bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of IL‐6, CRP and NT‐proBNP levels in post‐COVID multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC) and Kawasaki disease patients
Authors: Ganguly Mimi , Nandi Alolika , Banerjee Paramita , Gupta Purbasha , Sarkar Subhajit Dey , Basu Surupa , Pal Priyankar
Published: November 2021

Background

Post‐COVID multisystem hyperinflammatory syndrome in children (MISC) has clinical and laboratory similarities with Kawasaki disease (KD). Inflammatory markers like C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6) as well as N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) are elevated in both. This study attempts a comparative analysis of the 3 markers in an attempt at early differentiation for planning appropriate management.

Methodology

This analytical study conducted at the Institute of Child Health, Kolkata, India compared the levels of the above 3 markers at admission between 72 patients with KD, 30% of whom had coronary artery lesions (CALs) collected over a period of 18 months (Jan 2017‐June 2018), with 71 MISC patients over a period of 6 months (July 2020‐December 2020). The non‐parametric Mann‐Whitney U test was used to test for similarity in distributions of the samples of CRP, NT‐proBNP and IL6 in KD and MISC patients using correction factor for similar ranks. The 3 parameters were compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Mean IL6 value in KD was 83.22 pg/mL and in MISC 199.91 pg/mL, which was not found to be statistically significant (P = .322 > .05).However mean NT‐proBNP (914.91 pg/mL) with CRP level (96.32 mg/L) in KD was significantly lower (P < .05 for both cases) than that in MISC (9141.16 pg/mL and 145.66 mg/L respectively). ROC analysis showed NT‐proBNP has the best sensitivity and specificity in predicting MISC.

Conclusion

NT‐proBNP and CRP are significantly higher among MISC patients; ROC analysis shows levels >935.7 pg/mL and >99.55 mg/L respectively might act as a guide to differentiate between them.
Efficacy of dacomitinib in patients with EGFR‐mutated NSCLC and brain metastases
Authors: Zhang Jinyao , Wang Yan , Liu Ziling , Wang Lin , Yao Yu , Liu Yutao , Hao Xue Zhi , Wang Jianyang , Xing Puyuan , Li Junling
Published: November 2021

Background

Dacomitinib is a second‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) which is superior to first‐generation EGFR TKI in ARCHER 1050. However, the activity of dacomitinib in the central nervous system (CNS) is not known as ARCHER 1050 did not include patients with baseline brain metastases. This study aimed to describe dacomitinib's activity in the CNS in a real‐world setting.

Patients and Methods

Thirty‐two patients who were receiving dacomitinib for advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations and brain metastasis were included in this study. Patients who received prior EGFR TKIs were excluded from this trial. Case report forms were collected to determine treatment outcomes.

Results

Among 32 patients with EGFR‐mutated NSCLC and brain disease, eight were included in the CNS evaluable for response group. The intracranial objective response rate (iORR) was 87.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 47.3–99.7%) and the intracranial disease control rate (iDCR) was 100% (95% CI 63.1–100%). In 30 evaluable patients with measurable or nonmeasurable brain lesions, the iORR was 66.7% (95% CI 47.2–82.7%) and the iDCR was 100% (95% CI 88.4–100%). Median intracranial duration of response (iDoR) and intracranial progression‐free survival (iPFS) were not reached, with a one‐year iDoR rate of 72.2% (95% CI 48.7–95.7%) and a 1‐year iPFS rate of 71.2% (95% CI 51.0–91.4%), respectively. The majority of patients experienced low‐grade (G1/2) toxicities, which are reversible.

Conclusion

This study suggests that dacomitinib demonstrated CNS efficacy in patients with EGFR TKI‐naïve EGFR‐mutated NSCLC in the real‐world setting. The safety profile was tolerable and manageable.
Genes identified in rodent studies of alcohol intake are enriched for heritability of human substance use
Authors: Huggett Spencer B. , Johnson Emma C. , Hatoum Alexander S. , Lai Dongbing , Srijeyanthan Jenani , Bubier Jason A. , Chesler Elissa J. , Agrawal Arpana , Palmer Abraham A. , Edenberg Howard J. , Palmer Rohan H. C.
Published: November 2021

Background

Rodent paradigms and human genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) on drug use have the potential to provide biological insight into the pathophysiology of addiction.

Methods

Using GeneWeaver, we created rodent alcohol and nicotine gene‐sets derived from 19 gene expression studies on alcohol and nicotine outcomes. We partitioned the SNP heritability of these gene‐sets using four large human GWAS: (1) alcoholic drinks per week, (2) problematic alcohol use, (3) cigarettes per day, and (4) smoking cessation. We benchmarked our findings with curated human alcohol and nicotine addiction gene‐sets and performed specificity analyses using other rodent gene‐sets (e.g., locomotor behavior) and other human GWAS (e.g., height).

