survival, and nonexternal beam radiation (n = 276 301). We identified patients with a subsequent chest sarcoma diagnosis. The primary predictor variable was a 5‐year period of breast cancer diagnosis year (1988–1992, 1993–1997, etc.). The incidence of sarcoma was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, censoring at sarcoma diagnosis, death, or last follow‐up (available through December 2017). Given the known latency of RAS, we used Joinpoint analysis to identify the time point at which RAS incidence significantly increased (start of the analytic window). A log‐rank test assessed differences in RAS incidence by diagnosis year.

Results

The incidence of RAS was 0.03% at 5 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03–0.04) and 0.16% at 10 years (95% CI: 0.14–0.18). No statistical difference in RAS incidence by diagnosis year was observed (p = 0.2).

Conclusions

RAS remains a rare but persistent sequela after BCT. As new radiation modalities become more common, ongoing surveillance is necessary to track these rare events.
Outcomes of plastic surgical reconstruction in extremity and truncal soft tissue sarcoma: Results from the US Sarcoma Collaborative
Authors: Thalji Sam Z. , Ethun Cecilia G. , Tsai Susan , Gamblin T. Clark , Clarke Callisia N. , Bedi Meena , King David , LoGiudice John , Poultsides George , Grignol Valerie P. , Tseng Jennifer , Votanopoulos Konstantinos , Fields Ryan C. , Cardona Kenneth , Mogal Harveshp
Published: December 2022

Background

This study aimed to define how utilization of plastic surgical reconstruction (PSR) affects perioperative outcomes, locoregional recurrence‐free survival (LRRFS), and overall survival (OS) after radical resection of extremity and truncal soft tissue sarcoma (ETSTS). The secondary aim was to determine factors associated with PSR.

Methods

Patients who underwent resection of ETSTS between 2000 and 2016 were identified from a multi‐institutional database. PSR was defined as complex primary closure requiring a plastic surgeon, skin graft, or tissue‐flap reconstruction. Outcomes included PSR utilization, postoperative complications, LRRFS, and OS.

Results

Of 2750 distinct operations, 1060 (38.55%) involved PSR. Tissue‐flaps (854, 80.57%) were most commonly utilized. PSR was associated with a higher proportion of R0 resections (83.38% vs. 74.42%, p < 0.001). Tissue‐flap PSR was associated with local wound complications (odds ratio: 1.81, confidence interval: 1.21–2.72, p = 0.004). Neither PSR nor postoperative complications were independently associated with LRRFS or OS. High‐grade tumors (1.60, 1.13–2.26, p = 0.008) and neoadjuvant radiation (1.66, 1.20–2.30, p = 0.002) were associated with the need for PSR.

Conclusion

Patients with ETSTS undergoing resection with PSR experienced acceptable rates of complications and a higher rate of negative margins, which were associated with improved LRRFS and OS. High tumor grade and neoadjuvant radiation were associated with requirement of PSR.
Ultrasound‐Guided A1 Pulley Release Versus Classic Open Surgery for Trigger Digit
Authors: Rodríguez‐Maruri Guillermo , Rojo‐Manaute Jose Manuel , Capa‐Grasa Alberto , Chana Rodríguez Francisco , Cerezo López Eugenio , Vaquero Martín Javier
Published: December 2022

Objectives

We compared an ultra‐minimally invasive ultrasound‐guided percutaneous A1 pulley release and a classic open surgery for trigger digit.

Methods

We designed a single‐center randomized control trial. All cases had clinical signs of primary grade III trigger digit. Concealed allocation (1:1) was used for assigning patients to each group and data collectors were blinded. The Quick‐Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick‐DASH) questionnaire was our primary variable. Quick‐DASH, two‐point discrimination, grip strength, time until stopping analgesics, having full digital range of motion and restarting everyday activities were registered on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th weeks, 3rd and 6th months, and 1st year after the procedure.

