bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internet addiction and depressive and anxious symptoms among Chinese rural left‐behind adolescents: Mediating roles of resilience and friendship quality
Authors: Shang Ruizhe , Pang Huasheng , Jiang Jianjun , Ji Yuanyi , Liu Qijiao , Zhang Ming , Yang Ruixi , Li Shiying , Li Yuchen , Liu Qiaolan
Published: August 2023

Background

Rural left‐behind adolescents are more vulnerable to Internet addiction and depressive and anxious symptoms due to the lack of family support and parental supervision. This study was the first to investigate the longitudinal relationships between Internet addiction and depressive and anxious symptoms and to examine the mediating roles of resilience and friendship quality in rural left‐behind adolescents.

Methods

Included in this study, which was from a longitudinal study conducted five times over 2 years, were 1001 rural left‐behind adolescents. The internationally used scales for depressive and anxious symptoms, Internet addiction, resilience and friendship quality were administered. A structural equation model was used for analysis.

Results

The prevalence of Internet addiction, depressive and anxious symptoms among rural left‐behind adolescents were 17.7%, 35.8% and 27.6%, respectively. Internet addiction predicted the later depressive and anxious symptoms (β = 0.200, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.116–0.274 and β = 0.263, 95% CI: 0.188–0.330). Resilience acted as an independent mediator in the relationships between Internet addiction and depressive and anxious symptoms (β = 0.037 and 0.034, P < 0.01). Resilience and friendship quality played a chain‐mediating role on the longitudinal relationships between Internet addiction and depressive and anxious symptoms (β = 0.011 and 0.010, P < 0.001). The mediating effects accounted for 24.0% and 16.7% of the total effects, respectively.

Conclusion

Resilience and friendship quality play an independent or chain‐mediating role in longitudinal relationships between Internet addiction and depressive and anxious symptoms. The findings inform targeted intervention strategies to improve the mental health of left‐behind adolescents.
Preschoolers and adults metonymically extend proper names to owned objects
Authors: Zhu Rebecca , Gopnik Alison
Published: August 2023

Three preregistered experiments, conducted in 2021, investigated whether English‐speaking American preschoolers (N = 120; 4–6 years; 54 females, predominantly White) and adults (N = 80; 18–52 years; 59 females, predominantly Asian) metonymically extend owners' names to owned objects—an extension not typically found in English. In Experiment 1, 5‐ and 6‐year‐olds and adults extended names to owned objects over duplicates (d = 0.34 in children;d = 1.13 in adults). In Experiment 2, 5‐ and 6‐year‐olds and adults extended names to owned over borrowed objects (d = 1.37 in children;d = 4.34 in adults). Experiment 3 replicated this finding with 4‐year‐olds (d = 0.43). Thus, English‐speaking preschoolers can acquire semantic generalizations, even those not present in their language.
Hippocampal synaptic plasticity injury mediated by SIRT1 downregulation is involved in chronic pain‐related cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Liu Yanping , Liu Qiang , Wang Haibi , Qiu Yongkang , Lin Jiatao , Wu Weifeng , Wang Ning , Dong Wei , Wan Jie , Chen Chen , Li Shuai , Zheng Hui , Wu Yuqing
Published: August 2023

Aims

Cognitive dysfunction associated with chronic pain may be caused by impaired synaptic plasticity. Considering the impact of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) on synaptic plasticity, we explored the exact role of SIRT1 in cognitive impairment caused by chronic pain.

Methods

We evaluated the memory ability of mice with the fear conditioning test (FCT) after spared nerve injury (SNI) model. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the expression levels of SIRT1. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity was detected with Golgi staining, transmission electron microscopy, and long‐term potentiation (LTP). In the intervention study, AAV9‐CaMKIIα‐Cre‐EGFP was injected to SIRT1flox/flox mice to knockdown the expression levels of SIRT1. Besides, SNI mice were injected with AAV2/9‐CaMKIIα‐SIRT1‐3*Flag‐GFP or SRT1720 to increase the expression levels or enzymatic activity of SIRT1.

Results

Our current results indicated that cognitive function in SNI mice was impaired, SIRT1 expression in glutaminergic neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area was downregulated, and synaptic plasticity was altered. Selective knockdown of SIRT1 in hippocampus damaged synaptic plasticity and cognitive function of healthy mice. In addition, the impaired synaptic plasticity and cognitive dysfunction of SNI mice could be improved by the upregulation of SIRT1 expression or enzyme activity.

Conclusions

Reduced SIRT1 expression in hippocampus of SNI mice may induce cognitive impairment associated with chronic pain by mediating the impaired synaptic plasticity.
Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products marketed for children in Denmark
Authors: Botvid Sofia , Simonsen Anne Birgitte , Jørgensen Claus , Müller Stine , Kirkeby Christel Søgaard , Christensen Anne Beck , Johansen Jeanne Duus
Published: August 2023

Background

Fragrances are among the most common contact allergens in children. Cosmetic products are the most frequent source of skin exposure.

Objective

To investigate exposure to fragrance allergens among Danish children, based on a sample of 1179 cosmetic products marketed for children.

Methods

Information regarding cosmetic products marketed to children was obtained using a non‐profit smartphone application registry, with data from December 2015 to November 2022.

