bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A proposal to model the pasting curve of gluten‐free bakery formulations
Authors: Vidaurre‐Ruiz Julio , Salas‐Valerio Walter , Briceño‐Berrú Luis , Baldeón Edwin O. , Repo‐Carrasco‐Valencia Ritva , Correa María Jimena
Published: December 2023

This research aimed to propose a comprehensive mathematical model that allows simulation of the viscosity profile achieved during the pasting analysis of gluten‐free bakery product formulations. The model divides the pasting curve into three parts, utilizing the modified Hill equation for gelatinization, the Gompertz equation for breakdown and retrogradation, and introduces novel parameters (Krheo1, Krheo2, Krheo3) to quantify the areas under each curve section. Validation involved viscoamylographic profiles of gluten‐free muffins with potato starch and Andean grain flours, with and without adding xanthan gum (XG). Results indicate XG increases resistance to gelatinization and decreases swelling rate in potato starch, while Andean grain flours with XG increase swelling rate. Gompertz equation parameters reveal improved heat stability and reduced retrogradation with Andean grain flours and XG. The proposed model serves as a versatile tool for interpreting ingredient effects, aiding in the optimization of starch‐containing food formulations.

Practical applications

The viscosity profile obtained in Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) test is of utmost importance for the development of gluten‐free bakery products because it allows us to understand the viscosity behavior of the system during the baking process, which is essential to achieve the proper consistency in the dough. The absence of gluten in gluten‐free formulations can make the dough less stable during baking; therefore, the mathematical modeling of the viscosity profile obtained during the pasting analysis helps to understand how the ingredients affect the system's stability, providing information about the gelatinization, breakdown, and retrogradation rates of starches. It also aids in understanding the consistency of the system at the end of the analysis, enabling adjustments to formulations to prevent dough stability issues during the baking process.
The FLOODLABEL as a social innovation in flood risk management to increase homeowners' resilience
Authors: Meyer Helene , Hartmann Thomas
Published: December 2023

In flood risk management awareness has been growing that the responsibility for coping with a flood cannot be assumed by the government alone. Homeowners need to be actively involved in flood risk management by taking responsibility; for this, they need empowerment and support to take adequate precautions. If homeowners implement precautionary measures, they can mitigate damage caused by floods and thus increase their resilience. This requires an appropriate risk communication strategy with the population. The FLOODLABEL in Germany informs and prompts homeowners to take precautionary measures. The Flood Competence Center developed the FLOODLABEL. This study employs the analytical framework of social innovation as the FLOODLABEL has some characteristics of social innovation. This study first explores the FLOODLABEL, which constitutes social innovation in flood risk management, and therefore characterizes the five development phases and their successes and challenges as social innovation. Second, it tries to understand and reflect upon the current stage of the FLOODLABEL as a social innovation in Germany and seeks to learn from this tool about the potential drivers associated with the process of implementation. Third, there is potential to gather a better understanding of other social innovations in flood risk management.
Association between results of an amyloid PET scan and healthcare utilization in individuals with cognitive impairment
Authors: Jutkowitz Eric , Shewmaker Peter , Ford Cassie B. , Smith Valerie A. , O'Brien Emily , Shepherd‐Banigan Megan , Belanger Emmanuelle , Plassman Brenda L. , Burke James R. , Van Houtven Courtney H. , Wetle Terrie
Published: December 2023

Background

The Imaging Dementia Evidence for Amyloid Scanning (IDEAS) study reports that amyloid PET scans help providers diagnose and manage Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Using CARE‐IDEAS, an IDEAS supplemental study, we examined the association between amyloid PET scan result (elevated or non‐elevated amyloid), patient characteristics, and participant healthcare utilization.

Methods

We linked respondents in CARE‐IDEAS study to their Medicare fee‐for‐service records (n = 1333). We examined participants' cognitive impairment‐related, outpatient, emergency department (ED), and inpatient encounters in the year before compared with the 2 years after the amyloid PET scan.

Results

Individuals with a non‐elevated amyloid scan had more healthcare encounters throughout the overall study period than those with an elevated amyloid scan. Regardless of the amyloid scan result, cognitive impairment‐related and outpatient encounters overall decreased, but ED and inpatient encounters increased in the 2 years after the scan compared with the year prior. There was minimal evidence of differences in healthcare utilization between participants with an elevated and non‐elevated amyloid scan.

Conclusions

There is no difference in change in healthcare utilization between people with scans showing elevated and non‐elevated beta‐amyloid.
Involvement of spinal NADPH oxidase 4 and endoplasmic reticulum stress in morphine‐tolerant rats
Authors: Xiao Xuyang , Yang Jingjie , Bai Qian , Wang Zhitao , Chen Yan , Si Yue , Xu Yaowei , Li Zhisong , Bu Huilian
Published: December 2023

Morphine tolerance (MT) is currently a challenging issue related to intractable pain treatment. Studies have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROSs) derived from NADPH oxidase (NOX) and produced in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress participate in MT development. However, which NOX subtype initiates ER stress during MT development is unclear. NOX4 is mainly expressed on intracellular membranes, such as the ER and mitochondrial membranes, and its sole function is to produce ROS. Whether NOX4 is activated during MT development and the mechanisms underlying the association between NOX4 and ER stress during this process still need to be confirmed. In our study, we used the classic morphine‐tolerant rat model and evaluated the analgesic effect of intrathecally injected morphine through a hot water tail‐flick assay. Our research demonstrated for the first time that chronic morphine administration upregulates NOX4 expression in the spinal cord by activating three ER stress sensors, protein kinase RNA‐like ER kinase (PERK), inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), subsequently leading to the activation of microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 b (LC3B) and P62 (a well‐known autophagy marker) in GABAergic neurons. Our results may suggest that regulating NOX4 and the key mechanism underlying ER stress or autophagy may be a promising strategy to treat and prevent MT development.