Results

We randomized 84 patients to ultrasound‐guided release and classic open surgery. Quick‐DASH scores significantly favored the percutaneous technique until the 3rd month: 7.6 ± 1.2 versus 15.3 ± 2.4 (mean ± standard error of the mean). The percutaneous group obtained significantly better results in all the variables studied: time until stopping analgesics, achieving full range of motion and restarting everyday activities. Grip strength was significantly better in the percutaneous group for the 1st week only. Five cases of moderate local pain were observed in the open technique. There was one case of transient nerve numbness per group.

Conclusions

The ultra‐minimally invasive ultrasound‐guided A1 pulley release was clinically superior to the classic open surgery in functional recovery with a lower complication rate.
Effect of guselkumab on serum biomarkers in Japanese palmoplantar pustulosis patients in a randomized phase 3 study
Authors: Morita Akimichi , Chen Yanqing , Leung Monica W. L. , Kawashima Naoko , Terui Tadashi
Published: December 2022

Background

It is reported that treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) with guselkumab has greater improvement in clinical responses in terms of palmoplantar pustulosis area severity index (PPPASI) score. Here, we present the effect of guselkumab (100 and 200 mg) on PPP‐related serum proteins and their association with clinical responses.

Objectives

To analyze the effects of guselkumab treatment on PPP‐related circulating serum proteins up to Week 72 and evaluate their association with clinical responses.

Methods

Serum cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐17A, IL‐17F, IL‐22, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, interferon‐gamma) and 184 inflammation/immune activation‐related serum proteins were evaluated. Baseline cytokine levels for patients with PPP were compared with healthy controls (HCs) to detect differentially expressed serum proteins using Welch's t‐test. Correlation with individual PPPASI scores was assessed to explore associations with disease severity. Guselkumab treatment‐associated pharmacodynamic (PD) effects were evaluated as fold changes in cytokine levels compared with baseline.

Results

Baseline serum IL‐17A, IL‐17F and IL‐22 levels were elevated in PPP patients (n = 159) compared with HCs (n = 25) and were significantly correlated with baseline PPPASI disease scores. Serum cytokines were reduced following guselkumab treatment, with maximal reduction at Week 72 for both doses (all p < 0.01). Lower levels of IL‐17A, IL‐17F and IL‐22 were associated with PPPASI improvement at Week 72. Olink platform analysis identified a decrease in chemokine ligand‐19 and IL‐6 levels with guselkumab compared with placebo. However, the difference between the treatment groups was not significant. The biomarker effect of guselkumab 100 versus 200 mg groups was comparable, suggesting the PD effect is plateaued and higher than 200 mg is unlikely to increase biomarker changes.

Conclusions

Targeting IL‐23 with guselkumab in PPP led to a progressive reduction in IL‐17A, IL‐17F and IL‐22 in serum, and lower serum levels of these Th17/Th22 cytokines were associated with better PPPASI response after treatment.

Clinical Trials.gov identifier

NCT02641730.
Post‐emergence movements and habitat use by hatchling diamondback terrapins
Authors: Decker Carolyn E. , Buchanan Scott W. , Karraker Nancy E.
Published: December 2022

Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) inhabit estuarine environments, and adult females typically nest in coastal uplands. Hatchlings emerging from nests overwinter on land and in coastal salt marshes, but the proportions that use each land cover type is not well documented. From 2019 to 2021, we tracked movements and habitat use of hatchlings post‐emergence to determine the importance of upland overwintering sites to a terrapin population in Rhode Island, USA. In late summer and early fall, we attached a radio‐transmitter and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag (n = 46) or only a PIT tag (n = 132) to carapaces of hatchlings emerging from nests. From August to June, we tracked the hatchlings via radio‐telemetry and a sweeping PIT tag antenna, successfully documenting the fates of 46.6% of them (n = 83). This group included 23 hatchlings that overwintered in the upland, 11 hatchlings that moved to the salt marsh in fall, 46 predated hatchlings, and 3 hatchlings dead from unknown causes. Upon emergence from their nests, 68% of hatchlings dispersed toward water and 32% of hatchlings dispersed away from water. In the uplands, hatchlings typically overwintered within about 2 m of habitat edges. Movement in the uplands peaked from late August to early October, then ceased until hatchlings re‐emerged in late April through early June. To protect terrapins, we recommend limiting the use of heavy equipment (e.g., mowers, tillers) in vegetated uplands near nest sites, and scheduling vegetation management for colder months (Nov–Mar in New England, USA) when hatchlings are inactive.
Influences on technology use and interpretation among young people living with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Cushley Laura N. , Krezel Aniela , Curran Katie , Parker Kathryn , Millar Sarinda , Peto Tunde
Published: December 2022