Results

The number of validated products was 26  537, of which 1349 marketed for children. After elimination of duplicates, 1179 (4.4%) individual products remained. The majority 53.8% (634/1179) of the products were fragranced. The highest frequency of declared fragrances was found in ‘Facial care’‐products: 93.0% (80/86), of which 97.7% were lip balms. The highest number of labelled fragrances in one single product (n = 16) was found in a baby perfume. Fragrance mix I (FMI) or II (FMII) allergens were found in 25.3% (298/1179) of the products. Limonene and linalool were the two most frequently labelled fragrance allergens.

Conclusion

Children can be exposed to a vast number of fragrance allergens from scented cosmetic products. Allergens from FM I and FMII are widely used in cosmetic products marketed to children. Patch testing with FMI and FMII remains relevant in children.
A novel feature ranking algorithm for text classification: Brilliant probabilistic feature selector (BPFS)
Authors: Parlak Bekir
Published: August 2023

Text classification (TC) is a very crucial task in this century of high‐volume text datasets. Feature selection (FS) is one of the most important stages in TC studies. In the literature, numerous feature selection methods are recommended for TC. In the TC domain, filter‐based FS methods are commonly utilized to select a more informative feature subsets. Each method uses a scoring system that is based on its algorithm to order the features. The classification process is then carried out by choosing the top‐N features. However, each method's feature order is distinct from the others. Each method selects by giving the qualities that are critical to its algorithm a high score, but it does not select by giving the features that are unimportant a low value. In this paper, we proposed a novel filter‐based FS method namely, brilliant probabilistic feature selector (BPFS), to assign a fair score and select informative features. While the BPFS method selects unique features, it also aims to select sparse features by assigning higher scores than common features. Extensive experimental studies using three effective classifiers decision tree (DT), support vector machines (SVM), and multinomial naive bayes (MNB) on four widely used datasets named Reuters‐21,578, 20Newsgroup, Enron1, and Polarity with different characteristics demonstrate the success of the BPFS method. For feature dimensions, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 dimensions were used. The experimental results on different benchmark datasets show that the BPFS method is more successful than the well‐known and recent FS methods according to Micro‐F1 and Macro‐F1 scores.
Forest restoration thinning accelerates development of old‐growth characteristics in the coastal Pacific Northwest,USA
Authors: Case Michael J. , Ettinger Ailene K. , Pradhan Kavya
Published: August 2023

A century of industrial‐scale management has transformed vast swaths of forest land across the Pacific Northwest (PNW), USA, from ancient forests with complex structure and diverse habitats to young forests with simple structure and dominated by few species. Consequently, there have been calls to restore ecosystem integrity and resilience. Here, we apply data from a watershed‐scale experiment to determine if restoration treatments have achieved our management goal of accelerating the development of old‐growth forest characteristics. We provide empirical evidence of how restoration treatments have affected key old‐growth forest indicators resulting in larger trees, more complex vertical and horizontal forest structure, reduced stand density, and increased understory plant richness. Our study also demonstrates that some restoration indicators responded in counter‐intuitive ways contingent on interactions between stand age and restoration treatment. Through this work, we learned two important lessons: (1) more time and monitoring may be needed to fully understand the effects of restoration treatments and (2) a “one and done” approach of implementing restoration treatments may not achieve a full suite of old‐growth characteristics. Moreover, long‐term management for wildlife habitat and climate resilience will likely require an adaptive approach, with ongoing monitoring continually informing and adjusting management practices.
Conversion between sirolimus and everolimus in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Wert Thomas J. , Heeney Stephanie , Morrison Maddy
Published: August 2023

Background

Sirolimus and everolimus are mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) that may be included in immunosuppression regimens for orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) recipients. mTORi play a role in slowing progression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy; however, they have poor tolerability, sometimes necessitating a change between agents or therapies. The literature surrounding a conversion between mTORi are incongruent, thus this study was designed to assess the concentration/dose ratio for each medication around the time of conversion to provide guidance for a conversion strategy between mTORi.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of adult OHT recipients who were maintained on both sirolimus‐ and everolimus‐based immunosuppression regimens. The primary outcome was the concentration/dose (C/d) ratio of sirolimus to everolimus. Secondary outcomes included changes in hematologic and lipid labs and patient‐reported intolerances.

Results

The C/d ratio of sirolimus was 4.42, whereas the everolimus ratio was 2.23, resulting in a sirolimus: everolimus ratio of 1.98. Secondarily, after converting between mTORi, 93% of patients who reported intolerance(s) to one agent had a resolution of that intolerance. In our patient population, everolimus appeared better tolerated than sirolimus, with significantly more patients having no reported intolerances and significantly fewer patients experiencing edema. Other lab values were similar between patients receiving sirolimus and everolimus, except for an increased hemoglobin level in those receiving everolimus.

