bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered wing phenotypes of captive‐bred migratory birds lower post‐release fitness
Authors: Stojanovic Dejan
Published: March 2023

Captive breeding and release to the wild is a globally important conservation tool. However, captivity can result in phenotypic changes that incur post‐release fitness costs, especially if they affect strenuous or risky behaviours. Bird wing shape is critical for migration success and suboptimal phenotypes are strongly selected against. In this study, I demonstrate surprising plasticity of bird wing phenotypes in captivity for 4/16 studied species. In a model species, captive‐born juveniles with wild wing phenotypes (a 1‐mm longer distal primary flight feather) survived post‐release at 2.7 times the rate of those with captive phenotypes (i.e. a shorter distal feather). Subtle phenotypic changes and their fitness impacts are more common than widely realised because they are easily overlooked. To improve captive breeding for conservation, practitioners must surveil phenotypic changes and find ways to mitigate them.
Primidone improves symptoms in TRPM3‐linked developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with spike‐and‐wave activation in sleep
Authors: Becker Lena‐Luise , Horn Denise , Boschann Felix , Van Hoeymissen Evelien , Voets Thomas , Vriens Joris , Prager Christine , Kaindl Angela M.
Published: March 2023

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spike‐and‐wave activation in sleep (CSWS) or DEE‐SWAS is an age‐dependent disease, often accompanied by a decline in cognitive abilities. Early successful treatment of CSWS is associated with a better cognitive outcome. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, electrophysiological, radiological, and genetic data of children with DEE‐SWAS associated with melastatin‐related transient receptor type 3 gene (TRPM3) missense variants. We report two unrelated children with pharmacoresistant DEE‐SWAS and developmental delay/regression and different heterozygous de novo missense variants in the TRPM3 gene (NM_001366145.2; c.3397 T > C/p.Ser1133Pro, c.2004G > A/p.Val1002Met). The variant p.Val1002Met (previously known as p.Val990Met or p.Val837Met) and p.Ser1133Pro were recently shown to result in a gain‐of‐function effect. Based on this finding, previous drug resistance, and the experimentally demonstrated inhibitory effect of primidone on TRPM3, we initiated an individualized therapy with this drug. In both children, developmental regression was stopped, psychomotor development improved, and CSWS was no longer detectable. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a treatment with primidone in TRPM3‐associated CSWS. Our results highlight the importance of early genetic diagnosis in patients with epilepsy and the possibility of precision medicine, which should be considered in the future in individuals with a TRPM3‐linked DEE‐SWAS.
A narrative review of studies assessing the quality of life in patients with generalized pustular psoriasis
Authors: Patel Payal M. , Sanchez‐Melendez Stephanie N. , Nambudiri Vinod E.
Published: March 2023

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a clinical entity distinct from psoriasis, associated with a poor clinical prognosis, often resulting in severe systemic complications and mortality. The relapsing nature of the disease with recurrent or intermittent flares imposes a significant burden on patients' quality of life (QoL). Although inadequately studied, QoL data in GPP patients has been a recent point of investigation. We conducted a literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE using the following search terms: ‘generalized pustular psoriasis’ OR ‘pustular psoriasis’ AND ‘quality of life’. We identified 12 relevant articles that provide insight into the large impact of GPP on the QoL of patients, the burden of the disease and the treatment, and the success of new treatment options in making a clinically important difference to QoL. This review illustrates a need for routine assessment of the QoL in interventional clinical trials for GPP and during physician encounters. This information can help guide clinicians on how to tailor the treatment approach from the patient's perspective or illustrate whether new therapies offer meaningful benefits to patient care as we enter an era of exciting new treatments for this challenging condition.
Fish condition as an indicator of stock status: Insights from condition index in a food‐limiting environment
Authors: Haberle Ines , Bavčević Lav , Klanjscek Tin
Published: March 2023

Individual performance defines population dynamics. Condition index – a ratio of weight and some function of length – has been louded as an indicator of individual performance and recommended as a tool in fisheries management and conservation. However, insufficient understanding of the correlation between individual‐level processes and population‐level responses hinders its adoption. To this end, we use composite modelling to link individual's condition, expressed through the condition index, to population‐level status. We start by modelling ontogeny of European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus, Clupeidae) as a function of food and constant temperature using Dynamic Energy Budget theory. We then provide a framework to simultaneously track the individual‐ and population‐level statistics by incorporating the dynamic energy budget model into an individual‐based model. Lastly, we explore the effects of fishing pressure on the statistics in two constant and food‐limited environmental carrying capacity scenarios. Results show that, regardless of the species' environmental carrying capacity, individual condition index will increase with fishing mortality, that is, with reduction of stock size. Same patterns are observed for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata, Sparidae), a significantly different species. Condition index can, therefore, in food‐limited populations, be used to (i) estimate population size relative to carrying capacity and (ii) distinguish overfished from underfished populations. Our findings promote a practical way to operationally incorporate the condition index into fisheries management and marine conservation, thus providing additional use for the commonly collected biometric data. Some real‐world applications, however, may require additional research to account for other variables such as fluctuating environmental conditions and individual variability.
Pregnancy in end‐stage kidney disease: Great news that needs to be handled carefully
Authors: Kazory Amir
Published: March 2023