Results

The rodent alcohol gene‐set was enriched for heritability of drinks per week, cigarettes per day, and smoking cessation, but not problematic alcohol use. However, the rodent nicotine gene‐set was not significantly associated with any of these traits. Both rodent gene‐sets showed enrichment for several non‐substance‐use GWAS, and the extent of this relationship tended to increase as a function of trait heritability. In general, larger gene‐sets demonstrated more significant enrichment. Finally, when evaluating human traits with similar heritabilities, both rodent gene‐sets showed greater enrichment for substance use traits.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that rodent gene expression studies can help to identify genes that contribute to the heritability of some substance use traits in humans, yet there was less specificity than expected. We outline various limitations, interpretations, and considerations for future research.
How hedonic and perceived community benefits from employee CSR involvement drive CSR advocacy behavior to co‐workers
Authors: Chomvilailuk Rojanasak , Butcher Ken
Published: November 2021

This study seeks to determine how organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) can be influenced by employee perception of the benefits arising from their involvement with corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. The work is significant because of growing investment in CSR activities involving employees and increased firm expectations of employee dissemination of CSR information. A unique model examined how two types of perceived benefits, accruing to US‐based employees from their CSR engagement, impacted OCB. The variable of co‐worker‐directed CSR advocacy was used as a unique measure of OCB. An integrative theoretical framework combined social exchange theory with organizational citizenship behavior to provide a more comprehensive understanding of relationships. The first employee benefit tested was hedonic value, while the second was perceived community value. CSR reputation was modeled as a mediating variable. Data were collected via two scenario‐based experiments based at each respondents’ workplace. Analytical techniques included analysis of co‐variance and structural equation modeling using partial least squares. While both types of benefit had a significant effect on co‐worker‐directed CSR advocacy, the pathways differed. Perceived community value had a stronger effect on the mediating variable of CSR reputation, and consequently a significant indirect effect on the dependent variable. In contrast, hedonic value directly affected co‐worker‐directed CSR advocacy with CSR reputation playing no mediating role. This study contributes to the CSR literature through better understanding of the processes leading to the organizational citizenship behavior variable of co‐worker‐directed CSR advocacy. This dependent variable extends previous conceptualizations of OCB.
Circulating naïve and effector memory T cells correlate with prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Takahashi Hideyuki , Sakakura Koichi , Ida Shota , Kawabata‐Iwakawa Reika , Matsuyama Toshiyuki , Tada Hiroe , Mito Ikko , Chikamatsu Kazuaki
Published: November 2021

T‐cell memory is an important mechanism for long‐term protection against diverse pathogens. Generation and persistence of memory T cells are vital components of anti‐tumor immunity, given their ability to persist for prolonged durations, as well as activate and migrate rapidly. In the present study, we investigated the clinical and prognostic significance of T‐cell subsets in the peripheral circulation of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Moreover, we calculated the enrichment scores of T‐cell subsets in primary tumor tissues and compared their clinical characteristics using a public database. Multivariate survival analyses of circulating T‐cell parameters revealed that clinical parameters, except M factor, were not independent prognostic factors, whereas proportions of CD8+ T cells, naïve T cells (TNs), effector memory T cells (TEMs), and CD38+CD8+ T cells were independent prognostic factors, suggesting the importance of these peripheral T‐cell parameters as independent prognostic biomarkers. Consistent with these results, the T‐cell enrichment analysis indicated that enrichment of CD8+ TNs in the tumor microenvironment was an independent prognostic factor. Moreover, an ex vivo experiment demonstrated significantly less cytotoxic activity in CD38+ T cells than in CD38− T cells. These findings suggest that T‐cell memory‐related parameters in both systemic immunity and the tumor microenvironment could be used as prognostic biomarkers regardless of clinical characteristics. Further characterization of circulating T cells would lead to the development of novel biomarkers for patients with HNSCC.
Malignant acanthosis nigricans and diseases with extensive oral papillary hyperplasia
Authors: Liu Y. , Xu X. , Yang Y. , Hu H. , Jiang X. , Xiong X. , Meng W.
Published: November 2021

Oral papillary lesions represent a variety of developmental and neoplastic conditions. Early diagnoses of different papillary lesions are challenging for oral medicine specialists. Malignant acanthosis nigricans (MAN) is a rare cutaneous disorder and a potential marker of underlying hidden tumours. It is characterized by papillary lesions that always involve the oral mucosa. In oral medicine specialities, MAN is not well understood. When the early signs of MAN are extensive oral lesions and slight cutaneous pigmentation without obvious florid cutaneous papillomatosis, the diagnosis can be incorrect or delayed. Oral medicine specialists should ask affected patients to provide details of their medical history and conduct a timely systemic examination.
Childhood obesity: A review of current and future management options
Authors: Apperley Louise J. , Blackburn James , Erlandson‐Parry Karen , Gait Lucy , Laing Peter , Senniappan Senthil
Published: November 2021

Obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent in paediatric populations worldwide. In addition to increasing prevalence, the severity of obesity is also continuing to rise. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a worrying trend and highlight one of the most significant challenges to public health. Childhood obesity affects multiple organs in the body and is associated with both significant morbidity and ultimately premature mortality. The prevalence of complications associated with obesity, including dyslipidaemia, hypertension, fatty liver disease and psychosocial complications are becoming increasingly prevalent within the paediatric populations. Treatment guidelines currently focus on intervention with lifestyle and behavioural modifications, with pharmacotherapy and surgery reserved for patients who are refractory to such treatment. Research into adult obesity has established pharmacological novel therapies, which have been approved and established in clinical practice; however, the research and implementation of such therapies in paediatric populations have been lagging behind. Despite the relative lack of widespread research in comparison to the adult population, newer therapies are being trialled, which should allow a greater availability of treatment options for childhood obesity in the future. This review summarizes the current evidence for the management of obesity in terms of medical and surgical options. Both future therapeutic agents and those which cause weight loss but have an alternative indication are also included and discussed as part of the review. The review summarizes the most recent research for each intervention and demonstrates the potential efficacy and limitations of each treatment option.
Expanding the spectrum of syndromic PPP2R3C‐related XY gonadal dysgenesis to XX gonadal dysgenesis
Authors: Altunoglu Umut , Börklü Esra , Shukla Anju , Escande‐Beillard Nathalie , Ledig Susanne , Azaklı Hülya , Nayak Shalini S. , Eraslan Serpil , Girisha Katta Mohan , Kennerknecht Ingo , Kayserili Hülya
Published: November 2021

Homozygous variants in PPP2R3C have been reported to cause a syndromic 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis phenotype with extragonadal manifestations (GDRM, MIM# 618419) in patients from four unrelated families, whereas heterozygous variants have been linked to reduced fertility with teratozoospermia (SPGF36, MIM# 618420) in male carriers. We present eight patients from four unrelated families of Turkish and Indian descent with three different germline homozygous PPP2R3C variants including a novel in‐frame duplication (c.639_647dupTTTCTACTC, p.Ser216_Tyr218dup). All patients exhibit recognizable facial dysmorphisms allowing gestalt diagnosis. In two 46,XX patients with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and nonvisualized gonads, primary amenorrhea along with absence of secondary sexual characteristics and/or unique facial gestalt led to the diagnosis. 46,XY affected individuals displayed a spectrum of external genital phenotypes from ambiguous genitalia to complete female. We expand the spectrum of syndromic PPP2R3C‐related XY gonadal dysgenesis to both XY and XX gonadal dysgenesis. Our findings supported neither ocular nor muscular involvement as major criteria of the syndrome. We also did not encounter infertility problems in the carriers. Since both XX and XY individuals were affected, we hypothesize that PPP2R3C is essential in the early signaling cascades controlling sex determination in humans.
Indigenous Australian drinking risk: Comparing risk categorisations based on recall of recent drinking occasions to AUDIT‐C screening in a representative sample
Authors: Conigrave James H. , Conigrave Katherine M. , Wilson Scott , Lee K. S. Kylie
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) Australians have identified alcohol consumption as an area of concern. Accurate screening tools are required to help detect and assist at‐risk drinkers, and to provide accurate data to policy makers. The Finnish method (determining drinking patterns based on the last two to four drinking occasions), has been proposed as a culturally appropriate and effective screening tool for detecting Indigenous Australians at risk from alcohol consumption. While it has been found to be valid and acceptable for use with Indigenous Australians, the Finnish method has not been compared to the three‐item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—Consumption (AUDIT‐C) which is currently recommended by the Australian government for use in Aboriginal community‐controlled health services.

Methods

We compared the performance of the AUDIT‐C and Finnish method as screening tools for detecting harms experienced from alcohol in a representative, cross‐sectional, sample of Indigenous Australians.

Results

AUDIT‐C was substantially faster for participants to complete than the Finnish method. Metrics derived from both the AUDIT‐C and Finnish method were similarly linked to the frequency of self‐reported International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision dependence symptoms and harms.

Discussion and Conclusions

The AUDIT‐C is likely most appropriate for use in clinical settings due to its speed and ease of use. The Finnish method provides relatively detailed information about drinking and is better suited to population surveys.
Competitive location‐based and trajectory‐based mobile targeting
Authors: Cezar Asunur , Raghunathan Srinivasan
Published: November 2021

Advances in mobile analytics have enabled sellers to target mobile consumers using geolocation and the more granular mobile trajectory information. Using a game‐theoretical model of a context in which two competing sellers choose to target mobile consumers using location or trajectory, we examine the long‐term implications for sellers, consumers, and the social welfare. We show that mobile targeting, either location‐based or trajectory‐based, by both sellers indeed emerges as the equilibrium; however, trajectory‐based targeting need not always emerge as the equilibrium. For instance, location‐based targeting emerges as the equilibrium if the consumers’ disutility from a consumption delay (i.e., time cost) is low relative to their transportation cost. The primary driver of our findings relates to the role of location and travel direction information in exposing (or masking) the degree of consumer heterogeneity and the competitive advantage a seller has over the other in attracting a consumer.
Carabid adaptation to a collembolan diet: hunting efficiency and nutritional value
Authors: Baulechner Dennis , Jauker Frank , Wolters Volkmar
Published: November 2021

1. Collembola are an important potential food source for carnivorous arthropods living on the soil surface. Nevertheless, due to their effective evasive manoeuvres, Collembola are not an easy prey. Several carabid groups, however, have evolved morphological specialisations to overcome this otherwise effective defence strategy. The adaptive value of this specialisation is still unclear, since some generalist carabids also consume collembolans.