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Prognostic value of neurofilament light in blood in patients with polyneuropathy: A systematic review
Authors: Kodal Louise Sloth , Witt Anne Møller , Pedersen Britt Stævnsbo , Aagaard Morten Müller , Dysgaard Tina
Published: December 2023

Neurofilament light protein (NfL) is a part of the neuronal skeleton, primarily expressed in axons, and is released when nerves are damaged. NfL has been found to be a potential diagnostic biomarker in different types of polyneuropathies. However, whether NfL levels can be used as a predictor for the risk of disease progression is currently less understood. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science Searches and included longitudinal studies with a baseline and follow‐up examination of adult patients with polyneuropathy and NfL measured in blood. Twenty studies investigating NfL as a predictor of disease progression were identified, examining eight polyneuropathy subtypes. The results from studies in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) patients were divergent, with two out of five studies finding a significant association between NfL levels and clinical outcomes. Meta‐analysis of the three Guillian‐Barré Syndrome (GBS) studies found higher odds for the inability to run after 1 year in patients with high levels of NfL (odds ratio 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.04–4.56). Results from studies examining other subacute or chronic polyneuropathies like Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) varied in study design and results. Our findings suggest NfL can be used as a predictor of disease progression, particularly in polyneuropathies such as CIDP and GBS. However, NfL may not serve as a reliable and cost‐effective biomarker for slowly progressive polyneuropathies like CMT. Future standardized studies considering NfL as a prognostic blood biomarker in patients with different types of polyneuropathies are warranted.
Hyaluronic acid enhances cell migration, viability, and mineralized tissue‐specific genes in cementoblasts
Authors: Hakki Sema S. , Bozkurt Serife Buket , Sculean Anton , Božić Darko
Published: December 2023

Background/Objectives

It has been repeatedly demonstrated that cementum formation is a crucial step in periodontal regeneration. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important component of the extracellular matrix which regulates cells functions and cell–cell communication. Hyaluronic acid/derivatives have been used in regenerative periodontal therapy, but the cellular effects of HA are still unknown. To investigate the effects of HA on cementoblast functions, cell viability, migration, mineralization, differentiation, and mineralized tissue‐associated genes and cementoblast‐specific markers of the cementoblasts were tested.

Materials and Methods

Cementoblasts (OCCM‐30) were treated with various dilutions (0, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, 1:128) of HA and examined for cell viability, migration, mineralization, and gene expressions. The mRNA expressions of osteocalcin (OCN), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone sialoprotein (BSP), collagen type I (COL‐I), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cementum protein‐1 (CEMP‐1), cementum attachment protein (CAP), and small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) ‐1, 2, 3, 6, 7, β‐catenin (Ctnnb1) were performed with real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Total RNA was isolated on days 3 and 8, and cell viability was determined using MTT assay on days 1 and 3. The cell mineralization was evaluated by von Kossa staining on day 8. Cell migration was assessed 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours following exposure to HA dilutions using an in vitro wound healing assay (0, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8).

Results

At dilution of 1:2 to 1:128, HA importantly increased cell viability (p < .01). HA at a dilution of 1/2 increased wound healing rates after 4 h compared to the other dilutions and the untreated control group. Increased numbers of mineralized nodules were determined at dilutions of 1:2, 1:4, and 1:8 compared with control group. mRNA expressions of mineralized tissue marker including COL‐I, BSP, RunX2, ALP, and OCN significantly improved by HA treatments compared with control group both on 3 days and on 8 days (p < .01). Smad 2, Smad 3, Smad 7, and β‐catenin (Ctnnb1) mRNAs were up‐regulated, while Smad1 and Smad 6 were not affected by HA administration. Additionally, HA at dilutions of 1:2, 1:4, and 1:8 remarkably enhanced CEMP‐1 and CAP expressions in a dilution‐ and time‐dependent manner (p < .01).