Compared to women with normal kidney function, women with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) are much less likely to become pregnant, but more likely to have a complicated pregnancy. While renal transplantation remains the best option for women who desire to have a child, pregnancy on dialysis should be considered an option for those who may not receive a transplant during their reproductive years. Many physicians do not encounter a pregnant patient with ESKD during their nephrology training, and may not feel prepared to provide care for such patients in a busy practice. In this paper, we briefly provide an overview of the most significant practical points related to management of a pregnant patient with ESKD through a real‐life case with twin pregnancy. The two key elements in management of these patients would be an intensified hemodialysis regimen and a multidisciplinary team that can provide frequent, regular, and multifaceted assessments.
A brief review on 3D printing of chocolate
Authors: VA Athira , Udayarajan Chinthu T. , Goksen Gulden , Brennan Charles Stephen , P Nisha
Published: March 2023

The use of 3D printing (3DP) for food applications is gaining attention both as a research topic, and for industrial applications. Chocolate is one of the most common food commodities used for 3DP, owing to its melt extrusion capability and popularity in the high‐end food industry. However, chocolate remains a difficult substrate to work with, due to its complex composition as well as rheological properties. The quality of cocoa beans and the processing conditions of chocolate manufacture influence the quality of 3DP. This review briefly covers areas such as processing of chocolate, types of 3D printing of chocolate, rheology of chocolate inks, textural attributes and sensory evaluation of the 3D chocolate products.
Eco‐friendly and non‐toxic lysozyme immobilised on chitosan bacteriostatic agent for strawberry and fresh Tremella fuciformis preservation
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhu Li , Ma Yongliang , Liu Lu , Wang Hongsu , Niu Xiaodi
Published: March 2023

Safe and suitable food preservatives can ensure food safety and reduce resource wastage. This paper focuses on the modification of chitosan (CS) using 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl radical (TEMPO)/laccase oxidation system and chitosanase. The experimental results showed that the aldehyde group content of the modified CS was increased by 83.3% and the water solubility increased by 4.5 times. In addition, the covalent binding with lysozyme (LSZ) also improved the inhibition effect and the diameter of the inhibition circle was increased by 3 mm. Applying the LSZ‐modified CS to the preservation of strawberries and Tremella fuciformis (T. fuciformis), it was found that the preservation time of strawberries could be extended by 2 days at room temperature, and the microbial spoilage of T. fuciformis was also inhibited. This study provided a CS derivative that could be used as a carrier of natural antibacterial agents, which increased application scope of CS and provided a basis for antimicrobial preservation of food.
Ultrasound assisted microwave vacuum drying of persimmon fruit: Modeling by artificial neural network and optimization by genetic algorithm
Authors: Dash Kshirod Kumar , Bhagya Raj G. V. S.
Published: March 2023

The present investigation studied the influence of ultrasonication power (), microwave power (), and vacuum level () on the quality attributes of dried persimmon fruit. The range of independent variables selected for the study was 100–200 W for , 400–800 W for microwave power and 380–680 mmHg of vacuum level. The best artificial neural network with the lowest relative deviation comprised three input neurons, nine hidden neurons, and four output neurons. According to the experimental design, the range of response rehydration ratio , total change in color , drying efficiency (), and antioxidant activity was found to be 1.524%–2.148, 8.933%–28.854, 33.603%–42.155% and 68.640%–87.809% respectively. The optimized condition according to the integrated ANN‐GA model for the process parameters , , and was found to be 106.227 W, 421.189 W, and 668.051 mmHg, respectively.

Practical applications

Persimmon is a perishable fruit with a short shelf life. Fruits necessitate preservation strategies to extend their shelf life by reducing moisture content and water activity. Microwave vacuum drying with ultrasound treatment preserves quality characteristics like color, texture, chemical components, and shrinkage while reducing moisture content. Ultrasound pretreated microwave vacuum drying process lowered drying time while improving the quality and efficiency of dried persimmon fruit. Moisture can rapidly diffuse into the surrounding vacuum and prevent structure collapse due to the high vapor pressure caused by microwave vacuum drying. Prior to drying, sonication alters the structure of the fruit tissue, significantly accelerates the drying process and reduces overall processing time.
Characteristics of substance‐addicted mothers that predict graduation from the family treatment court
Authors: Barnett Katherine B. , Amason Janeen , Wagner Doreen , Ray Herman E.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

In the United States, substance addiction is a major contributing factor to incarceration of mothers and separation of children from their families. Five hundred Family Treatment Courts (FTC) operate across the country to combat the growing problem of women addicted to drugs. The FTC model provides mothers with substance addiction treatment, intensive judicial monitoring, repeated drug testing, counseling, incentives or sanctions, and case management with the goal of reaching long‐term sobriety and reunification with their children.

Design

This retrospective study examined the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and substance use characteristics, in predicting participants' graduations from the FTC program.

Methods

Data were gathered from 317 participants from five Family Treatment Courts in the southeastern United States and analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

Participants who completed the FTC program were more likely to be older, completed Cognitive Behavioral Training, completed high school, and Caucasian.