Conclusions

The conversion ratio of 1:2 observed in our population suggests OHT recipients may require an increased dose of EVL compared with SRL to maintain the same goal trough levels. A conversion between mTORi appeared to improve tolerability and did not lead to clinically significant worsening of any measured lab value.
An innovative phase I study in healthy subjects to determine the mass balance, elimination, metabolism, and absolute bioavailability of mitapivat
Authors: Prakash Chandra , Mangus Heidi , Yan Yan , Yang Hua , Iyer Varsha
Published: August 2023

Mitapivat, a first‐in‐class, oral, small‐molecule, allosteric activator of the red blood cell‐specific form of pyruvate kinase (PKR), was approved for the treatment of hemolytic anemia in adults with pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency. In this phase I mass balance study in healthy males, we administered a single ~120 mg oral dose of [14C]mitapivat and a concomitant intravenous ~0.1 mg microdose of [13C6]mitapivat. We determined (1) the routes of total radioactivity excretion, including the mass balance of total radioactivity in urine and feces; (2) the pharmacokinetics of mitapivat and [13C6]mitapivat in plasma and total radioactivity in whole blood and plasma; (3) the absolute oral bioavailability of mitapivat; and (4) the metabolite profiles in plasma and excreta. Mean recovery of the radioactive dose was 89.1% (49.6% in urine and 39.6% in feces). [14C]Mitapivat was rapidly absorbed and extensively metabolized as <4% of the total radioactive dose was excreted unaltered in urine and feces. Mean absolute oral bioavailability was 72.7%. A total of 17 metabolites were identified. Mitapivat accounted for 57% and 34% of plasma radioactivity in AUC0–24 and AUC0–72 pooled samples, respectively. The remaining radioactivity was attributable to several metabolites, each representing <10% of the total radioactivity in pooled samples; none were disproportionate metabolites as defined by the US Food and Drug Administration and International Conference on Harmonisation M3 guidelines. Metabolite structures suggest that the primary metabolic pathways for [14C]mitapivat in humans include N‐dealkylation of the cyclopropylmethyl moiety, oxygenation of the quinoline‐8‐sulfonamide, oxidation/unsaturation, scission of the piperazine moiety, and amide hydrolysis.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: decision science research opportunities
Authors: Tang Christopher S.
Published: August 2023

As of July 2022, all Fortune 100 companies have made public announcements about their commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). At the same time, more universities are offering DEI certificates or degree programs. Despite this recent social movement, DEI research in decision science remains nascent. DEI can be a politically sensitive topic, but its economic and social impact on organizations and employees deserves careful examination. This article intends to engender a discussion of various DEI research opportunities for decision science researchers to explore.
Sex‐ and length‐dependent variation in migratory propensity in brown trout
Authors: Lavender Edward , Hunziker Yannick , McLennan Darryl , Dermond Philip , Stalder Dominique , Selz Oliver , Brodersen Jakob
Published: August 2023

In partially migratory species, individuals either migrate at some point(s) in life or reside within their natal habitat throughout life. For salmonid fish, migration creates opportunities for feeding and growth, but it is also associated with increased mortality risk. Such trade‐offs likely differ between the sexes, since reproductive output is more closely tied to body size in females than males. However, testing hypotheses on sex‐specific migratory behaviour in would‐be first‐time migratory salmonids is difficult, since sexes are generally morphologically indistinguishable prior to maturation. Previous studies have evaluated the influence of sex on migration based on dissection of migratory juveniles or the sex ratio of returning adults. However, both approaches are potentially biased by differential survival during migration. Here, we utilise advances in minimally invasive genetic sex‐determination methods for salmonids to investigate sex‐specific, spring out‐migration propensity in potamodromous brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a pre‐Alpine, central European lake. We show that there are marked differences in migratory behaviour between males and females, with small (~10 cm) females being approximately twice as likely to migrate out of their natal river in spring compared to similarly sized males, which generally migrate for the first time at larger sizes (in similar proportions to larger females). This study highlights how novel genetic sex‐determination techniques can provide insight into the sex‐ and size‐specific life‐history trade‐offs that shape migration propensity. Moving forward, these techniques should become useful tools for ecologists and fisheries managers.
Geographic barriers and season shape the nightly timing of avian migration
Authors: Kranstauber Bart , Bauer Silke , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy
Published: August 2023

Aim

Millions of birds take to the air for nocturnal migrations. Although it is widely recognized that migrants generally depart after sunset, nightly migration timing and their dependence on geographic features are hardly known at a continental scale, yet highly important for the mitigation of human‐wildlife conflicts. Using weather radars, we investigate barrier and seasonal effects on the timing of nocturnal bird migration.

Location

North western Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Finland.

Time Period

2014–2020.

Major Taxa Studied

Aves, nocturnal migrants, predominantly passerines.

Methods

We use nocturnal bird migration distributions extracted from 55 weather radars. The variation between these temporal distributions is captured using a principal component analysis, barrier effects and seasonal differences are investigated with a general linear model.

Results

Most variation in nightly migration timing can be explained by a univariate axis that distinguished a more evenly spread migration from a skewed migration. We found migration to be more evenly spread in spring and to have a clear peak early in the night in fall. Furthermore, migration is more peaked early in the night on locations close to or just upstream of major geographic barriers.