Conclusions

The present results have demonstrated that HA affected the expression of both mineralized tissue markers and cementoblast‐specific genes. Positive effects of HA on the cementoblast functions demonstrated that HA application may play a key role in cementum regeneration.
Challenging subjective excessive daytime sleepiness as an insomnia symptom: a retrospective study
Authors: Fasiello Elisabetta , Mombelli Samantha , Sforza Marco , Zucconi Marco , Casoni Francesca , Chadia Konstantina , Castronovo Vincenza , Steiropoulos Paschalis , De Gennaro Luigi , Ferini‐Strambi Luigi , Galbiati Andrea
Published: December 2023

Diagnostic manuals describe insomnia disorder (ID) characterised by fatigue and sleepiness as diurnal consequences of nocturnal symptoms. However, patients with ID do not frequently report sleepiness in the clinical setting. The present study aimed to investigate subjective sleepiness in ID measured through the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and its independence towards daytime functioning and fatigue, and to evaluate cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) improvement in daytime consequences and their relationship to sleepiness and fatigue. We retrospectively collected the ESS evaluation in a large sample of 105 healthy controls (HCs), 671 patients with ID, and 602 patients with sleep disorders characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Moreover, we conducted a pre–post evaluation of the ESS in a sub‐sample of patients with ID who underwent CBT‐I. Component 2 of the Insomnia Severity Index and Profile of Mood States–Fatigue Inertia Scale was used to evaluate daytime functioning and fatigue. Patients with ID reported ESS levels comparable to that observed in HCs and significantly lower than the EDS group. No significant correlation arose between ESS and the diurnal impact of the disorder, suggesting the independence between daytime functioning and sleepiness in ID. Contrarily, insomnia severity and diurnal impact significantly correlated with fatigue. Data showed a statistically significant increase in sleepiness after CBT‐I, despite significantly improving daytime consequences and fatigue. Although diagnostic manuals report sleepiness and fatigue as daytime consequences of sleep symptoms in patients with ID, these retrospective data indicate a dissociation between these entities. This evidence aligns with the core feature of ID: the hyperarousal status that pervades patients also during wakefulness.
Microarray molecular mapping of horses with severe asthma
Authors: White Samuel J. , Couetil Laurent , Richard Eric A. , Marti Eliane , Wilson Philippe B.
Published: December 2023

Background

Severe asthma (SA) in horses, resembling human asthma, is a prevalent, debilitating allergic respiratory condition marked by elevated allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against environmental proteins; however, research exploring the exposome's influence on IgE profiles is currently limited but holds paramount significance for diagnostic and therapeutic developments.

Animals

Thirty‐five sports horses were analyzed, consisting of environmentally matched samples from France (5 SA; 6 control), the United States (6 SA; 6 control), and Canada (6 SEA; 6 control).

Methods

This intentional cross‐sectional study investigated the sensitization profiles of SA‐affected and healthy horses via serological antigen microarray profiling. Partial least square‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) was used to identify and rank the importance of allergens for class separation (ie, affected/non‐affected) as variable influence of projection (VIP), and allergen with commonality internationally established via frequency analysis.

Results

PLS‐DA models showed high discriminatory power in predicting SA in horses from Canada (area under the curve [AUC] 0.995) and France (AUC 0.867) but poor discriminatory power in horses from the United States (AUC 0.38). Hev b 5.0101, Cyn D, Der p 2, and Rum cr were the only shared allergens across all geographical groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Microarray profiling can identify specific allergenic components associated with SA in horses, while mathematical modeling of this data can be used for disease classification, highlighting the variability of sensitization profiles between geographical locations and emphasizing the importance of local exposure to the prevalence of different allergens. Frequency scoring analysis can identify important variables that contribute to the classification of SA across different geographical regions.
Viremia and nasal shedding for the diagnosis of equine herpesvirus‐1 infection in domesticated horses
Authors: Pusterla Nicola , Dorman David C. , Burgess Brandy A. , Goehring Lutz , Gross Margaret , Osterrieder Klaus , Soboll Hussey Gisela , Lunn David P.
Published: December 2023

Background

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV‐1) infection is associated with upper respiratory disease, EHM, abortions, and neonatal death.

Research Questions

Are nasal secretions a more sensitive biological sample compared to blood for the detection of EHV‐1 infection? How long is EHV‐1 detectable after primary infection by PCR?

Methods

MedLine and Web of Science searches identified original peer‐reviewed reports evaluating nasal shedding and viremia using virus isolation methods or PCR published in English before October 9, 2023.

Results

Sixty experimental and 20 observational studies met inclusion criteria. EHV‐1 detection frequency by qPCR in nasal secretions and blood from naturally‐infected horses with fever and respiratory signs were 15% and 9%, respectively; qPCR detection rates in nasal secretions and blood from horses with suspected EHM were 94% and 70%, respectively. In experimental studies the sensitivity of qPCR matched or exceeded that seen for virus isolation from either nasal secretions or blood. Detection of nasal shedding typically occurred within 2 days after EHV‐1 inoculation with a detection period of 3 to 7 days. Viremia lasted 2 to 7 days and was usually detected ≥1 days after positive identification of EHV‐1 in nasal secretions. Nasal shedding and viremia decreased over time and remained detectable in some horses for several weeks after inoculation.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Under experimental conditions, blood and nasal secretions have similar sensitivity for the detection of EHV‐1 when horses are sampled on multiple consecutive days. In contrast, in observational studies detection of EHV‐1 in nasal secretions was consistently more successful.
Potential economic impact on U.S. aquaculture of injurious species listing of major aquaculture species
Authors: Engle Carole Ruth , van Senten Jonathan , Tuckett Quenton M. , Hill Jeffrey E.
Published: December 2023