2. Feeding experiments with the collembolan specialist Notiophilus biguttatus and four generalist carnivorous carabids revealed that the specialised species are more efficient in hunting Collembola than the generalist species.

3. A comparison between specialised and generalist carabid species subjected to a pure collembolan diet further suggests that Collembola are only a dietary supplement for generalists: the generalist carnivore Bembidion lampros decreased in weight and had a higher mortality rate when fed exclusively with collembolans.

4. Analogously, a third experiment shows that edaphic mites or other non‐collembolan soil arthropods are just a nutritional supplement for N. biguttatus, since mortality increased when they were fed exclusively with these groups. The adaptation toward Collembola as prey, in contrast, does not constrain N. biguttatus, since they even increased in weight when fed with drosophila.

5. The enhanced hunting efficiency of N. biguttatus on Collembola compared to generalist species supports the hypothesis that the convergent evolution of mandibles in all collembolan specialist carabids is highly adaptive. The advantage of specialisation most probably is reinforced by the fact that generalist carabids are not real competitors for specialists, due to their poor efficiency in utilising collembolans.
Long‐term consequences of peri‐adolescent social isolation on social preference, anxiety‐like behaviour, and vasopressin neural circuitry of male and female rats
Authors: Kinley Brianna L. , Kyne Robert F. , Lawton‐Stone Tamijah S. , Walker Deena M. , Paul Matthew J.
Published: November 2021

Social isolation during the juvenile and adolescent stages (peri‐adolescent social isolation) can have long‐term consequences for behavioural and neural development. Most of this research, however, has relied on data from males, and very few studies have included both sexes. The present study investigated the impact of peri‐adolescent social isolation on social preference, anxiety‐like behaviour, and vasopressin neural circuitry of male and female Long Evans rats. Rats were either housed alone for 3 weeks beginning at weaning (Isolated) or in groups (Group‐housed). In adulthood, rats were tested in social preference, open field, marble burying, and light/dark box tests, and brains were processed for vasopressin immunohistochemistry. Isolated males exhibited a lower social preference score and spent more time in the light zone of the light/dark box than their group‐housed counterparts. Isolated and Group‐housed females did not differ in these measures. Peri‐adolescent social isolation did not alter vasopressin fibre density in target areas known to influence social and anxiety‐like behaviours (the lateral septum or lateral habenula), but increased fibre density in an output pathway of the circadian pacemaker (projections to the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus); an effect detected across both sexes. A previously unreported sex difference was also detected for vasopressin fibre density in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (females > males). These findings demonstrate long‐term consequences of peri‐adolescent social isolation on social preference, anxiety‐like behaviour, and the circadian vasopressin pathway and suggest that socio‐affective development of males is more vulnerable to social stressors during the juvenile and adolescent stages.
Changes in nerve conduction studies predate clinical symptoms onset in early onset Val30Met hereditary ATTR amyloidosis
Authors: Castro José , Miranda Bruno , de Castro Isabel , Conceição Isabel
Published: November 2021

Background and purpose

Hereditary amyloidosis related to transthyretin (ATTR) is a rare and progressive disease that, despite the phenotypic heterogeneity, a length‐dependent sensorimotor axonal neuropathy (ATTR‐PN) is the classic hallmark. Timely diagnosis is paramount for early treatment implementation.

Methods

Sixty‐nine asymptomatic gene carriers (Val30Met) were assessed during a 4‐year period to identify those remaining asymptomatic versus those converting to ATTRV30M‐PN. Conversion to symptomatic was defined as presenting with two definite symptoms of ATTRV30M‐PN. Composite neurophysiological scores of sensory (SNS), motor (MNS), and sympathetic skin response (SSRS) amplitudes were used to assess neuropathy progression. We used mixed‐effects modeling and ordinal logistic regression to assess neurophysiological evolution over time.

Results

Of all asymptomatic gene carriers, 55.1% (n = 38/69) converted over the period of this analysis. The progression of the SNS relative to baseline was different between groups (asymptomatic gene carriers vs. converters), the decline being greater in the converter group (time × group interaction p = 0.040), starting about 2 years before symptom onset. No significant change occurred regarding MNS or SSRS. Moreover, the percentage of cases with an annual decline on the SNS of at least 25%, gradually and significantly increased in the converter group, representing a 1.92 increase in risk of developing symptoms for those with such reduction on the last evaluation.