Conclusions

Our study shows that migration fluxes tend to be more skewed during the night along coastlines and more uniform inland, far from water barriers. Regional and seasonal differences in nocturnal timing can provide vital information for adjusting the timing of wind park curtailment, lights‐out initiatives or other conflicts between migratory birds and human activities.
Longitudinal micro‐incision creation prior to balloon angioplasty for treatment of arteriovenous access dysfunction in a real‐world patient population: 6‐month cohort analysis
Authors: Aruny John , Hull Jeffrey E. , Yevzlin Alexander , Alvarez Alejandro C. , Beaver Jason D. , Heidepriem Robert W. , Serle Michael T.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Routine hemodialysis depends on well‐functioning vascular access. In the event of vascular access dysfunction, percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) is conducted to restore patency. Although an angioplasty procedure can provide an excellent immediate result by opening the access to allow dialysis to continue, the long‐term patency rates are less than satisfactory. The goal of this study was to assess the outcomes of patients who underwent a novel vessel preparation via longitudinal, controlled‐depth micro‐incisions prior to PTA.

Methods

This multicenter, prospective, observational registry enrolled hemodialysis patients scheduled to undergo PTA of their arteriovenous fistula or graft due to clinical or hemodynamic abnormalities. A primary endpoint was anatomic success, defined as angiographic confirmation of <30% residual stenosis post‐procedure without an adverse event. Additional assessments included device technical success, clinical success, freedom from target lesion revascularization, target lesion primary patency, and circuit primary patency at 6 months.

Findings

A total of 148 lesions were treated with the FLEX Vessel Prep™ System (FLEX VP) prior to PTA in 114 subjects at eight clinical sites. Target lesions were 21 ± 25 mm in length with mean pre‐procedure stenosis of 75.2% ± 4.7%. Five procedural complications were recorded without serious adverse events. Two subjects did not complete the follow‐up evaluation. Target lesion primary patency across all subjects at 6‐months was 62.2% with mean freedom from target lesion revascularization of 202.7 days. Target lesion primary patency and freedom from target lesion revascularization for AVF cases (n = 72) were 67.5% and 212.9 days, respectively. Target lesion primary patency and freedom from target lesion revascularization for AVGs (n = 42) were 52.4% and 183.3 days, respectively. In cases treating AVF cephalic arch stenosis (n = 25), 6‐month target lesion primary patency was 70.6% and freedom from target lesion revascularization was 213.4 days.

Discussion

This FLEX‐AV registry demonstrates safety and effectiveness, notably in the cephalic arch and AVGs, when FLEX VP is used prior to PTA for treatment of vascular access dysfunction in a population of end‐stage renal disease subjects.
Serological assays to measure dimeric IgA antibodies in SARS‐CoV‐2 infections
Authors: Wei Zihui , Angrisano Fiona , Eriksson Emily M , Mazhari Ramin , Van Huy , Zheng Shuning , Center Rob J , Boo Irene , McMahon James , Lau Jillian , Kiernan‐Walker Nicholas , Ruybal‐Pesántez Shazia , Mueller Ivo , Robinson Leanne J , Anderson David A , Drummer Heidi E
Published: August 2023

Current serological tests cannot differentiate between total immunoglobulin A (IgA) and dimeric IgA (dIgA) associated with mucosal immunity. Here, we describe two new assays, dIgA‐ELISA and dIgA‐multiplex bead assay (MBA), that utilize the preferential binding of dIgA to a chimeric form of secretory component, allowing the differentiation between dIgA and monomeric IgA. dIgA responses elicited through severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection were measured in (i) a longitudinal panel, consisting of 74 samples (n = 20 individuals) from hospitalized cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19); (ii) a longitudinal panel, consisting of 96 samples (n = 10 individuals) from individuals with mild COVID‐19; (iii) a cross‐sectional panel with PCR‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with mild COVID‐19 (n = 199) and (iv) pre–COVID‐19 samples (n = 200). The dIgA‐ELISA and dIgA‐MBA demonstrated a specificity for dIgA of 99% and 98.5%, respectively. Analysis of dIgA responses in the longitudinal panels revealed that 70% (ELISA) and 50% (MBA) of patients elicited a dIgA response by day 20 after PCR diagnosis with a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Individuals with mild COVID‐19 displayed increased levels of dIgA within the first 3 weeks after diagnosis but responses appeared to be short lived, compared with sustained IgA levels. However, in samples from hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 we observed high and sustained levels of dIgA, up to 245 days after PCR diagnosis. Our results suggest that severe COVID‐19 infections are associated with sustained levels of plasma dIgA compared with mild cases.
Using immunogenic cell death to improve anticancer efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors: From basic science to clinical application
Authors: Ghiringhelli François , Rébé Cédric
Published: August 2023

Even though the discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment, a high proportion of patients do not respond. Moreover, some types of cancers are refractory to these treatments. Thus, the need to find predictive biomarkers of efficacy and to evaluate the association with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, appears to be essential. Because ICIs reactivate or maintain an active status of T cells, one possibility is to combine these treatments with therapies that engage an immune response against tumor cells. Thus, by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) of cancer cells, some conventional anticancer treatments induce such immune response and may have an interest to be combined with ICIs. In this review, we explore preclinical studies and clinical trials that evaluate the combination of ICIs with ICD inducers. More than inducing ICD, some of these treatments appear to modulate the tumor microenvironment and more particularly to inhibit immunosuppression, thus improving treatment efficacy.
Oestrogen treatment restores dentate gyrus development in premature newborns by IGF1 regulation
Authors: Sharma Deep R. , Cheng Bokun , Sahu Rauhin , Zhang Xusheng , Mehdizadeh Rana , Singh Divya , Iacobas Dumitru , Ballabh Praveen
Published: August 2023