Conclusion

Age and completion of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy were the greatest predictors of graduating from the Family Treatment Court. These results convey the need for development of interventions tailored to each participant's age to maximize the success of the FTC participants. In addition, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy should be integrated into all FTC programs.

Clinical Relevance

The findings from this study will offer research scholars a foundation for designing future studies, aid researchers in creating interventions to increase success in substance addiction treatment programs, and contribute to the framework for theory development. In addition, understanding characteristics that may influence graduation from the Family Treatment Court will provide valuable information on developing interventions to support participants' success.
Neuroanatomy of the crocodylian Tomistoma dowsoni from the Miocene of North Africa provides insights into the evolutionary history of gavialoids
Authors: Burke Paul M. J. , Mannion Philip D.
Published: March 2023

The interrelationships of the extant crocodylians Gavialis gangeticus and Tomistoma schlegelii have been historically disputed. Whereas molecular analyses indicate a sister taxon relationship between these two gavialoid species, morphological datasets typically place Gavialis as the outgroup to all other extant crocodylians. Recent morphological‐based phylogenetic analyses have begun to resolve this discrepancy, recovering Gavialis as the closest living relative of Tomistoma; however, several stratigraphically early fossil taxa are recovered as closer to Gavialis than Tomistoma, resulting in anomalously early divergence timings. As such, additional morphological data might be required to resolve these remaining discrepancies. ‘Tomistoma’ dowsoni is an extinct species of gavialoid from the Miocene of North Africa. Utilising CT scans of a near‐complete, referred skull, we reconstruct the neuroanatomy and neurosensory apparatus of ‘Tomistoma’ dowsoni. Based on qualitative and quantitative morphometric comparisons with other crocodyliforms, the neuroanatomy of ‘Tomistoma’ dowsoni is characterised by an intermediate morphology between the two extant gavialoids, more closely resembling Gavialis. This mirrors the results of recent studies based on the external anatomy of these three species and other fossil gavialoids. Several neuroanatomical features of these species appear to reflect ecological and/or phylogenetic signals. For example, the ‘simple’ morphology of their neurosensory apparatus is broadly similar to that of other long and narrow‐snouted (longirostrine), aquatic crocodyliforms. A dorsoventrally short, anteroposteriorly long endosseous labyrinth is also associated with longirostry. These features indicate that snout and skull morphology, which are themselves partly constrained by ecology, exert an influence on neuroanatomical morphology, as has also been recognised in birds and turtles. Conversely, the presence of a pterygoid bulla in Gavialis and several extinct gavialoids, and its absence in Tomistoma schlegelii, could be interpreted as a phylogenetic signal of crocodylians more closely related to Gavialis than to Tomistoma. Evaluation of additional fossil gavialoids will be needed to further test whether these and other neuroanatomical features primarily reflect a phylogenetic or ecological signal. By incorporating such previously inaccessible information of extinct and extant gavialoids into phylogenetic and macroecological studies, we can potentially further constrain the clade's interrelationships, as well as evaluate the timing and ecological association of the evolution of these neuroanatomical features. Finally, our study supports recent phylogenetic analyses that place ‘Tomistoma’ dowsoni as being phylogenetically closer to Gavialis gangeticus than to Tomistoma schlegelii, indicating the necessity of a taxonomic revision of this fossil species.
Dry needling of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle reduces postural control in standing: A pre‐post stabilometric study
Authors: Martínez‐Jiménez Eva María , Losa‐Iglesias Marta Elena , Mazoteras‐Pardo Victoria , López‐López Daniel , Pereiro‐Buceta Héctor , Calvo‐Lobo César , Rodríguez‐Sanz David , Becerro‐de‐Bengoa‐Vallejo Ricardo , Navarro‐Flores Emmanuel
Published: March 2023

There are studies that show the better balance after dry needling in lumbar pain. However, the postural control effects after foot dry needling are unknown. Our objective was to check if dry needling reduces postural control. Eighteen subjects with flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle Myofascial trigger point were evaluated pre‐ and post‐deep dry needling. We measured stabilometric variables in a pre‐post study. We have found significant differences in three stabilometric variables: surface with eyes closed (29.36–53.21 mm2) (p = 0.000), medium speed of the laterolateral displacement with eyes closed (1.42–1.64 mm/s) (p = 0.004), and medium speed of the anteroposterior displacement with eyes closed (1.30–1.53 mm/s) (p = 0.025). Dry needling therapy application in FDB muscle reduces standing postural control with eyes closed.
Acneiform eruption induced by molecularly targeted agents in antineoplastic therapy: A review
Authors: Yuan Chen , Wang Baoxi
Published: March 2023

Background

Various biologic agents targeting specific molecules present new treatment options for various tumors. Acneiform eruption is a very common skin reaction to these agents. Although not life‐threatening, acneiform eruption can affect patients' emotional and social lives. In very exceptional cases, it can lead to cancer therapy interruption.

Aims

The aim of this study was to review the incidence rate, clinical characteristics, pathogenesis, and current management of acneiform eruption induced by molecularly targeted agents.

