bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rookery through rehabilitation: Microbial community assembly in newborn harbour seals after maternal separation
Authors: Switzer Alexandra D. , Callahan Benjamin J. , Costello Elizabeth K. , Bik Elisabeth M. , Fontaine Christine , Gulland Frances M. D. , Relman David A.
Published: June 2023

Microbial community assembly remains largely unexplored in marine mammals, despite its potential importance for conservation and management. Here, neonatal microbiota assembly was studied in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) at a rehabilitation facility soon after maternal separation, through weaning, to the time of release back to their native environment. We found that the gingival and rectal communities of rehabilitated harbour seals were distinct from the microbiotas of formula and pool water, and became increasingly diverse and dissimilar over time, ultimately resembling the gingival and rectal communities of local wild harbour seals. Harbour seal microbiota assembly was compared to that of human infants, revealing the rapid emergence of host specificity and evidence of phylosymbiosis even though these harbour seals had been raised by humans. Early life prophylactic antibiotics were associated with changes in the composition of the harbour seal gingival and rectal communities and surprisingly, with transient increases in alpha diversity, perhaps because of microbiota sharing during close cohabitation with other harbour seals. Antibiotic‐associated effects dissipated over time. These results suggest that while early life maternal contact may provide seeding for microbial assembly, co‐housing of conspecifics during rehabilitation may help neonatal mammals achieve a healthy host‐specific microbiota with features of resilience.
Misophonia matters: A case study of the role of brain imaging in debates over new diagnoses
Authors: Perez Victor W. , Friedman Asia
Published: June 2023

Misophonia has gained attention in scientific circles that utilise brain imaging to validate diagnoses. The condition is promoted as not merely a symptom of other psychiatric diagnoses but as a discrete clinical entity. We illustrate the social construction of the diagnostic category of misophonia through examining prominent claims in research studies that use brain imaging to substantiate the diagnosis. We show that brain images are insufficient to establish the ‘brain basis for misophonia’ due to both technical and logical limitations of imaging data. Often misunderstood as providing direct access to the matter of the body, brain images are mediated and manipulated numerical data (Joyce, 2005, Social Studies of Science 35(3), p. 437). Interpretations of brain scans are further shaped by social expectations and attributes considered salient to the data. Causal inferences drawn from these studies are problematic because ‘misophonics’ are clinically pre‐diagnosed before participating. We argue that imaging cannot replace the social process of diagnosis in the case of misophonia, nor validate diagnostic measures or otherwise substantiate the condition. More broadly, we highlight both the cultural authority and inherent limitations of brain imaging in the social construction of contested diagnoses while also illustrating its role in the disaggregation of symptoms into new diagnoses.
Peptide MSI‐1 inhibited MCR‐1 and regulated outer membrane vesicles to combat immune evasion of Escherichia coli
Authors: Ye Xinyue , Wang Jian , Xu Pengfei , Yang Xiaoqian , Shi Qixue , Liu Genyan , Bai Zhaoshi , Zhou Changlin , Ma Lingman
Published: June 2023

Polymyxin resistance is conferred by MCR‐1 (mobile colistin resistance 1)‐induced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modification of G− bacteria. However, the peptide MSI‐1 exerts potent antimicrobial activity against mcr‐1‐carrying bacteria. To further investigate the potential role of MCR‐1 in improving bacterial virulence and facilitating immune evasion, and the immunomodulatory effect of peptide MSI‐1, we first explored outer membrane vesicle (OMV) alterations of mcr‐1‐carrying bacteria in the presence and absence of sub‐MIC MSI‐1, and host immune activation during bacterial infection and OMV stimulation. Our results demonstrated that LPS remodelling induced by MCR‐1 negatively affected OMV formation and protein cargo by E. coli. In addition, MCR‐1 diminished LPS‐stimulated pyroptosis but facilitated mitochondrial dysfunction, further aggravating apoptosis in macrophages induced by OMVs of E. coli. Similarly, TLR4‐mediated NF‐κB activation was markedly alleviated once LPS was modified by MCR‐1. However, peptide MSI‐1 at the sub‐MIC level inhibited the expression of MCR‐1, further partly rescuing OMV alteration and attenuation of immune responses in the presence of MCR‐1 during both infection and OMV stimulation, which can be exploited for anti‐infective therapy.
Results of a screening tool for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures
Authors: Hyland Matthew T. , Courchesne‐Krak Natasia S. , Bernes Gemma A. , Wozniak Jeffrey R. , Jones Kenneth L. , Del Campo Miguel , Riley Edward P. , Mattson Sarah N. ,   the CIFASD
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study assessed whether the outcome of a screening tool for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), the FASD‐Tree, was associated with neuropsychological and behavioral outcomes.

Methods

Data for this study were collected as part of the fourth phase of the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD‐4). Participants (N = 175, 5 to 16 years) with or without histories of prenatal alcohol exposure were recruited from San Diego and Minneapolis. Each participant was screened using the FASD‐Tree and administered a neuropsychological test battery; parents or guardians completed behavioral questionnaires. The FASD‐Tree incorporates physical and behavioral measures and provides an outcome regarding the presence of FASD (FASD‐Positive or FASD‐Negative). Logistic regression was used to test whether the FASD‐Tree outcome was associated with general cognitive ability, executive function, academic achievement, and behavior. Associations were tested in two groups: the whole sample and only correctly classified participants.