Prematurely‐born infants cared for in the neonatal units suffer from memory and learning deficits. Prematurity diminishes neurogenesis and synaptogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). This dysmaturation of neurons is attributed to elevated PSD95, NMDR2A, and IGF1 levels. Since oestrogen treatment plays key roles in the development and plasticity of DG, we hypothesized that 17β‐estradiol (E2) treatment would ameliorate neurogenesis and synaptogenesis in the DG, reversing cognitive deficits in premature newborns. Additionally, E2‐induced recovery would be mediated by IGF1 signalling. These hypotheses were tested in a rabbit model of prematurity and nonmaternal care, in which premature kits were gavage‐fed and reared by laboratory personnel. We compared E2‐ and vehicle‐treated preterm kits for morphological, molecular, and behavioural parameters. We also treated kits with oestrogen degrader, RAD1901, and assessed IGF1 signalling. We found that E2 treatment increased the number of Tbr2+ and DCX+ neuronal progenitors and increased the density of glutamatergic synapses in the DG. E2 treatment restored PSD95 and NMDAR2A levels and cognitive function in preterm kits. Transcriptomic analyses showed that E2 treatment contributed to recovery by influencing interactions between IGF1R and neurodegenerative, as well as glutamatergic genes. ERα expression was reduced on completion of E2 treatment at D7, followed by D30 elevation. E2‐induced fluctuation in ERα levels was associated with a reciprocal elevation in IGF1/2 expression at D7 and reduction at D30. ERα degradation by RAD1901 treatment enhanced IGF1 levels, suggesting ERα inhibits IGF1 expression. E2 treatment alleviates the prematurity‐induced maldevelopment of DG and cognitive dysfunctions by regulating ERα and IGF1 levels.
Association between probiotic consumption and periodontitis: Evidence from NHANES 2009–2014
Authors: Ren Zhengyun , Xue Yan , Zhang Hui , Zhang Tongtong , Wang Mengyuan , Guo Tailin , Xie Jiang
Published: August 2023

Aim

The study aimed to provide evidence of the relationship between probiotics consumption and periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

A total of 4577 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 2009–2014 were included in the study. The weighted prevalence of periodontitis was compared among different groups, and a weighted binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between probiotic consumption and periodontitis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the role of probiotic consumption in the periodontitis prediction model.

Results

Participants who consumed probiotics had a significantly lower prevalence of periodontitis than those who did not (41.08% vs. 27.83%, p < .001). After fully adjusting for all factors, the odds ratio associated with periodontitis for consuming probiotics was 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.54–0.92, p = .01) when compared with those who did not consume probiotics. A predictive model including age, sex, ethnicity, poverty income ratio, smoking status and probiotics had 77.0% sensitivity and 60.3% specificity in detecting periodontitis in US adults and achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.749.

Conclusions

These results indicate that consuming probiotics is associated with a reduced risk of periodontitis.
The needs of family caregivers of persons living with dementia cared for in primary care practices
Authors: Vetter Michael , Donelan Karen , Guzikowski Sophia , Michael Carie , Ritchie Christine S. , Vogeli Christine , Forester Brent P.
Published: August 2023

Rationale

The informal caregivers who provide unpaid support for persons living with dementia (PLWD) are often unprepared to appropriately manage symptoms and navigate health services to support themselves or the PLWD.

Aim

To understand informal caregivers' perceived capabilities of handling dementia symptomology and perceived support from providers.

Methods

We identified and surveyed caregivers of primary care patients in the Mass General Brigham health system. We included a self‐efficacy questionnaire to assess caregivers' ability and confidence in access to dementia care, symptom management, and provider support.

Results

Respondents indicated that although their provider had knowledge of dementia and memory care, they were least likely to agree (39.2%) that their provider helped them with these challenging symptoms. Those who live with the care recipient were least likely to receive advice about common symptoms (43.6%) and to access community services (63.8%), and in general felt moderately knowledgeable about the progression of the disease (47.9%).

Conclusions

The findings imply that caregivers are aware of disease progression, dementia symptoms, and do not feel supported by their providers in managing care or accessing support services. There is opportunity to support informal caregivers in a primary care setting by appropriately uptraining providers in dementia care.
Transcriptome analysis of Fenneropenaeus merguiensis in response to Vibrio proteolyticus infection
Authors: Zhong Yunqi , He Zihao , Long Xinxin , Hou Danqing , Hu Xianye , Sun Chengbo
Published: August 2023