Methods

This review was carried out through PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane searching terms ‘acneiform eruption’, ‘papulopustular eruption’ or ‘acne‐like rash’ and ‘skin toxicity’, ‘cutaneous toxicity’, ‘skin reactions’, ‘dermatological toxicities’, ‘target therapy,’ or ‘drug therapy’.

Results

Of the 73 articles matched our search terms, 61 were original articles and 12 were case reports or case series. Acneiform eruption is most commonly observed in patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitors. Typical lesions consist of erythematous papules and pustules without comedones, accompanying with burning, pruritus, or xerosis. The pathogenesis involves inflammation and abnormalities of the follicular epithelium, where a disorder in EGFR signaling plays a key role. The treatment of acneiform eruption depends on the severity of the rash.

Conclusions

Early recognition and effective management of this cutaneous adverse reaction can prevent unnecessary reduction and discontinuation of drug use and improve patient survival and quality of life. Close collaboration between oncologists and dermatologists is important to optimize therapy and improve patient survival.
Is obstructive sleep apnea a circadian rhythm disorder?
Authors: Šmon Julija , Kočar Eva , Pintar Tadeja , Dolenc‐Grošelj Leja , Rozman Damjana
Published: March 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep‐related breathing disorder worldwide and remains underdiagnosed. Its multiple associated comorbidities contribute to a decreased quality of life and work performance as well as an increased risk of death. Standard treatment seems to have limited effects on cardiovascular and metabolic aspects of the disease, emphasising the need for early diagnosis and additional therapeutic approaches. Recent evidence suggests that the dysregulation of circadian rhythms, processes with endogenous rhythmicity that are adjusted to the environment through various cues, is involved in the pathogenesis of comorbidities. In patients with obstructive sleep apnea, altered circadian gene expression patterns have been demonstrated. Obstructive respiratory events may promote circadian dysregulation through the effects of sleep disturbance and intermittent hypoxia, with subsequent inflammation and disruption of neural and hormonal homeostasis. In this review, current knowledge on obstructive sleep apnea, circadian rhythm regulation, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders is summarised. Studies that connect obstructive sleep apnea to circadian rhythm abnormalities are critically evaluated. Furthermore, pathogenetic mechanisms that may underlie this association, most notably hypoxia signalling, are presented. A bidirectional relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and circadian rhythm dysregulation is proposed. Approaching obstructive sleep apnea as a circadian rhythm disorder may prove beneficial for the development of new, personalised diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic tools. However, further studies are needed before the clinical approach to obstructive sleep apnea includes targeting the circadian system.
Incidence and factors influencing sleep disorders in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: A case‐control study
Authors: Wu Cichun , Xie Jianping , Liu Fei
Published: March 2023

Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) infection is a disease that imposes a considerable financial burden on patients and can lead to sleep disorders (SDs), resulting in a serious deterioration to patient quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SDs in patients with HBV and the correlated sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. A total of 747 patients with chronic HBV infection were recruited. All patients completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The total PSQI score of patients with each type of chronic HBV infection was significantly higher compared to healthy Chinese adults (p < .05). The incidence of SDs in HBV carriers and patients with mild HBV, moderate HBV, severe HBV, liver failure, compensated cirrhosis, and decompensated liver cirrhosis was 25%, 26%, 32%, 47%, 56%, 31%, and 49%, respectively. The incidence of SDs in all patients with chronic HBV infection was 30%. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the course of disease, aspartate aminotransferase levels, PHQ‐9 scores, and VAS scores were independent risk factors for SDs, while the total SF‐36 score was a protective factor for SDs (all p < .05). In conclusion, the prevalence of SDs was significantly higher in patients with chronic hepatitis B compared to healthy subjects. The independent risk factors for SDs included disease duration, aspartate aminotransferase levels, depression, and fatigue. Clinicians should pay more attention to SDs in patients with chronic HBV infection.
The changing epidemiology of delta hepatitis in Türkiye over three decades: A systematic review
Authors: Uraz Suleyman , Deniz Zeynep , Zerdali Esra Yerlikaya , Araslanova Adel , Tahan Veysel , Tabak Fehmi , Ozaras Resat
Published: March 2023

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection represents the most serious form of chronic hepatitis. Turkey is among the countries with high HDV and intermediate hepatitis B virus prevalence. In Turkey, hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine series was included in the routine vaccination program in 1998. There have been regional differences in prevalence of HBV and HDV. Although a decline in HDV prevalence is estimated, there are uncertainties about the epidemic patterns of it. HDV prevalence was studied in varying groups and geographic regions. In this study, we aimed to analyse hepatitis D epidemiology in all groups and geographic regions in recent 35 years. During the study period of 35 years, 111 publications were noted. The analysis was done on the basis of three periods: 1999 and before (Period 1), 2000–2009 (Period 2), and 2010 and after (Period 3). The groups studied included inactive carrier state, chronic hepatitis B, all HBsAg‐positive individuals and special groups. Among inactive HBV carriers, HDV prevalence did not change significantly over three decades. Among patients with chronic hepatitis, studies reported decreasing (from Period 1 to Period 2) and then increasing (from Period 2 to period 3) HDV prevalence. The studies including all HBsAg‐positive patients reported decreasing (from Period 1 to Period 2) and then increasing (from Period 2 to period 3) HDV prevalence. Cumulative data of these 3 groups were taken to reveal HDV prevalence in HBV‐infected patients, and it showed decreasing (from Period 1 to Period 2) and then increasing (from Period 2 to period 3) HDV prevalence. Cumulative data of these 3 groups analysed according to the geographic regions of the country showed that Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions still have a high burden of HDV. The study showed that although HDV prevalence decreased from 8.3% in Period 1 to 4.8% in Period 2, it tended to increase 5.5% in Period 3. HDV infection is still a healthcare problem in Turkey.
Rot‐Jaune‐Verde: On linguistic bias of referees in Swiss soccer*
Authors: Faltings Richard , Krumer Alex , Lechner Michael
Published: March 2023