Regulatory changes to the Lacey Act and recent petitions to add aquaculture species in trade to the list of injurious wildlife could lead to prohibitions of interstate movement of live aquatic organisms with the potential for unintended, negative economic consequences. In this analysis, the economic impact of the potential federal prohibition of interstate transport of seven aquaculture species (blue catfish, tilapia, red swamp crawfish, grass carp, koi, guppy, and goldfish) currently in trade was assessed. Total economic impact was estimated to be $452 million (USD) annually, with a loss of 4819 jobs and a loss of $35 million in tax revenue. Effects could potentially occur on the largest sectors of U.S. aquaculture in as many as 80% of U.S. states and result in negative economic effects on as much as 21% of U.S. aquaculture farms.
Diversity gradients of terrestrial vertebrates – substantial variations about a common theme
Authors: Raz T. , Allison A. , Avila L. J. , Bauer A. M. , Böhm M. , Caetano G. H. de O. , Colli G. , Doan T. M. , Doughty P. , Grismer L. , Itescu Y. , Kraus F. , Martins M. , Morando M. , Murali G. , Nagy Z. T. , Nogueira C. de C. , Novosolov M. , Oliver P. M. , Passos P. , Pincheira‐Donoso D. , Sindaco R. , Slavenko A. , Torres‐Carvajal O. , Uetz P. , Wagner P. , Zimin A. , Roll U. , Meiri S.
Published: December 2023

Environmental factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and elevation, explain most of the variation in species richness at the global scale. Nevertheless, richness patterns may have different drivers across taxa and regions. To date, a comprehensive global examination of how various factors such as climate or topography drive patterns of species richness across all terrestrial vertebrates, using the same methods and predictors, has been lacking. Recent advances in species‐distribution data allowed us to model and examine the richness pattern of all terrestrial tetrapods comprehensively. We tested the relationship between environmental and biogeographical variables and richness of amphibians (5983 species), birds (9630), mammals (5004), reptiles (8939), and tetrapods as a whole, globally, and across biogeographical realms. We studied the effects of climatic, ecological, and biogeographic drivers using generalized additive models. Richness patterns and their environmental associations varied among taxa and realms. Overall precipitation was the predominant richness predictor. However, temperature was more important in realms where both cold and warm conditions exist. In the Indomalayan realm, elevational range was very important. Richness patterns of mammals, birds, and amphibians were strongly related to precipitation whereas reptile richness was mostly associated with temperature. Our results support the universal importance of precipitation but also suggest that future global‐scaled research should incorporate other relevant variables other than climate, such as elevational range, to gain a better understanding of the richness–environment relationship. By doing so, we can further advance our knowledge of the complex relationships between biodiversity and the environment.
NIT24 and NIT29‐mediated IAA synthesis of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola suppresses immunity and boosts growth in rice
Authors: Zhang Haimiao , Rong Zixuan , Li Yang , Yin Ziyi , Lu Chongchong , Zhao Haipeng , Kong Lingguang , Meng Lun , Ding Xinhua
Published: December 2023

Auxin plays a pivotal role in the co‐evolution of plants and microorganisms. Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) stands as a significant factor that affects rice yield and quality. However, the current understanding of Xoc's capability for indole 3‐acetic acid (IAA) synthesis and its mechanistic implications remains elusive. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genomic analysis of Xoc strain RS105, leading to the identification of two nitrilase enzyme family (NIT) genes, designated as AKO15524.1 and AKO15829.1, subsequently named NIT24 and NIT29, respectively. Our investigation unveiled that the deletion of NIT24 and NIT29 resulted in a notable reduction in IAA synthesis capacity within RS105, thereby impacting extracellular polysaccharide production. This deficiency was partially ameliorated through exogenous IAA supplementation. The study further substantiated that NIT24 and NIT29 have nitrilase activity and the ability to catalyse IAA production in vitro. The lesion length and bacterial population statistics experiments confirmed that NIT24 and NIT29 positively regulated the pathogenicity of RS105, suggesting that NIT24 and NIT29 may regulate Xoc invasion by affecting IAA synthesis. Furthermore, our analysis corroborated mutant strains, RS105_ΔNIT24 and RS105_ΔNIT29, which elicited the outbreak of reactive oxygen species, the deposition of callose and the upregulation of defence‐related gene expression in rice. IAA exerted a significant dampening effect on the immune responses incited by these mutant strains in rice. In addition, the absence of NIT24 and NIT29 affected the growth‐promoting effect of Xoc on rice. This implies that Xoc may promote rice growth by secreting IAA, thus providing a more suitable microenvironment for its own colonization. In summary, our study provides compelling evidence for the existence of a nitrilase‐dependent IAA biosynthesis pathway in Xoc. IAA synthesis‐related genes promote Xoc colonization by inhibiting rice immune defence response and affecting rice growth by increasing IAA content in Xoc.
Expression and distribution of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in comparison between radiation necrosis and tumor tissue in metastatic brain tumor: A case report
Authors: Takagi Fugen , Furuse Motomasa , Kuwabara Hiroko , Kambara Akihiro , Omura Naoki , Tanabe Shogo , Yagi Ryokichi , Hiramatsu Ryo , Kameda Masahiro , Nonoguchi Naosuke , Kawabata Shinji , Takami Toshihiro , Miyatake Shin‐Ichi , Wanibuchi Masahiko
Published: December 2023