Conclusions

A simple composite neurophysiological sum score can predict the onset of ATTRV30M‐PN symptoms by as much as 2 years, highlighting the importance of a systematic follow‐up of asymptomatic gene carriers, allowing a timely diagnosis, and management of symptomatic disease.
NC‐1 coating combined with 1‐MCP treatment maintains better fruit qualities in honey peach during low‐temperature storage
Authors: Zhang Wangshu , Jing Luyang , Chen Huiyun , Zhang Sheng
Published: November 2021

The effect of carnauba wax‐based nanoemulsion coating‐1 (NC‐1) combined with 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) treatment on the storage of honey peach fruit ‘Yulupantao’ for 28 days under 0 ± 0.5 °C, and 90% RH conditions was studied. The results showed that NC‐1 or 1‐MCP treatment alone and in combination were proved to be more effective in maintaining fruit qualities compared to the control group with no treatment. However, the application with the combination of NC‐1 and 1‐MCP treatment had the most significant effect on reducing mass loss and decay rate, maintaining firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid (AsA) and titratable acid (TA) contents, suppressing malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and conductivity ascend. Moreover, the activities of peroxidase (POD) were maintained, and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) were effectively suppressed in NC‐1, 1‐MCP and combined treatment than that of control. Therefore, the combination of NC‐1 and 1‐MCP treatment could be an efficient way to maintain the qualities of peach fruit during low‐temperature storage after harvest.
The utility of hereditary thrombophilia testing among patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism
Authors: Olivo Freites Cristina , Naymagon Leonard
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Hereditary‐thrombophilia (HT) testing is often sent during the evaluation of patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE). This remains a frequent practice even though the results of such testing are often of unclear practical significance.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study to assess whether HT is associated with risk of recurrent VTE among patients who discontinue anticoagulation (AC) following an unprovoked VTE.

Results

A total of 528 adult patients were included, 28% of whom (N = 110) tested positive for HT. Median follow‐up was 55 months (IQR 40‐66 months) following AC discontinuation. One hundred and twenty‐four patients (23%) had a recurrent VTE during follow‐up, including 29/110 with HT (26%) and 95/418 without HT (23%). Risk of recurrent VTE over time was similar between the two groups (logrank P = .47). The HR for recurrence among patients with HT was 1.17 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.81). On multivariable analysis, HT was not associated with recurrence of VTE (HR with HT = 1.07 (95% CI 0.69‐1.65), P = .74). The only factor significantly associated with risk of VTE recurrence on multivariable analysis was presence of PE (as opposed to DVT alone) (HR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.02‐2.30, P = .035).

Conclusion

The presence of HT was not associated with risk of recurrent VTE in this cohort of patients. These findings underscore the questionable clinical utility of routine thrombophilia testing among patient with unprovoked VTE and suggest that such testing should not be routinely pursued.
Evaluation of features associated with urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Senturk Erenel Ayten , Cicek Ozdemir Sevil
Published: November 2021

We aimed to evaluate the features (occurrence, type, severity, risk factors and quality of life) associated with urinary incontinence in women. Urinary incontinence is a global issue. Many factors can lead to urinary incontinence, but some factors remain debatable. It is thought that the rate of urinary incontinence will decrease with the determination of risk factors. According to Abrams et al., urinary incontinence is three times more prevalent in women than in men. In a systematic review including 12 studies conducted by Seshan et al., it was concluded that the main risk factors for urinary incontinence are age, parity, body mass index, menopause, recurrent urinary tract infections, hysterectomy, miscarriage, fetal weight and comorbid conditions such as diabetes, chronic lung disease. Average life expectancy is increasing around the world. According to Milsom and Gyhagen with the increase in average life expectancy, it is predicted that the frequency of incontinence and the rate of women needing treatment will rise in the future and that health expenditures will increase consequently. A descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted from September to December 2020 using an online questionnaire. In total, 400 women were recruited. The online questionnaire contains questions to determine the socio‐demographic of women and urinary incontinence for risk factors in women and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence Short Form. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS. Chi‐square tests were used to assess associations between categorical variables. Statistically significant variables (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001) were then analysed by logistic regression. Occurrence of urinary incontinence was 39% (156/400). The top three types of urinary incontinence were found to be stress (38.5%), urgency (27%) and mixed (23.7%) incontinence. Frequency of urinary incontinence was once a week or less frequent in 54.5% of the women with urinary incontinence and that the severity of the urinary incontinence was mild in 70.5%. Risk factors for urinary incontinence included age, educational status, body mass index, history of macrosomic baby (birth weight > or =4 kg), consuming acidic beverages and spicy foods, episiotomy, type of birth, menopause, recurrent urinary tract infection, having a member of family with a history of urinary incontinence, and lack of physical activity. It was determined that factors increasing the risk for urinary incontinence the most are age and body mass index. Urinary incontinence is an important public health problem affecting women in the reproductive age, too.

Highlights

Urinary incontinence is a global issue.

Many factors can lead to urinary incontinence, but some factors remain debatable.

Urinary incontinence is an important public health problem affecting women in the reproductive age, too.

Average life expectancy is increasing around the world. Therefore, the number of women with incontinence problems is expected to increase.
Using capture‐recapture methods to estimate influenza hospitalization incidence rates
Authors: Balasubramani Goundappa K. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Clarke Lloyd G. , Dauer Klancie , Silveira Fernanda , Middleton Donald B. , Yassin Mohamed , Zimmerman Richard K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Accurate population estimates of disease incidence and burden are needed to set appropriate public health policy. The capture–recapture (C‐R) method combines data from multiple sources to provide better estimates than is possible using single sources.