We utilize data from 5,010 soccer games in the top two Swiss divisions between the 2005/06 and 2018/19 seasons. In these games, a referee can share the same linguistic area with one of the teams. Using referee‐per‐season fixed effects, we find that referees issue significantly more penalties, in the form of yellow cards, to teams that are not from the referee's linguistic area. We also find some evidence, in the highest level league only, that referees issue more red cards to teams that are not from their linguistic area and that away teams achieve fewer points when home teams share the same linguistic area with the referee. Our analyses suggest that referees' bias is likely to be subconscious and reflexive rather than being a deliberate act of discrimination.
The effect of episodic future thinking ability on subjective cue use when judging credibility
Authors: O'Connell Felicity , Vernham Zarah , Taylor Paul , Warmelink Lara
Published: March 2023

Background

Episodic Future Thought (EFT) ability affects how credible individuals appear (O'Connell et al., The effect of individual differences in episodic future thought on the ability to lie about intentions [manuscript submitted for publication], Psychology Department, Lancaster University, 2022). However, it is unclear how individuals with higher EFT ability create this credible demeanour. This paper describes two studies that explored participants' subjective cue use when judging the veracity of verbal statements (Study 1) and written statements (Study 2) provided by individuals with varying EFT ability.

Method

In Study 1, 68 participants judged the veracity and indicated which cues influenced their veracity judgements of six truthful and six deceptive verbal statements. In Study 2, 102 participants judged the veracity and indicated which cues influenced their veracity judgements of 24 truthful or 24 deceptive written statements.

Results

Study 1 and Study 2 showed that the EFT ability of the sender affected subjective cue use. In Study 1, participants were influenced by different subjective cues when judging truthful (vs. deceptive) verbal statements. In Study 2, participants reported being influenced by the same cues in both veracity conditions. Study 1 showed that three cues mediated the relationship between EFT ability and veracity judgements. In Study 2, four cues mediated the EFT ability–veracity judgement relationship in the deceptive condition. There were no mediation effects in the truthful condition.

Conclusion

We propose that EFT ability is an underlying cognitive mechanism involved in creating a credible demeanour which can affect participants' veracity judgements. The current results suggest that the cues present in higher EFT individual's accounts may be contributing to this credibility effect.
Novel urinary protein panels for the non‐invasive diagnosis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and fibrosis stages
Authors: Feng Gong , Zhang Xiaoxun , Zhang Liangjun , Liu Wen‐Yue , Geng Shi , Yuan Hai‐Yang , Sha Jun‐Cheng , Wang Xiao‐Dong , Sun Dan‐Qin , Targher Giovanni , Byrne Christopher D. , Zheng Tian‐Lei , Ye Feng , Zheng Ming‐Hua , Chai Jin ,   CHESS‐MAFLD Consortium
Published: March 2023

Background & Aims

There is an unmet clinical need for non‐invasive tests to diagnose non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and individual fibrosis stages. We aimed to test whether urine protein panels could be used to identify NAFLD, NAFLD with fibrosis (stage F ≥ 1) and NAFLD with significant fibrosis (stage F ≥ 2).

Methods

We collected urine samples from 100 patients with biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD and 40 healthy volunteers, and proteomics and bioinformatics analyses were performed in this derivation cohort. Diagnostic models were developed for detecting NAFLD (UPNAFLD model), NAFLD with fibrosis (UPfibrosis model), or NAFLD with significant fibrosis (UPsignificant fibrosis model). Subsequently, the derivation cohort was divided into training and testing sets to evaluate the efficacy of these diagnostic models. Finally, in a separate independent validation cohort of 100 patients with biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD and 45 healthy controls, urinary enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analyses were undertaken to validate the accuracy of these new diagnostic models.

Results

The UPfibrosis model and the UPsignificant fibrosis model showed an AUROC of .863 (95% CI: .725–1.000) and 0.858 (95% CI: .712–1.000) in the training set; and .837 (95% CI: .711–.963) and .916 (95% CI: .825–1.000) in the testing set respectively. The UPNAFLD model showed an excellent diagnostic performance and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) exceeded .90 in the derivation cohort. In the independent validation cohort, the AUROC for all three of the above diagnostic models exceeded .80.