We report the case of a 70‐year‐old woman with metastatic brain tumors who underwent surgical removal of the tumor and radiation necrosis. The patient had a history of colon cancer and had undergone surgical removal of a left occipital tumor. Histopathological evaluation revealed a metastatic brain tumor. The tumor recurred six months after surgical removal, followed by whole‐brain radiotherapy, and the patient underwent stereotactic radiosurgery. Six months later, the perifocal edema had increased, and the patient became symptomatic. The diagnosis was radiation necrosis and corticosteroids were initially effective. However, radiation necrosis became uncontrollable, and the patient underwent removal of necrotic tissue two years after stereotactic radiosurgery. Pathological findings predominantly showed necrotic tissue with some tumor cells. Since the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) were expressed around the necrotic tissue, the main cause of the edema was determined as radiation necrosis. Differences in the expression levels and distribution of HIF‐1α and VEGF were observed between treatment‐naïve and recurrent tumor tissue and radiation necrosis. This difference suggests the possibility of different mechanisms for edema formation due to the tumor itself and radiation necrosis. Although distinguishing radiation necrosis from recurrent tumors using MRI remains challenging, the pathophysiological mechanism of perifocal edema might be crucial for differentiating radiation necrosis from recurrent tumors.
Anticancer role of lidocaine in oral squamous cell carcinoma through IGF2BP2‐mediated CAV1 stability
Authors: Wang Zhi , Zhang Lina , Wu Ting , Pan Xu , Li Le , Liu Yong
Published: December 2023

Objective

Lidocaine, a common local anesthetic in medical practice, exhibits anticancer properties across various tumor types. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of lidocaine on oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

Cell viability and proliferation were assessed through CCK‐8 and EdU assays. Transwell assays were used to analyze cell migration and invasion. Immunofluorescence assays were conducted to determine MMP9 levels. In vivo tumor growth was evaluated using a tumor xenograft model, and Ki67 and MMP9 levels were determined using immunohistochemistry. N6‐methyladenosine levels were assessed using dot plots and ELISA. mRNA and protein levels were examined through reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR or western blot analysis. The association between IGF2BP2 and caveolin‐1 was validated through RIP and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

Lidocaine exhibited suppressive effects on the viability, migration, invasion, and tumor formation of oral squamous cell carcinoma. IGF2BP2 expression correlated with poor survival and was downregulated by lidocaine. Lidocaine reduced caveolin‐1 stability by decreasing IGF2BP2 levels. Caveolin‐1 overexpression partially reversed the suppressive effects of lidocaine on the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Conclusion

Lidocaine exerts an anticancer role in oral squamous cell carcinoma via IGF2BP2‐mediated regulation of caveolin‐1 stability.
Effect of myopia‐control lenses on central and peripheral visual performance in myopic children
Authors: Wu Junqian , Li Xue , Huang Yingying , Luo Yifan , Zhang Siqi , Cui Zaifeng , Hou Fang , Bao Jinhua , Chen Hao
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the short‐term effects of three myopia‐control lenses, which impose peripheral myopic defocus while providing clear central vision, on central and peripheral visual performance in myopic children.

Methods

Twenty‐one myopic children were enrolled in the study. Central visual performance was assessed using the quick contrast sensitivity function. Peripheral visual performance was evaluated by measuring peripheral contrast threshold and global motion perception, while subjects maintained fixation through the central portion of the lens. Single‐vision spectacle lenses (SVL), spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets (HAL) and defocus‐incorporated soft contact (DISC) lenses were evaluated in random order, followed by orthokeratology (OK) lenses. All tests were performed monocularly on the right eye.

Results

The area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) with DISC lenses was lower than that with SVL (1.14 vs. 1.40, p < 0.001) and HAL (1.14 vs. 1.33, p = 0.001). HAL increased the temporal visual field contrast threshold compared with OK lenses (p = 0.04), and OK lenses decreased the superior visual field contrast threshold compared with that of SVL (p = 0.04) and HAL (p = 0.005). HAL also increased the peripheral coherence threshold for identifying the contraction movement compared with OK lenses (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

The short‐term use of these optical interventions for myopia control exhibited measurable differences in central and peripheral visual performance. Relevant attention could be paid to these differences, especially when children switch to different treatments. DISC lenses exhibited worse central contrast sensitivity than SVL and HAL. Imposing peripheral defocus signals did not affect children's peripheral visual performance compared with SVL. However, considering the poorer peripheral visual performance provided by HAL, OK lenses are recommended for children if there are specific demands for global scene recognition and motion perception.
Two‐incision versus three‐incision implantation technique of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of 2076 patients
Authors: Elkasaby Mohamed Hamouda , Khalefa Basma Badrawy , Yassin Mazen Negmeldin Aly , El‐Hameed Malak Mohamed Abd , Elkoumi Omar , Al Hennawi Hussam
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) was designed to detect and treat ventricular arrhythmias, which account for nearly half of all cardiovascular fatalities. Transvenous ICD (TV‐ICD) complications were reduced by introducing subcutaneous ICD (S‐ICD). S‐ICD can be implanted using a three (3IT)‐ or two (2IT)‐incision technique. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to compare the 3IT to the 2IT.