Methods

Data were derived from clinical virology test results and from an influenza vaccine effectiveness study from seasons 2016–2017 to 2018–2019. The Petersen C‐R method was used to estimate the population size of influenza cases; these estimates were then used to calculate adult influenza hospitalization burden using a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) multiplier method.

Results

Over all seasons, 343 influenza cases were reported in the clinical database, and 313 in the research database. Fifty‐nine cases (17%) reported in the clinical database were not captured in the research database, and 29 (9%) cases in the research database were not captured in the clinical database. Influenza hospitalizations were higher among vaccinated (58%) than the unvaccinated (35%) in the current season and were similar among unvaccinated (51%) and vaccinated (49%) in the previous year. Completeness of the influenza hospitalization capture was estimated to be 76%. The incidence rates for influenza hospitalizations varied by age and season and averaged 307–309 cases/100,000 adult population annually.

Conclusion

Using C‐R methods with more than one database, along with a multiplier method with adjustments improves the population estimates of influenza disease burden compared with relying on a single‐data source.
Microstructural and infiltration properties of woven preforms during chemical vapor infiltration
Authors: Cha Chong M. , Liliedahl David , Sankaran Ramanan , Ramanuj Vimal
Published: November 2021

Interface‐resolved direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) have been performed over a range of furnace‐operating conditions (Thiele moduli) and for practical woven preform geometries. A level‐set method is used to resolve the geometry of the initial preform at tow scale. The interface between the vapor and solid phase is then evolved in time through the entire CVI densification cycle, fully resolving the time‐varying topology between the two phases. In contrast to previous level‐set methods for CVI simulation, the physical reaction and diffusion processes govern the level‐set movement in the current approach. The surface deposition kinetics is described by the usual one‐step model. In this paper, the DNS data are used to study the evolving porosity, surface‐to‐volume ratio, and flow infiltration properties (permeability and effective diffusivities). Comparisons are made to popularly‐assumed structure functions and the standard, Kozeny–Carmen porous media model commonly employed in modeled CFD simulations of CVI. The virtual DNS experiments reveal a Thiele modulus and preform geometry (fabric layup) dependence which the existing microstructural and infiltration models are not able to describe throughout the entire densification process. The DNS‐based, woven geometry‐specific correlations can be applied directly to mean‐field, furnace‐scale CFD simulations.
All‐inorganic flexible high‐temperature strain sensor based on SrRuO3/muscovite heteroepitaxy
Authors: Li Yilong , Zhou Peng , Qi Yajun , Zhang Tianjin
Published: November 2021

Design and fabrication of flexible strain sensors are still challenging for high‐temperature application in the aerospace, metallurgical industry, and underground energy exploration. In the present work, an all‐inorganic flexible strain sensor has been fabricated based on single‐crystal SrRuO3 (SRO) thin films epitaxially grown on muscovite. A high resistive tunability ((∆R/R0%) ∼ 26.05%), excellent linearity (correlation coefficient of 0.93), and large gauge factor (GF ∼ 101) have been achieved in the as‐prepared SRO‐based sensors with great bending durability. The mechanism for the tunability of the electrical transport in flexible SRO thin films under mechanical bending is proposed based on the Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results. The sensors have been confirmed to work properly from ambient temperatures up to ∼425 K, showing the potential application in high‐temperature environments. Moreover, the flexible sensors have the ability to monitor the hand joint movements.
Electrical resistivity of Si3N4 ceramics with Yb2O3 additive
Authors: Yahagi Tsukaho , Kawai Daisuke , Takahashi Takuma , Iijima Motoyuki , Tatami Junichi
Published: November 2021

Si3N4 ceramics with excellent mechanical properties are used for heat dissipation substrates and so on. In order to improve their reliability and expand their application fields, it is desirable to understand and control the electrical properties of Si3N4 ceramics. In this study, the electrical resistivity of Si3N4 ceramics with Yb2O3 additive was investigated by applying various voltages at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 300°C. When Yb2O3 was added as a sintering aid to Si3N4 ceramics, a crystalline J‐phase (Yb4Si2O7N2) was formed and their electrical resistivity was significantly lower than that of Y2O3 additive. The electrical resistivity of the Yb2O3‐added ceramics decreased with an increase in temperature and applied voltage. Yb existed in multiple valence states, Yb2+ and Yb3+, in the Si3N4 ceramics and the decrease in the electrical resistivity can be attributed hopping conduction through the J‐phase. The J‐phase in the Si3N4 ceramics was observed to be continuous, and percolation analysis suggested that the J‐phase formed an infinite cluster. Therefore, the decrease in the electrical resistivity of the Yb2O3‐added Si3N4 ceramics was found mainly to result from the formation of an infinite cluster of J‐phase, which exhibits hopping conduction.
Searching for causal relationships among latent variables concerning performance, carcass, and meat quality traits in broilers
Authors: Silva Hugo Teixeira , Paiva José Teodoro , Botelho Margareth Evangelista , Carrara Eula Regina , Lopes Paulo Sávio , Silva Fabyano Fonseca , Veroneze Renata , Ferraz José Bento Sterman , Eler Joanir Pereira , Mattos Elisangela Chicaroni , Gaya Leila Gênova
Published: November 2021