Conclusions

Our newly developed models constructed from urine protein biomarkers have good accuracy for non‐invasively diagnosing liver fibrosis in NAFLD.
Bereaved mothers' experience of expressing and donating breast milk: An interpretative phenomenological study
Authors: Ward Gráinne , Adair Pauline , Doherty Nicola , McCormack David
Published: March 2023

Perinatal loss is a devastating event for any mother. What is often overlooked is a mothers continued ability to lactate following the death of her child. Donor breast milk is a commodity highly sought after given its value for feeding sick babies resident in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of mothers who have expressed and donated their breast milk following the loss of their infant. Seven bereaved mothers who donated milk to the Human Milk Bank in Northern Ireland were recruited. These women took part in semistructured interviews, which explored their experiences of perinatal loss and the role that expression/donation played for them in their grief. Their accounts were analysed using a qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) method. After transcription and analysis, three superordinate themes emerged; (1) fulfilling the mother role; (2) the power of being able to ‘Do’; (3) making good from the bad. The stories of these women reflect the independent and individual nature of grief. Each mother gained a great deal of comfort in having the ability to express milk. For some this created a physical connection to their child, for others, it created time alone to process what had happened and for all, it created a sense of autonomy and ownership in what was otherwise a very turbulent time in their lives.
How many seasonal workers from the Pacific have been employed in New Zealand since the RSE scheme began?
Authors: Bedford Richard , Bedford Charlotte
Published: March 2023

This Research Note provides the first reliable figures on the numbers of seasonal workers from the Pacific Islands who participated in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme between July 2007 and June 2022. The method for deriving these figures is explained briefly before examining the frequency of return by men and women for employment in subsequent seasons from the nine participating Pacific states. Clarification of the numbers of seasonal workers involved in the scheme, as distinct from work visas issued each year for RSE employment, is timely for two reasons. Firstly, the RSE scheme is under review in March 2023 by Immigration New Zealand. Secondly, the three major sources of Pacific seasonal labour are raising questions in 2023 about the impact of the scheme on their domestic labour markets and economies. Robust data on numbers of Pacific seasonal workers during the scheme's first 15 years contributes important information in both these contexts.
The puzzle of online arbitrage and increased product returns: A game‐theoretic analysis
Authors: Geda Avinash , Pu Jingchuan , Qiu Liangfei
Published: March 2023

Online arbitrage, a recent trend on e‐commerce platforms, occurs when a firm (the “arbitrage firm”) copies the product description of another firm (the “designer firm,” who is the original seller of the product) and sells the product at a marked‐up price on a different platform from the designer firm. Once receiving a consumer's order, the arbitrage firm creates an order at the designer firm with a fake account and the consumer's shipping information. In this process, the designer firms fulfill all the purchase orders, and the arbitrage firm earns a profit without even touching the product. While the designer firm can enjoy a market expansion benefit, it also suffers from a high volume of product returns as some consumers eventually learn the true product price (from the receipt) and return the product they ordered from the arbitrage firm. We analyze the online arbitrage practice with a game‐theoretic model and show how the entry of an arbitrage firm can hurt the designer firm's profit. In the current practice, many designer firms cope with this issue by simply adjusting the price, but we show that such a strategy does not necessarily alleviate the problem. We propose a different strategy: the designer firm adjusts its refund policy to curb the greedy behavior of the arbitrage firm. We show that the proposed strategy leads the arbitrage firm to decrease its retail price, resulting in a smaller number of returns and higher profit for the designer firm.
Late embryo mortality in Holstein cows inseminated with Holstein or Limousine frozen semen
Authors: Melendez P. , Pinedo P. , Gibbons J. , Bartolome J. , Naikare H.
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to compare the late embryo mortality (LEM) rate (losses approximately between 32 and 53 days of gestation) and Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) and progesterone (P4) concentrations on day 32 post AI in Holstein cows bred with either Holstein or Limousine semen. A sample size of 1082 cows per group diagnosed pregnant between 28‐ and 35‐days post breeding was calculated. The study consisted of evaluating LEM (%) in a cohort of Holstein cows bred with Holstein semen (HO × HO) or Limousine semen (HO × LM), to compare pregnancy loss from 28 to 35 days post breeding to 50–57 days post breeding. A logistic regression model to compare embryo losses was developed considering as main explanatory variable the cohort (HO × HO embryo vs. HO × LM embryo), correcting by lactation number, breeding season, days to breeding and AI technician. HO × HO embryos had greater LEM (15.16%) than HO × LM embryos (9.79%). Cows bred in summertime had higher LEM (15.23%) than cows bred in no‐summertime (9.88%). There were no differences among AI technicians. Within summertime there was no difference in LEM (%) between groups within each lactation number; yet, within no‐summertime, LEM (%) was higher in HO × HO than HO × LM within each lactation number. Pregnancy SPB optical densities were significantly greater in the HO × HO than in the HO × LM (p = .023) group; yet, the concentration of P4 was not different between groups (p > .05).
Identifying the asthma research priorities of people with asthma, their carers and other stakeholders
Authors: Majellano Eleanor C. , Bell Rose L. , Flynn Anthony W. , Mckenzie Anne , Sivamalai Sundram , Goldman Michele , Vaughan Lauren , Gibson Peter G.
Published: March 2023

Background and Objective

People living with asthma, their carers, clinicians and policymakers are the end‐users of research and need research that address their individual healthcare needs. We aimed to understand the research priorities of end‐users of asthma research.