In recent years, due to the destruction of the culture environment and serious ecological pressure, especially in the process of culture, residual bait, faeces and fishery drug abuse will lead to the accumulation of harmful metabolites such as ammonia nitrogen and nitrite, and biological denitrification is the most economical and effective method to remove the single. Therefore, in this study, a nitrite removal strain XA19 was isolated and screened from a shrimp biofloc culture pond. This strain was identified as a clade of Vibrio proteolyticus because the homology between XA19 and V. proteolyticus WDVP was as high as 99.86% by using 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis and NCBI database comparison. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that V. proteolyticus is short‐rod‐shaped with a curved body and no budding spores, pods and flagella. Antimicrobial susceptibility test proved that V. proteolyticus was resistant to ampicillin, oxacillin, penicillin, vancomycin and clindamycin. In the median lethal concentration 50 (LC50) test, at 7‐day post‐infection (dpi), LC50 of V. proteolyticus for Fenneropenaeus merguiensis was 1.69 × 104 CFU/mL. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was carried out on hepatopancreas of F. merguiensis at 24 and 48 hpi. A total of 176 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened at 24 hpi, including 104 up‐regulated DEGs and 72 down‐regulated DEGs, and a total of 52 DEGs were screened at 48 hpi, including 32 up‐regulated DEGs and 20 down‐regulated DEGs. In the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs, many immune‐related signalling pathways were significantly enriched, including Hippo signalling pathway, phagosome, Toll and Imd signalling pathways and Wnt signalling pathway. In addition, some pathways related to Warburg effect were also enriched, including Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis, Biosynthesis of amino acids, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism and so on. In this study, the toxicity and drug sensitivity of V. proteolyticus were systematically studied, and the immune response of hepatopancreas of F. merguiensis to V. proteolyticus infection was preliminarily revealed from the molecular level. The results may provide a reference for the prevention and control of V. proteolyticus.
Identification of clinical phenotypes associated with poor prognosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via unsupervised machine learning
Authors: Ito Takanori , Morooka Hikaru , Takahashi Hirokazu , Fujii Hideki , Iwaki Michihiro , Hayashi Hideki , Toyoda Hidenori , Oeda Satoshi , Hyogo Hideyuki , Kawanaka Miwa , Morishita Asahiro , Munekage Kensuke , Kawata Kazuhito , Tsutsumi Tsubasa , Sawada Koji , Maeshiro Tatsuji , Tobita Hiroshi , Yoshida Yuichi , Naito Masafumi , Araki Asuka , Arakaki Shingo , Kawaguchi Takumi , Noritake Hidenao , Ono Masafumi , Masaki Tsutomu , Yasuda Satoshi , Tomita Eiichi , Yoneda Masato , Tokushige Akihiro , Ishigami Masatoshi , Kamada Yoshihiro , Ueda Shinichiro , Aishima Shinichi , Sumida Yoshio , Nakajima Atsushi , Okanoue Takeshi ,   for the Japan Study Group of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (JSG‐NAFLD)
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Both fibrosis status and body weight are important for assessing prognosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to identify population clusters for specific clinical outcomes based on fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index and body mass index (BMI) using an unsupervised machine learning method.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter study of 1335 biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients from Japan. Using the Gaussian mixture model to divide the cohort into clusters based on FIB‐4 index and BMI, we investigated prognosis for these clusters.

Results

The cohort consisted of 223 cases (16.0%) with advanced fibrosis (F3–4) as assessed from liver biopsy. Median values of BMI and FIB‐4 index were 27.3 kg/m2 and 1.67. The patients were divided into four clusters by Bayesian information criterion, and all‐cause mortality was highest in cluster d, followed by cluster b (P = 0.001). Regarding the characteristics of each cluster, clusters d and b presented a high FIB‐4 index (median 5.23 and 2.23), cluster a presented the lowest FIB‐4 index (median 0.78), and cluster c was associated with moderate FIB‐4 level (median 1.30) and highest BMI (median 34.3 kg/m2). Clusters a and c had lower mortality rates than clusters b and d. However, all‐cause of death in clusters a and c was unrelated to liver disease.

Conclusions

Our clustering approach found that the FIB‐4 index is an important predictor of mortality in NAFLD patients regardless of BMI. Additionally, non‐liver‐related diseases were identified as the causes of death in NAFLD patients with low FIB‐4 index.
IPO performance of portfolio ventures funded by impact investors versus venture capital investors
Authors: Hirschmann Mirko , Fisch Christian
Published: August 2023

With the global rise of impact investments to achieve societal goals, an increasing number of new ventures that aim to create societal impact now seek to go public. However, while many conceptual studies suggest that impact investors are less likely to pursue financially oriented exit plans in exchange for generating societal impact, there is little empirical evidence to back up this claim. Using a propensity score matching approach, we draw on data from Crunchbase and empirically compare the initial public offering (IPO) performance of a large sample of 3398 investments by impact investors with 3398 investments by matched venture capital (VC) investors. We find that impact investor investments are less likely to lead to an IPO than VC investments. Besides, our results indicate that syndication by impact investors increases the likelihood of an IPO. This suggests that companies funded by impact investors benefit more from syndication than their VC‐funded counterparts. Our findings have practical implications for impact investors, portfolio ventures, and policymakers.
Adverse reactions to cosmetic implants after COVID‐19 vaccination: A literature review
Authors: Cheng Wen‐jie , Cai Zi‐xing , Tang Xiao‐jun
Published: August 2023

Background

As the world's population of people vaccinated with the COVID‐19 vaccine increases, adverse reactions are increasingly being reported. There have been progressive reports of the effects of COVID‐19 vaccination on cosmetic fillers or prostheses, but they have not been reviewed based on their clinical morphologic patterns. This article reviewed the progress of research on adverse reactions to cosmetic implants after COVID‐19 vaccination.