Aims

To characterise continuous glucose monitor and flash glucose monitor use and related issues (both positive and negative) in the population of children and young people living with type 1 diabetes in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT), Northern Ireland.

Methods

Four focus groups were conducted in the SHSCT with people with type 1 diabetes and their families, to assess opinions of diabetes technology. In addition, questionnaires were distributed to diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs), young people and their families about use and access to diabetes technology.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 68 children, young people (0–18 years) and their parents/guardians. Nearly all (98.5%) had access to their own diabetes related data, and 70.6% used diabetes data systems, for example, Libreview. Most of those using these systems found them beneficial and easy for daily use and clinical review.

Most DSNs (83.9%) agreed that the systems were easy to use, and 82.3% were confident in interpreting the data accurately. DSNs felt virtual review was beneficial in over half of young people with 62.9% advising changes to diabetes management based on the data.

Focus groups participants deemed diabetes technology a ‘gamechanger’ and ‘lifechanging’. Some drawbacks included ‘disruptive’ alarms, self‐confidence issues, visible diabetes technology and problems in school.

Conclusions

Most young people, their families and healthcare professionals reported they were confident in interpreting diabetes data and technology was easy to use. Diabetes technology could improve access to care through virtual clinics, improve clinical outcomes and enhance quality of life.
Marked weight loss on liraglutide 3.0 mg: Real‐life experience of a Swiss cohort with obesity
Authors: Santini Sara , Vionnet Nathalie , Pasquier Jérôme , Gonzalez‐Rodriguez Elena , Fraga Montserrat , Pitteloud Nelly , Favre Lucie
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study investigated the effectiveness of liraglutide 3.0 mg daily in combination with a standardized multidisciplinary intervention on body weight and body composition changes in a real‐life setting.

Methods

A prospective, observational cohort study design was used. Adult patients with BMI > 35 kg/m2, or BMI > 28 kg/m2 with greater than or equal to one metabolic comorbidity, were included (n = 54, 65% women). Liraglutide treatment was covered by Swiss health insurance. Clinical and biological data were collected at baseline, 4 months, and 10 months. Body composition was assessed by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry at baseline and 10 months.

Results

At 10 months, mean (SD) percentage weight loss (WL%) was −12.4% (5.5%) or −14.1 (6.6) kg. WL% was ≥5% in 87% of patients at 4 months and in 96% at 10 months. WL% was higher in women (−9.5% [3.1%] vs. men −7.2% [2.5%], p = 0.02) at 4 months and persisted at 10 months (−13.7% [5.2%] vs. −9.6% [5.1%], p = 0.006). WL% was associated with baseline percentage fat mass but not with age or BMI. Body composition showed a decrease in fat mass, visceral adipose tissue, and absolute lean mass.

Conclusions

In a real‐world setting, liraglutide 3.0 mg led to beneficial changes in WL and body composition, with a greater impact in women.
Analytical Method for Quantification of Several Phthalate Acid Esters by Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry in Coffee Brew Samples
Authors: Amorello Diana , Indelicato Roberta , Barreca Salvatore , Orecchio Santino , Orecchio Silvia
Published: December 2022