Methods

We searched medical electronic databases of Cochrane Central, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) from the study's inception until March 8, 2023. We compared 2IT and 3IT techniques of S‐ICDs in terms of procedural, safety, and efficacy outcomes. We used Review Manager software for the statistical analysis. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous variables; and the mean difference with its 95% CI for continuous variables. We measured the heterogeneity using the chi‐squared and I‐squared tests. If the data were heterogeneous, the random‐effect (RE) model was applied; otherwise, the fixed‐effect model (FE) was used.

Results

We included three retrospective observational studies of 2076 patients, 1209 in the 2IT group and 867 in the 3IT. There was no statistically significant difference in erosion after S‐ICD when 2IT compared with 3IT (RR = 0.27, 95% CI: [0.07, 1.02]; P = .05) (I2 = 0%, P = .90). There was no difference in risk of infection, lead dislocation, or inappropriate shock with either incision technique (RR = 0.78, 95% CI: [0.48, 1.29]; P = .34) (I2 = 0%, P = .71) and (RR = 0.37, 95% CI: [0.02, 8.14]; P = .53) (I2 = 66%, P = .05) respectively. Our meta‐analysis showed that the efficacy of both techniques is comparable; Appropriate shock (RR = 0.94, 95% CI: [0.78, 1.12]; P = .48) (I2 = 0%, P = .81) and first shock efficacy (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: [0.44, 1.82]; P = .76) (I2 = 0%, P = .87).

Conclusion

2IT and 3IT of S‐ICD have comparable efficacy and complication rates; however, the 3IT exposes patients to an additional incision without any additional benefits. These findings may provide clinicians with a simpler method for subcutaneous ICD implantation and likely result in improved cosmetic outcomes. Before the 2IT technique can be considered the standard of care, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) must be conducted to assess its long‐term safety and efficacy.
Component‐resolved diagnosis in childhood and prediction of asthma in early adolescence: A birth cohort study
Authors: Farraia Mariana , Mendes Francisca Castro , Sokhatska Oksana , Rama Tiago , Severo Milton , Custovic Adnan , Rufo João Cavaleiro , Barros Henrique , Moreira André
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Component‐resolved diagnosis (CRD) has been decisive in exploring the mechanisms of IgE sensitization, but the predictive ability to detect asthma has not been addressed. We aim to develop and evaluate the performance of a personalized predictive algorithm for asthma that integrates information on allergic sensitization using CRD.

Methods

One thousand one hundred one twenty‐five children from the Generation XXI birth cohort were randomly selected to perform a screening test for allergic sensitization and a subsample was characterized using CRD against 112 allergen components. Allergen components were analyzed using volcano plots and partial least squares (PLS) analysis. Logistic regression was performed to assess the associations between the obtained latent components (LC) and allergic outcomes (asthma, rhinitis, eczema) including other potential predictors used in previous asthma risk scores. The accuracy of the model in predicting asthma was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve statistics.

Results

In the PLS, the first LC was positively associated with asthma, rhinitis, and eczema. This LC was mainly driven by positive weights for Der p 1/2/23, Der f 1/2, and Fel d 1. The main components in the second LC were pollen and food allergens. History of early wheezing and parental allergy were included in the predictive model and the area under the curve improved to 0.82.

Conclusions

This is the first approach to improve the clinical applicability of CRD by combining CRD and clinical data to predict asthma at 13 years. Sensitization to distinct allergen molecules seems relevant to improve the accuracy of asthma prediction models.
Immediate postdelivery airway management of neonates with prenatally diagnosed micrognathia: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Berger Jessica A. , Nelson Olivia , Staben James , Javia Luv R. , Simpao Allan F. , Khalek Nahla , Oliver Edward R. , Adzick N. Scott , Lin Elaina E.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Micrognathic neonates are at risk for upper airway obstruction, and many require intubation in the delivery room. Ex‐utero intrapartum treatment is one technique for managing airway obstruction but poses substantial maternal risks. Procedure requiring a second team in the operating room is an alternative approach to secure the obstructed airway while minimizing maternal risk.

The aim of this study was to describe the patient characteristics, airway management, and outcomes for micrognathic neonates and their mothers undergoing a procedure requiring a second team in the operating room at a single quaternary care children's hospital.

Methods

This was a retrospective descriptive study. Subjects had prenatally diagnosed micrognathia and underwent procedure requiring a second team in the operating room between 2009 and 2021. Collected data included infant characteristics, delivery room airway management, critical events, and medications. Follow‐up data included genetic testing and subsequent procedures within 90 days. Maternal data included type of anesthetic, blood loss, and incidence of transfusion.

Results

Fourteen deliveries were performed via procedure requiring a second team in the operating room during the study period. 85.7% were male, and 50% had a genetic syndrome. Spontaneous respiratory efforts were observed in 93%. Twelve patients (85.7%) required an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy. Management approaches varied. Medications were primarily a combination of atropine, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine. Oxygen desaturation was common, and three patients experienced bradycardia. There were no periprocedural deaths. Follow‐up at 90 days revealed that 78% of patients underwent at least one additional procedure, and one patient died due to an unrelated cause.