Methods

We researched the English‐language literature up to October 15, 2022, using predefined keywords to identify relevant studies about adverse reactions to cosmetic implants after the COVID‐19 vaccination, collecting patient characteristics, implant type, the time interval between vaccination and implantation or injection, time of onset, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes.

Results

Among the adverse reactions to implants associated with COVID‐19 vaccination, we distinguished between (1) injectable fillers and (2) surgical prosthetic implants. The most common adverse reactions were at the site of hyaluronic acid injection and breast prosthesis after Pfizer vaccination, mainly DIRs, and mainly manifested as edema, rash, fever, and capsular contracture. This paper also reported the possible causes, treatments of DIRs, and limitations of current studies.

Conclusions

In this article, we attempted to investigate and discuss all the adverse reactions of cosmetic implants related to COVID‐19 vaccination in the current literature, to unmask these reactions and make a more accurate assessment of vaccine safety.
Cosmetic therapies for Chinese patients with acne taking concomitant or recent intake of oral isotretinoin: A retrospective study
Authors: Qin Xiaolei , Huang Haiyan , Zou Yanfen , Yu Bo , Tu Ping
Published: August 2023

Background

The current standard recommendation is to initiate the cosmetic therapies after discontinuing taking oral isotretinoin for at least 6 months. However, this recommendation has been questioned in several recent publications, and it is difficult to operate in clinical practice as early initiation of effective treatment is desirable for patients with acne sequelae.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of chemical peeling and light/laser or radiofrequency treatments combined with oral isotretinoin for patients with acne vulgaris and acne scars.

Method

A retrospective study of 511 patients on/or recently administered with isotretinoin treated with glycolic acid, intense pulsed light, nonablative fractional laser, fractional radiofrequency, and ablative carbon dioxide laser. A total of 1352 interventions were performed. The medical follow‐up lasted for at least 1 year. The efficacy and safety of different procedures were evaluated.

Results

A total of 511 patients, who were treated with isotretinoin orally or stopped for <6 months, received 477 sessions of glycolic acid chemical peeling treatment, 588 sessions of intense pulsed light treatment, 61 sessions of nonablative fractional laser treatment, 101 sessions of fractional radiofrequency treatment, and 125 sessions of ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment. No hypertrophic scars and keloids were found, and the incidence of serious adverse reactions such as scarring, erythema, blisters, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation did not increase.

Conclusions

It is safe to perform skin procedures in patients with acne and acne scars during or after discontinuation of isotretinoin for <6 months. Invasive treatments such as ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment can be performed, as appropriate, by an experienced physician. The guideline of avoiding chemical and physical procedures in such patients taking oral isotretinoin should to revised.
Molecular biological analysis revealed a case of synchronous endometrial and ovarian cancer with different histological grade as metastatic ovarian cancer from endometrial cancer: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Yumisashi Riho , Saito Ryosuke , Togami Shinichi , Kobayashi Yusuke , Kitazono Ikumi , Tanimoto Akihide , Kobayashi Hiroaki
Published: August 2023

The diagnosis of synchronous endometrial and ovarian cancer or metastatic cancer of the same histological type is difficult. In this study, molecular biology analysis was performed to determine ovarian metastasis from endometrial cancer. A 38‐year‐old woman had pathological evidence of endometrial cancer (endometrioid carcinoma, grade 1) and ovarian cancer (endometrioid carcinoma, grade 3); a disseminated nodule in the serosa uteri was also diagnosed as endometrioid carcinoma (grade 3). Customized panel sequencing revealed a common mutation pattern in ovarian cancer and disseminated nodules. Furthermore, endometrial cancer showed the same mutation patterns for FGFR3 and PTEN as ovarian cancer and disseminated nodules. All tumors were microsatellite instability high. Clinicopathological and molecular biology analyses suggested that the patient had ovarian metastasis from endometrial cancer. The patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin, with no recurrence. Molecular biology techniques may enable appropriate treatment based on clinically accurate diagnosis.
Seasonal upwelling conditions promote growth and calcification in reef‐building coralline algae
Authors: Pulecio‐Plaza Lauri , Diaz‐Pulido Guillermo , García‐Urueña Rocío
Published: August 2023