Several phthalate acid esters (PAEs), often called phthalate esters or phthalates, are substances classified as harmful due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, and moreover, as dangerous for humans because they interfere with the endocrine system. In general, phthalic esters are used as plasticizers for different polymers and more other consumer products. In the present study, we describe a simple method to quantify PAEs in coffee brew using a liquid‐liquid extraction without purification processes through analysing the obtained organic phase by GCMS in the single ion monitoring mode. The totals of single PAEs, in coffee brew samples analysed by us, are in the range of 159–5305 μg L−1. Considering that, on average, a person drinks three cups (total 90 mL) of the aforementioned drink per day, this will lead to the uptake of a total 14 to 477 μg of phthalates.
Proteomics‐based scoring of cellular response to stimuli for improved characterization of signaling pathway activity
Authors: Kazakova Elizaveta M. , Solovyeva Elizaveta M. , Levitsky Lev I. , Bubis Julia A. , Emekeeva Daria D. , Antonets Anastasia A. , Nazarov Alexey A. , Gorshkov Mikhail V. , Tarasova Irina A.
Published: December 2022

Omics technologies focus on uncovering the complex nature of molecular mechanisms in cells and organisms, including biomarkers and drug targets discovery. Aiming at these tasks, we see that information extracted from omics data is still underused. In particular, characteristics of differentially regulated molecules can be combined in a single score to quantify the signaling pathway activity. Such a metric can be useful for comprehensive data interpretation to follow: (1) developing molecular responses in time; (2) potency of a drug on a certain cell culture; (3) ranking the signaling pathway activity in stimulated cells; and (4) integration of the omics data and assay‐based measurements of cell viability, cytotoxicity, and proliferation. With recent advances in ultrafast mass spectrometry for quantitative proteomics allowing data collection in a few minutes, proteomics score for cellular response to stimuli can become a fast, accurate, and informative complement to bioassays. Here, we utilized an interquartile‐based selection of differentially regulated features and a variety of schemes for quantifying cellular responses to come up with the quantitative metric for total cellular response and pathway activity. Validation was performed using antiproliferative and virus assays and label‐free proteomics data collected for cancer cells subjected to drug stimulation.
Transregional spouses, parents and children: How gender and family shape return migration in the French overseas
Authors: Haddad Marine , Caron Louise
Published: December 2022

This paper explores the role of migrants' family dynamics over the life cycle on their decisions to return focusing on three dimensions: relationship status, children and intergenerational solidarities. It brings a unique contribution to migration studies by investigating whether these mechanisms differ for male and female migrants. Combining two surveys (Migration Family Ageing and Trajectories and Origins) collected in the origin and destination regions, we study return behaviours of migrants born in the French Overseas departments (DOM) moving from metropolitan France back to their DOM of birth. Contrasting with traditional research which tends to restrict the analysis of family considerations to female migrants, our findings show that family experiences affect return migrations for both men and women, yet in different ways. While partnering, breaking‐up and having children affect the returns of both men and women, only female migrants are more likely to return when their parent(s) live in the DOM. This could draw back to a gendered distribution of family roles and responsibilities, but also to gendered networks with stronger ties between female migrants and their parents.
Understanding trajectories of population decline across rural and urban Europe: A sequence analysis
Authors: Newsham Niall , Rowe Francisco
Published: December 2022

Population decline is projected to become widespread in Europe, with the continental population set to reverse its longstanding trajectory of growth within the next 5 years. This represents unfamiliar demographic territory. Despite this, literature on decline remains sparse and our understanding porous. Particular epistemological deficiencies stem from a lack of both cross‐national and temporal analyses of population decline. This study seeks to address these gaps through the novel application of sequence and cluster analysis techniques to examine variations in population decline trajectories since 2000 in 696 subnational areas across 33 European territories. The methodology allows for a holistic understanding of decline trajectories capturing differences in the ordering, timing, magnitude and spatial structure of population decline. We identify a typology of population decline distinguishing seven distinct pathways to depopulation and chart their geographies. Results revealed differentiated pathways of depopulation in continental subregions, with consistent and rapid declines in the east, persistent but moderate declines in central Europe, accelerating declines in the south and decelerating population declines in the west. Results also revealed differentiated patterns of depopulation across the rural–urban continuum, with urban and populous areas experiencing a deceleration in population decline, while decline accelerates or stabilises in rural areas. Small‐ and mid‐sized areas displayed heterogeneous depopulation trajectories, highlighting the importance of local contextual factors in influencing trajectories of population decline.