In causal relationship studies, the latent variables may summarize the phenotypes in theoretical traits according to their phenotypic correlations, improving the understanding of causal relationships between broilers phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to investigate potential causal relationships among latent variables in broilers using a structural equation model in the context of genetic analysis. The data used in this study comprised 14 traits in broilers with 2,017 records each, and 104,154 animals in pedigree. Four latent variables (WEIGHT, LOSSES, COLOUR, and VISCERA) were defined and validated using Bayesian Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Subsequently, a search for causal linkage structures was performed, obtaining a single causal link structure between the latent variables. Then, this information was used to fit the structural equation model (SEM). The results from the SEM indicated positive causal effects of the variables WEIGHT and LOSSES on the variables VISCERA and COLOUR, respectively, with structural coefficient estimates of 1.006 and 0.040, respectively. On the other hand, an antagonist causal effect of the variable WEIGHT on the variable LOSSES was verified, with a structural coefficient estimate of −4.333. These results highlight the causal relationship between performance and meat quality traits, which may be associated with the natural processes involved in the conversion of muscle into meat and the structural changes in muscle tissues due to intense selection for high growth rates in broilers.
Faecal microbial biomarkers in early diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Olovo Chinasa Valerie , Huang Xinxiang , Zheng Xueming , Xu Min
Published: November 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as the second most common cause of cancer deaths and the third most common cancer globally. It has been described as a ‘silent disease’ which is often easily treatable if detected early—before progression to carcinoma. Colonoscopy, which is the gold standard for diagnosis is not only expensive but is also an invasive diagnostic procedure, thus, effective and non‐invasive diagnostic methods are urgently needed. Unfortunately, the current methods are not sensitive and specific enough in detecting adenomas and early colorectal neoplasia, hampering treatment and consequently, survival rates. Studies have shown that imbalances in such a relationship which renders the gut microbiota in a dysbiotic state are implicated in the development of adenomas ultimately resulting in CRC. The differences found in the makeup and diversity of the gut microbiota of healthy individuals relative to CRC patients have in recent times gained attention as potential biomarkers in early non‐invasive diagnosis of CRC, with promising sensitivity, specificity and even cost‐effectiveness. This review summarizes recent studies in the application of these microbiota biomarkers in early CRC diagnosis, limitations encountered in the area of the faecal microbiota studies as biomarkers for CRC, and future research exploits that address these limitations.
Analysis of pigment cell composition, pigment content, tyrosinase content and activity of three kinds of loaches Misgurnus anguillicaudatus from Poyang Lake
Authors: Sheng Junqing , Guan Le , Sheng Bin , Geng Shiyu , Wu Di , Hu Beijuan , Li Zhixiong , Le Shunlong , Hong Yijiang
Published: November 2021

Pigment cell composition, pigment content, tyrosinase content and activity analysis were investigated on three kinds of loaches Misgurnus anguillicaudatus: big blackspot loaches (BBL), small blackspot loaches (SBL) and non‐blackspot loaches (NBL), from Poyang Lake. Results showed that there were three types of skin pigment cells, namely melanophores, xanthophores and iridophores. Melanophores in dorsum were more than those in abdomen. Melanophore cytosomes in BBL were larger than those in SBL and NBL, and melanosomes were the largest in stage four. The melanophores in dorsal skin of SBL or NBL were small cell bodies, spindle‐like and in chain distribution. There was an extremely significant difference in melanin content in BBL between the dorsum and abdomen (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in melanin abdominal content, lutein and carotenoid contents among three kinds of loaches (P > 0.05). In dorsal skin, tyrosinase content was the highest in BBL, and it was significantly lower in NBL than in BBL and SBL (P < 0.01). This study reveals the differences in pigment and tyrosinase content in three kinds of loaches and provides a theoretical basis for further study of the mechanism of black spot formation.
Disturbance in invasion? Idiopathic necrotizing hepatopancreatitis in the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) in Croatia
Authors: Bekavac Ana , Beck Ana , Dragičević Paula , Dragun Zrinka , Maguire Ivana , Ivanković Dušica , Fiket Željka , Gračan Romana , Hudina Sandra
Published: November 2021

As the most successful crayfish invader and possible vector for infectious agents, signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus is among the major drivers of the native crayfish species decline in Europe. We describe histopathological manifestation and frequency of newly detected idiopathic necrotizing hepatopancreatitis along the invasion range of the signal crayfish in the Korana River in Croatia. Our results show extremely high prevalence of necrotizing hepatopancreatitis (97.3%), with 58.9% of individuals displaying mild and 31.5% moderate histopathological changes in the hepatopancreas, also reflected in the lower hepatosomatic index of analysed animals. Recorded histopathological changes were more frequent in the invasion core where population density is higher. Our preliminary screening of co‐occurring native narrow‐clawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus showed lower incidence (33.3%) and only mild hepatopancreatic lesions, but potentially highlighted the susceptibility of native crayfish populations to this disease. Pilot analyses of dissolved trace and macro elements in water, sediment fractions and crayfish hepatopancreas do not highlight alarming or unusually high concentrations of analysed elements. Hepatopancreas microbiome analysis, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, identified taxonomic groups that should be further investigated, along with impacts of the disease on health and viability of both invasive and native crayfish populations.
Modified non‐flared fully covered self‐expandable metal stent for preoperative biliary drainage in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Shin Il Sang , Moon Jong Ho , Lee Yun Nah , Chung Jun Chul , Jeong Jaehong , Choi Seo‐Youn , Lee Tae Hoon , Yang Jae Kook , Cha Sang‐Woo , Cho Young Deok , Park Sang‐Heum
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim

Durable biliary drainage is essential in patients with pancreatic cancer in the era of effective neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Plastic stent (PS) tends to occlude easily, and current metal stents are designed for nonresectable cancer. We evaluated the efficacy of a modified non‐flared fully covered self‐expandable metal stent (M‐FCSEMS) during the perioperative period in patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Consecutive patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma had a 12‐mm M‐FCSEMS (M‐FCSEMS group) or 7‐Fr PS (PS group) placed for biliary decompression before NACT or curative‐intent surgery. The primary outcome was the re‐intervention rate, and secondary outcomes were technical success, stent patency, and adverse events (AEs).

Results

Endoscopic stent placement was technically successful in all 60 patients. Twenty‐three patients underwent surgery and 37 NACT before surgery. Re‐intervention was performed in 10.0% (3/30) of patients in the M‐FCSEMS group and 36.7% (11/30) of patients in the PS group (P = 0.030). The stent patency at 180 days was 89.8% (95% confidence interval, 77.3–100.0%) in the M‐FCSEMS group and 30.2% (95% confidence interval, 11.4–80.0%) in the PS group (P < 0.0001). Stent‐related AEs occurred in 10.0% (3/30) in the M‐FCSEMS group and 40.0% (12/30) in the PS group (P = 0.015). Surgery‐related AEs occurred in 10.5% (2/19) and 14.3% (3/21) in the M‐FCSEMS and PS groups (P = 0.549).

Conclusions

Modified non‐flared fully covered self‐expandable metal stents are effective and safe for durable biliary drainage in patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer during the perioperative period.
A sociomaterial conceptualization of flows in industrial ecology
Authors: Baumann Henrikke , Lindkvist Mathias
Published: November 2021

A major starting point in industrial ecology (IE) is that reaching ecological sustainability requires understanding relations between human actions and material (tangible) flows. IE studies have enabled assessments of different technical and sociotechnical configurations but only to a limited degree provided concepts that support the design of interventions for industrial ecologies. We contribute by proposing asociomaterial flow approach, here applied to life cycle thinking. After problematizing some common concepts in IE, the key concepts, a procedure, and some applied variants of the proposed sociomaterial approach are presented. The approach is theoretically grounded in related sociomaterial research. This body of theories underpins our conceptualization of how flows in, for example, a product life cycle can be related to nets of human actions within one rather than several analytical frames. The sociomaterial interaction point (SMIP) is a key concept in our approach for the sociomaterial connection between material flows and actor networks. A SMIP can be described as the interactions where humans come closest to the flows. The conceptualization of the methodology provides a framework for exploring actor and action networks shaping material flows and a basis for a relational analysis of governance, organization, and management of the flows in industrial ecologies. A sociomaterial approach to flow studies can therefore help in designing more concrete sustainability interventions in industrial ecologies.
Association of BDNF levels with IQ: comparison of S100B and BDNF levels in typically developing children and subjects with neurologically normal nonsyndromic intellectual disability
Authors: Esnafoglu E. , Adıgüzel Ö.
Published: November 2021

Background

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100B are reported to play an important role in neurodevelopment and may contribute to developmental pathogenesis in neuropsychiatric diseases. In this study, we aimed to examine the possible roles of BDNF and S100B in the pathogenesis of nonsyndromic intellectual disability (NS‐ID) and their relationship with cognitive performance.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients with intellectual disability (ID) and 30 typically developing children were compared. BDNF and S100B serum levels were measured with ELISA. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐Revised Short form (WISC‐R) and Leiter intelligence test were administered to determine the intelligence levels of subjects. Leiter intelligence test was applied to 10 participants (30.31%) in the ID group because they had speech and communication problems. All other participants underwent WISC‐R.

Results

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels were found to be significantly low in the patient group (mean ± SD, 67.43 ± 29.74 pg/mL) compared with the control group (94.67 ± 32.55 pg/mL) (P = 0.002). When S100B is assessed, there was no significant difference found between the patient group (335.05 ± 279.89 pg/mL) and control group (295.30 ± 146.55 pg/mL) (P = 0.901). There was a significant positive correlation between BDNF and performance IQ (r = 0.424 and P = 0.001) in all participants. In addition, positive correlations were found between BDNF levels and initiating speech time (r = −0.369 and P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor deficiency is proposed to have a possible role in the pathology of NS‐ID. High BDNF levels may be associated with better cognitive performance.