Crustose coralline algae (CCA) are important components of reef ecology contributing to reef framework construction. However, little is known about how seasonal upwelling systems influence growth and calcification of tropical CCA. We assessed marginal and vertical growth and net calcification rates of two dominant but morphologically different reef‐building CCA,Porolithon antillarumandLithophyllumcf.kaiseri, in a shallow coral reef of the Colombian Caribbean during upwelling and non‐upwelling seasons. Growth and calcification rates varied seasonally with higher values during the upwelling compared to the non‐upwelling (rainy) season. Annual vertical growth showed rates of 4.48 ± 1.58 and 4.31 ± 2.17 mm · y−1, net calcification using crust growth estimates of 0.75 ± 0.30 g and 0.68 ± 0.60 g CaCO3 · cm−2 · y−1and net calcification using the buoyant weight method of 1.49 ± 0.57 and 0.52 ± 0.11 g CaCO3 · cm−2 · y−1inP. antillarumandL. kaiseri, respectively. Seawater temperature was inversely related with growth and calcification; however, complex oceanographic interactions between temperature and resource availability (e.g., light, nutrients, and CO2) are proposed to modulate CCA vital rates. Although CCA calcification rates are comparable to hard corals, CCA vertical accretion is much lower, suggesting that the main contribution of CCA to reef construction is via cementation processes. These results provide baseline data on CCA in the region and generate useful information for monitoring the impacts of environmental changes on tropical upwelling environments.
Binge drinking episode causes acute, specific alterations in systemic and hepatic inflammation‐related markers
Authors: Stankevic Evelina , Israelsen Mads , Juel Helene Bæk , Madsen Anne Lundager , Ängquist Lars , Aldiss Peter Stuart Jacob , Torp Nikolaj , Johansen Stine , Hansen Camilla Dalby , Hansen Johanne Kragh , Thorhauge Katrine Holtz , Lindvig Katrine Prier , Madsen Bjørn Stæhr , Sulek Karolina , Legido‐Quigley Cristina , Thiele Maja Sofie , Krag Aleksander , Hansen Torben
Published: August 2023

Background

Frequent binge drinking is a known contributor to alcohol‐related harm, but its impact on systemic and hepatic inflammation is not fully understood. We hypothesize that changes in immune markers play a central role in adverse effects of acute alcohol intake, especially in patients with early liver disease.

Aim

To investigate the effects of acute alcohol intoxication on inflammation‐related markers in hepatic and systemic venous plasma in people with alcohol‐related liver disease (ArLD), non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and healthy controls.

Methods

Thirty‐eight participants (13 with ArLD, 15 with NAFLD and 10 healthy controls) received 2.5 mL of 40% ethanol per kg body weight via a nasogastric tube. Seventy‐two inflammation‐related markers were quantified in plasma from hepatic and systemic venous blood, at baseline, 60 and 180 min after intervention.

Results

Alcohol intervention altered the levels of 31 of 72 and 14 of 72 markers in the systemic and hepatic circulation. All changes observed in the hepatic circulation were also identified in the systemic circulation after 180 min. Only FGF21 and IL6 were increased after alcohol intervention, while the remaining 29 markers decreased. Differences in response to acute alcohol between the groups were observed for 8 markers, and FGF21 response was blunted in individuals with steatosis.

Conclusion

Acute alcohol intoxication induced changes in multiple inflammation‐related markers, implicated in alcohol metabolism and hepatocellular damage. Differences identified between marker response to binge drinking in ArLD, NAFLD and healthy controls may provide important clues to disease mechanisms and potential targets for treatment.

Clinical trial number: NCT03018990
Maternal mental health is associated with children's frequency of family meals at 12 and 24 months of age
Authors: Helle Christine , Hillesund Elisabet R. , Øverby Nina Cecilie
Published: August 2023

Diet during the child's first years is important for growth and development. In toddlerhood, higher diet quality is reported among children eating meals together with family. Although previous literature has documented several associations between maternal mental health and early child feeding practices, less is known about the relationship between maternal mental health and child frequency of shared family meals. This study explores associations between maternal symptoms of anxiety and depression, measured by The Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (SCL‐8), and toddler participation in family meals. We used cross‐sectional data from the Norwegian study Early Food for Future Health, in which participants responded to questionnaires at child age 12 (n = 455) and 24 months (n = 295). Logistic regression was used to explore associations between maternal mental health and child having regular (≥5 per week) or irregular (<5 per week) family meals (breakfast and dinner), adjusting for relevant child and maternal confounding variables. Children of mothers with higher scores of anxiety and depression had higher odds of Irregular family meals at both timepoints; (OR: 2.067, p = 0.015) and (OR: 2.444, p = 0.023). This is one of few studies exploring associations between maternal mental health and child frequency of shared family meals in early childhood, a period where the foundation for life‐long health is shaped. Given the high prevalence of mental ailments and disorders, these findings are important and may inform future public health interventions. Further exploration of this relation is needed, including longitudinal research to test predictive associations and qualitative studies to increase insight and understanding.
Combination chelation therapy
Authors: Aydinok Yesim
Published: August 2023

Combination chelation therapies are considered in transfusion‐dependent thalassemia patients for whom monotherapy regimens have failed to achieve iron balance or intensification of iron chelation therapy is required for the rapid reduction of excess iron to avoid permanent organ damage. Combination chelation may provide a more flexible approach for individualizing chelation therapy, thereby improving tolerability, adherence, and quality of life. In principle, iron chelators can be combined with an infinite number of dosing regimens; these involve simultaneous or sequential exposure to the chelators on the same day or alternating the drugs on different days. Clinical studies have established the safety and efficacy of chelation combinations. However, real‐life data with combination therapies indicate the significance of compliance for a meaningful reduction in iron overload compared to monotherapies.