All mothers underwent cesarean deliveries under neuraxial anesthesia. Median blood loss was 700 mL [IQR 700 mL, 800 mL]. Only one mother required a blood transfusion for pre‐procedural placental abruption.

Discussion

Procedure requiring a second team in the operating room is a safe and effective approach to manage airway obstruction in micrognathic neonates while minimizing maternal morbidity.

Conclusions

Though shown to be safe and effective, more data are needed to support the use of procedure requiring a second team in the operating room as an alternative to ex‐utero intrapartum treatment for micrognathia outside of highly specialized maternal–fetal centers.
SpeedFlower: a comprehensive speed breeding protocol for indica and japonica rice
Authors: Kabade Pramod Gorakhanath , Dixit Shilpi , Singh Uma Maheshwar , Alam Shamshad , Bhosale Sankalp , Kumar Sanjay , Singh Shravan Kumar , Badri Jyothi , Varma Nadimpalli Rama Gopala , Chetia Sanjay , Singh Rakesh , Pradhan Sharat Kumar , Banerjee Shubha , Deshmukh Rupesh , Singh Suresh Prasad , Kalia Sanjay , Sharma Tilak Raj , Singh Sudhanshu , Bhardwaj Hans , Kohli Ajay , Kumar Arvind , Sinha Pallavi , Singh Vikas Kumar
Published: December 2023

To increase rice yields and feed billions of people, it is essential to enhance genetic gains. However, the development of new varieties is hindered by longer generation times and seasonal constraints. To address these limitations, a speed breeding facility has been established and a robust speed breeding protocol, SpeedFlower is developed that allows growing 4–5 generations of indica and/or japonica rice in a year. Our findings reveal that a high red‐to‐blue (2R > 1B) spectrum ratio, followed by green, yellow and far‐red (FR) light, along with a 24‐h long day (LD) photoperiod for the initial 15 days of the vegetative phase, facilitated early flowering. This is further enhanced by 10‐h short day (SD) photoperiod in the later stage and day and night temperatures of 32/30 °C, along with 65% humidity facilitated early flowering ranging from 52 to 60 days at high light intensity (800 μmol m−2 s−1). Additionally, the use of prematurely harvested seeds and gibberellic acid treatment reduced the maturity duration by 50%. Further, SpeedFlower was validated on a diverse subset of 198 rice accessions from 3K RGP panel encompassing all 12 distinct groups of Oryza sativa L. classes. Our results confirmed that using SpeedFlower one generation can be achieved within 58–71 days resulting in 5.1–6.3 generations per year across the 12 sub‐groups. This breakthrough enables us to enhance genetic gain, which could feed half of the world's population dependent on rice.
Flowering time regulator qFT13‐3 involved in soybean adaptation to high latitudes
Authors: Li Yan‐fei , Zhang Liya , Wang Jun , Wang Xing , Guo Shiyu , Xu Ze‐jun , Li Delin , Liu Zhangxiong , Li Ying‐hui , Liu Bin , Qiu Li‐juan
Published: December 2023

Soybean is a short‐day plant that typically flowers earlier when exposed to short‐day conditions. However, the identification of genes associated with earlier flowering time but without a yield penalty is rare. In this study, we conducted genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) using two re‐sequencing datasets that included 113 wild soybeans (G. soja) and 1192 cultivated soybeans (G. max), respectively, and simultaneously identified a candidate flowering gene, qFT13‐3, which encodes a protein homologous to the pseudo‐response regulator (PRR) transcription factor. We identified four major haplotypes of qFT13‐3 in the natural population, with haplotype H4 (qFT13‐3H4) being lost during domestication, while qFT13‐3H1 underwent natural and artificial selection, increasing in proportion from 4.5% in G. soja to 43.8% in landrace and to 81.9% in improve cultivars. Notably, most cultivars harbouring qFT13‐3H1 were located in high‐latitude regions. Knockout of qFT13‐3 accelerated flowering and maturity time under long‐day conditions, indicating that qFT13‐3 functions as a flowering inhibitor. Our results also showed that qFT13‐3 directly downregulates the expression of GmELF3b‐2 which is a component of the circadian clock evening complex. Field trials revealed that the qft13‐3 mutants shorten the maturity period by 11 days without a concomitant penalty on yield. Collectively, qFT13‐3 can be utilized for the breeding of high‐yield cultivars with a short maturity time suitable for high latitudes.
Dynamic alpha power modulations and slow negative potentials track natural shifts of spatio‐temporal attention
Authors: Peylo Charline , Romberg‐Taylor Carola , Behnke Larissa , Sauseng Paul
Published: December 2023