Methods

A national cross‐sectional mixed‐methods study was conducted. The study included an online survey that engaged patients, carers, healthcare professionals and policymakers to provide statements to free‐text questions about what they would like to see answered by research to improve living with asthma on a day‐to‐day basis. Responses where thematically analysed followed by three online priority setting consensus workshops.

Results

There were 593 respondents who provided 1446 text comments. Participants prioritized 10 asthma research themes which were: (1) asthma in children, (2) COVID 19 and asthma, (3) asthma care and self‐management, (4) diagnosis and medication, (5) managing asthma attacks, (6) causes, prevention and features of asthma, (7) mental health, (8) asthma and ageing, (9) severe asthma, (10) asthma and other health conditions. Each theme comprises specific research questions.

Conclusion

This project successfully established 10 priority research themes for asthma, reflecting the collective voice of the end‐users of this research. These novel data can be used to address the documented mismatch in research prioritization between the research community and the end‐users of research.
Opposition Skill Efficiency During Professional Rugby Union Official Games Is Related to Horizontal Force-Production Capacities in Sprinting
Authors: Glaise Paul , Rogowski Isabelle , Samozino Pierre , Morin Jean-Benoit , Morel Baptiste , Martin Cyril
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to determine relationships between parameters of force-production capacity in sprinting and opposition skill efficiency in rugby union games according to position. Methods: The sprint force–velocity profile of 33 professional rugby union players divided into 2 subgroups (forwards and backs) was measured on a 30-m sprint. Skill efficiencies (in percentage) of offensive duels, tackles, and rucks were assessed using objective criteria during 12 consecutive competitive games. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationships between parameters of horizontal force-production capacity in sprinting (maximum propulsive power, theoretical maximum force [F0], theoretical maximum velocity, maximum ratio of horizontal force [RFmax], and rate of decrease of this ratio of forces with increasing velocity) and skill efficiencies. Two multiple linear regression models were used to observe whether skill efficiencies could depend on determinants of horizontal force application in low- or high-velocity conditions. A first model including F0 and theoretical maximum velocity was used as a macroscopic analysis, while a second model including RFmax and rate of decrease of this ratio of forces with increasing velocity was used as microscopic analysis to determine the most significant determinants of skill efficiency. Results: All skill efficiencies were strongly correlated with maximum propulsive power in forwards and backs. In forwards, F0 and RFmax were the key predictors of dueling, rucking, and tackling efficiency. In backs, F0 was the main predictor of dueling and rucking efficiency, whereas RFmax was the key predictor of dueling and tackling efficiency. F0 and theoretical maximum velocity equivalently contributed to tackling performance. Conclusions: In rugby union forward and back players, skill efficiency is correlated with maximum propulsive power and may be more explained by horizontal force-production capacity and mechanical effectiveness at lower velocities than at higher velocities.
Cysteine carboxyethylation generates neoantigens to induce HLA-restricted autoimmunity
Authors: Zhai Yue , Chen Liang , Zhao Qian , Zheng Zhao-Hui , Chen Zhi-Nan , Bian Huijie , Yang Xu , Lu Huan-Yu , Lin Peng , Chen Xi , Chen Ruo , Sun Hao-Yang , Fan Lin-Ni , Zhang Kun , Wang Bin , Sun Xiu-Xuan , Feng Zhuan , Zhu Yu-Meng , Zhou Jian-Sheng , Chen Shi-Rui , Zhang Tao , Chen Si-Yu , Chen Jun-Jie , Zhang Kui , Wang Yan , Chang Yang , Zhang Rui , Zhang Bei , Wang Li-Juan , Li Xiao-Min , He Qian , Yang Xiang-Min , Nan Gang , Xie Rong-Hua , Yang Liu , Yang Jing-Hua , Zhu Ping
Published: March 2023

Autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be driven by emerging neoantigens that disrupt immune tolerance. Here, we developed a workflow to profile posttranslational modifications involved in neoantigen formation. Using mass spectrometry, we identified a panel of cysteine residues differentially modified by carboxyethylation that required 3-hydroxypropionic acid to generate neoantigens in patients with AS. The lysosomal degradation of integrin αIIb [ITGA2B (CD41)] carboxyethylated at Cys96 (ITGA2B-ceC96) generated carboxyethylated peptides that were presented by HLA-DRB1*04 to stimulate CD4
+
T cell responses and induce autoantibody production. Immunization of HLA-DR4 transgenic mice with the ITGA2B-ceC96 peptide promoted colitis and vertebral bone erosion. Thus, metabolite-induced cysteine carboxyethylation can give rise to pathogenic neoantigens that lead to autoreactive CD4
+
T cell responses and autoantibody production in autoimmune diseases.
Chemical scissor–mediated structural editing of layered transition metal carbides
Authors: Ding Haoming , Li Youbing , Li Mian , Chen Ke , Liang Kun , Chen Guoxin , Lu Jun , Palisaitis Justinas , Persson Per O. Å. , Eklund Per , Hultman Lars , Du Shiyu , Chai Zhifang , Gogotsi Yury , Huang Qing
Published: March 2023

Intercalated layered materials offer distinctive properties and serve as precursors for important two-dimensional (2D) materials. However, intercalation of non–van der Waals structures, which can expand the family of 2D materials, is difficult. We report a structural editing protocol for layered carbides (MAX phases) and their 2D derivatives (MXenes). Gap-opening and species-intercalating stages were respectively mediated by chemical scissors and intercalants, which created a large family of MAX phases with unconventional elements and structures, as well as MXenes with versatile terminals. The removal of terminals in MXenes with metal scissors and then the stitching of 2D carbide nanosheets with atom intercalation leads to the reconstruction of MAX phases and a family of metal-intercalated 2D carbides, both of which may drive advances in fields ranging from energy to printed electronics.
Evolutionary-scale prediction of atomic-level protein structure with a language model
Authors: Lin Zeming , Akin Halil , Rao Roshan , Hie Brian , Zhu Zhongkai , Lu Wenting , Smetanin Nikita , Verkuil Robert , Kabeli Ori , Shmueli Yaniv , dos Santos Costa Allan , Fazel-Zarandi Maryam , Sercu Tom , Candido Salvatore , Rives Alexander
Published: March 2023

Recent advances in machine learning have leveraged evolutionary information in multiple sequence alignments to predict protein structure. We demonstrate direct inference of full atomic-level protein structure from primary sequence using a large language model. As language models of protein sequences are scaled up to 15 billion parameters, an atomic-resolution picture of protein structure emerges in the learned representations. This results in an order-of-magnitude acceleration of high-resolution structure prediction, which enables large-scale structural characterization of metagenomic proteins. We apply this capability to construct the ESM Metagenomic Atlas by predicting structures for >617 million metagenomic protein sequences, including >225 million that are predicted with high confidence, which gives a view into the vast breadth and diversity of natural proteins.
Decrypting drug actions and protein modifications by dose- and time-resolved proteomics
Authors: Zecha Jana , Bayer Florian P. , Wiechmann Svenja , Woortman Julia , Berner Nicola , Müller Julian , Schneider Annika , Kramer Karl , Abril-Gil Mar , Hopf Thomas , Reichart Leonie , Chen Lin , Hansen Fynn M. , Lechner Severin , Samaras Patroklos , Eckert Stephan , Lautenbacher Ludwig , Reinecke Maria , Hamood Firas , Prokofeva Polina , Vornholz Larsen , Falcomatà Chiara , Dorsch Madeleine , Schröder Ayla , Venhuizen Anton , Wilhelm Stephanie , Médard Guillaume , Stoehr Gabriele , Ruland Jürgen , Grüner Barbara M. , Saur Dieter , Buchner Maike , Ruprecht Benjamin , Hahne Hannes , The Matthew , Wilhelm Mathias , Kuster Bernhard
Published: March 2023

Although most cancer drugs modulate the activities of cellular pathways by changing posttranslational modifications (PTMs), little is known regarding the extent and the time- and dose-response characteristics of drug-regulated PTMs. In this work, we introduce a proteomic assay called decryptM that quantifies drug-PTM modulation for thousands of PTMs in cells to shed light on target engagement and drug mechanism of action. Examples range from detecting DNA damage by chemotherapeutics, to identifying drug-specific PTM signatures of kinase inhibitors, to demonstrating that rituximab kills CD20-positive B cells by overactivating B cell receptor signaling. DecryptM profiling of 31 cancer drugs in 13 cell lines demonstrates the broad applicability of the approach. The resulting 1.8 million dose-response curves are provided as an interactive molecular resource in ProteomicsDB.
Evolutionary transitions from camouflage to aposematism: Hidden signals play a pivotal role
Authors: Loeffler-Henry Karl , Kang Changku , Sherratt Thomas N.
Published: March 2023

The initial evolution of warning signals in unprofitable prey, termed aposematism, is often seen as a paradox because any new conspicuous mutant would be easier to detect than its cryptic conspecifics and not readily recognized by naïve predators as defended. One possibility is that permanent aposematism first evolved through species using hidden warning signals, which are only exposed to would-be predators on encounter. Here, we present a large-scale analysis of evolutionary transitions in amphibian antipredation coloration and demonstrate that the evolutionary transition from camouflage to aposematism is rarely direct but tends to involve an intermediary stage, namely cryptic species that facultatively reveal conspicuous coloration. Accounting for this intermediate step can resolve the paradox and thereby advance our understanding of the evolution of aposematism.
Lessons from China’s overseas coal exit and domestic support
Authors: Nedopil Christoph
Published: March 2023

This dichotomy can inform environmental cooperation
Characterization of Shigella flexneri Serotype 6 Strains Isolated from Bangladesh and Identification of a New Phylogenetic Cluster
Authors: Shahnaij Mohammad , Amin Mohammed Badrul , Hoque M. Mozammel , Mondol Abdus Salam , Rana Kazi Jewel , Azmi Ishrat J. , Talukder Kaisar A.
Published: March 2023

Shigella flexneri
serotype 6 is one of the predominant serotypes among shigellosis cases in Bangladesh. Characterization of a novel subserotype of
S. flexneri
6 (VI:E1037), agglutinated with type 6-specific antibody and anti-E1037, indicates a unique evolutionary ancestry.