Alpha power modulations and slow negative potentials have previously been associated with anticipatory processes in spatial and temporal top‐down attention. In typical experimental designs, however, neural responses triggered by transient stimulus onsets can interfere with attention‐driven activity patterns and our interpretation of such. Here, we investigated these signatures of spatio‐temporal attention in a dynamic paradigm free from potentially confounding stimulus‐driven activity using electroencephalography. Participants attended the cued side of a bilateral stimulus rotation and mentally counted how often one of two remembered sample orientations (i.e., the target) was displayed while ignoring the uncued side and non‐target orientation. Afterwards, participants performed a delayed match‐to‐sample task, in which they indicated if the orientation of a probe stimulus matched the corresponding sample orientation (previously target or non‐target). We observed dynamic alpha power reductions and slow negative waves around task‐relevant points in space and time (i.e., onset of the target orientation in the cued hemifield) over posterior electrodes contralateral to the locus of attention. In contrast to static alpha power lateralization, these dynamic signatures correlated with subsequent memory performance (primarily detriments for matching probes of the non‐target orientation), suggesting a preferential allocation of attention to task‐relevant locations and time points at the expense of reduced resources and impaired performance for information outside the current focus of attention. Our findings suggest that humans can naturally and dynamically focus their attention at relevant points in space and time and that such spatio‐temporal attention shifts can be reflected by dynamic alpha power modulations and slow negative potentials.
Histological study of Bactrian camel cryptorchidism and expression of immunoglobulin λ light chain in the testicular and epididymis of cryptorchid Bactrian camel
Authors: Yang Dapeng , Yuan Ligang , Ma Xiaojie , Qi Yumei , Cheng Shaoyu , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2023

Lambda light chains (λ‐LCs) are frequently responsible for triggering the activation of inflammatory factors in autoimmune disorders, and an increase in their levels will cause various pathological changes in serum. The aim of this study was to determine the histological differences between the epididymis and testis of normal and cryptorchid Bactrian camels and the differences in λ‐LC expression in the epididymis and testis of normal and cryptorchid Bactrian camels. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to examine the pathological changes in cryptorchidism. The gene and protein levels of λ‐LC were determined using RT‐qPCR and western blot. The distribution of λ‐LCs was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Compared with that in normal Bactrian camels, the diameter of the epididymal lumen and the thickness of the epithelium were decreased in the epididymis of cryptorchidic animals. Additionally, no sperm was detected in the cavity of the cryptorchidic epididymis. Meanwhile, the expression of λ‐LC was significantly increased in the cryptorchidic epididymis at both the mRNA and protein levels (p < .05). The highest protein expression of λ‐LC was found in epididymal epithelial halo cells and testicular Sertoli cells. These findings suggested that the structural changes observed in the epididymal epithelium of cryptorchidic camels affect its secretory and absorptive functions. Additionally, the high level of λ‐LC expression recorded in halo cells suggested that these cells play an important role in epithelial immunity in cryptorchidic Bactrian camels. Furthermore, the high λ‐LC expression levels detected in normal testicular Sertoli cells indicated that λ‐LCs may be involved in spermatogenesis. The results of this study provide clues for an in‐depth study of immunological sterility in cryptorchidic Bactrian camels.
Brandeis in Brussels? Bureaucratic discretion, social learning, and the development of regulated competition in the European Union
Authors: Foster Chase , Thelen Kathleen
Published: December 2023

Neo‐Brandeisian legal scholars have recently revived the ideas of Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, who championed state regulation that preserved market competition and economic liberty in the face of concentrated private power. Yet ultimately and perhaps paradoxically, it has been Europe and not the United States that has proved more hospitable to accommodating key features of the Brandeisian approach. We explain this outcome by tracing the evolution of EU competition law to gain insight into the social learning processes through which such regimes change over time. We argue that the EU's administrative system, which provides the European Commission with significant bureaucratic discretion, has facilitated processes of ongoing deliberative adjustment to policy and practice, which over time has resulted in a system of “regulated competition” with striking similarities to the Brandeisian vision. The analysis highlights how administrative law institutions condition how regulatory regimes evolve in response to acquired experience and knowledge.
Implementation of 3D spatial planning through the integration of the standards
Authors: Guler Dogus
Published: December 2023

To plan future land use, zoning plans (i.e., spatial plans) are prepared to get the most out of land for both the public and the government. These plans manifest which facilities can be built and where they can be built on land based on defined requirements such as building height and road length. The Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) is well‐known and widely used standard for describing Rights, Restrictions, and Responsibilities (RRRs) with respect to land and buildings. The next version of the standard will contain the Spatial Plan Information (SPI) part to enable better land‐use planning. Three‐dimensional (3D) land‐use planning has gained attention to delineate detailed requirements inclusively and allow different spatial analysis that provides a basis for decisions in the planning. Data standards pertaining to 3D geoinformation are vital to put into practice 3D spatial planning. To this extent, CityJSON is proposed for the effortless and efficient use of 3D city models. This article thus first aims to extend the CityJSON schema based on the proposed SPI part of the LADM such that it allows modeling, storing, visualizing, and utilizing the features and attributes required for the implementation of 3D spatial planning. Then, the usability of the proposed extension schema is demonstrated by the real‐world use cases that benefit from the exemplary CityJSON files that are created based on approved zoning plans in the country. The results of this study show that there is an important opportunity coming from the integration of international standards that enables semantic information along with their spatial counterparts within 3D spatial planning.