Results

Results of the FASD‐Tree were associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures. Participants classified as FASD‐Positive were more likely than those classified as FASD‐Negative to have a lower IQ score and exhibit poorer performance on measures of executive and academic functions. Behaviorally, participants classified as FASD‐Positive were rated as having more behavior problems and adaptive difficulties. Similar relationships were found for all measures when including only participants correctly classified by the FASD‐Tree screening tool.

Conclusion

Results from the FASD‐Tree screening tool were associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures. Participants classified as FASD‐Positive were more likely to have impairment in all domains tested. The results support the effectiveness of the FASD‐Tree as a screening tool for use in clinical settings, providing an efficient and accurate way to identify patients in need of additional evaluation.
A pilot test of Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD in residential substance use treatment
Authors: Schacht Rebecca L. , Wenzel Kevin R. , Meyer Laurel E. , Mette Meghan , Mallik‐Kane Kamala , Rabalais Aline , Berg Samantha K. , Fishman Marc
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly comorbid with substance use disorders (SUD) and can impede SUD recovery. Residential SUD treatment is a crucial opportunity to address PTSD. However, PTSD treatment is lacking in residential SUD care.

Methods

We conducted a nonrandomized feasibility study of Written Exposure Therapy (WET), a brief, evidence‐based treatment for PTSD, with patients in residential SUD treatment. We assessed attitudes towards treatment (Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire, Barriers to Treatment Participation Scale) and mental health indicators (PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5, Trauma Coping Self‐Efficacy, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation‐Short Form, and Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital).

Results

Thirty of 49 eligible participants completed WET (61%) and 92% (n = 45) attended at least one WET session. Paired sample t‐tests revealed significant posttreatment improvement across all mental health indicators, with medium to large effect sizes.

Discussion and Conclusions

Attendance and completion rates compared favorably to prior exposure‐based treatment for PTSD in SUD settings. Although causality cannot be inferred without a randomized controlled trial, mental health indicators, including PTSD, improved significantly following WET.

Scientific Significance

These findings provide evidence that PTSD can be successfully treated in short‐term residential care using brief exposure‐based interventions, which is a crucial clinical need that has been minimally studied in the past.
Diversity patterns of ants and termites in forest‐savanna mosaic habitats in two protected areas of Cameroon
Authors: Difouo Ghislain F. , Simo Franklin T. , Kekeunou Sévilor , Ebangue Giovanni Titti , Fokou Oscar R. , Ndoh Lyong Giscard , Ichu Ichu G. , Olson David
Published: June 2023

Knowledge of ant and termite distribution and ecology is limited for transitional ecosystems in Central Africa. As ants and termites are the primary food for several insectivorous mammals, conservation strategies of threatened species can be strengthened with information on their key food resources. We investigated the ant and termite diversity of two protected areas located in a forest‐savanna transition zone in central Cameroon: Mpem et Djim National Park (MDNP) and Deng‐Deng National Park (DDNP). Ants and termites were collected along 100 line transects using pitfall and bait traps and hand‐sampling during major dry and rainy seasons in seven habitat types. Overall, 14,093 ant individuals representing 108 species, 29 genera, and six subfamilies were recorded. Myrmicinae was the most speciose subfamily in DDNP, while Formicinae dominated in MDNP. The most speciose genus was Crematogaster in both parks. Tapinoma melanocephalum and Pheidole sp. 3 were the most common species recorded in MDNP and DDNP respectively. Ant species richness was highest in near primary forest in DDNP, while richness was greater in the secondary forest of MDNP. Ant communities were more diversified in DDNP than in MDNP. In MDNP, the ant species richness and diversity were highest in the secondary forest and lowest in saltworks, while DDNP near primary forest species richness was highest and swamps lowest. A total of 89 species of termite representing 33 genera and nine subfamilies were recorded from a sample of 56,798 individuals. Termite species richness was similar at DDNP and MDNP. Macrotermitinae was the most common subfamily in both protected areas. The most species‐rich termite genus was Isognathotermes in both parks. Macrotermes amplus in DDNP and Reticulitermes sp. in MDNP respectively, were the most commonly sampled termite species. Near primary forest yielded more termite species in DDNP and MDNP than in other habitat types. Termites and ants' communities were more species‐rich and diversified in relatively closed‐canopy and low‐disturbed forest habitats than in savanna and flooded habitats.
Unpacking daily changes in role overload and work–family balance satisfaction: A latent growth modeling approach
Authors: Wan Min (Maggie) , Shaffer Margaret A. , Zhang Yejun (John) , Singh Romila
Published: June 2023

This study probes the temporal nature of work–family balance satisfaction (WFBS). Drawing on distributed connectionist models and conservation of resources (COR) theory, we hypothesize that changes in work and family overload are positively associated with changes in WFBS, and these relationships are mediated by changes in work and family fatigue, respectively. Additionally, we propose that work and family crafting behaviors (decreasing hindering work and family demands) are helpful in building resources that mitigate the relationships above. We tested these hypotheses by sampling 71 full‐time employees over a work week. The results identified positive relationships between changes in role overload and changes in WFBS. In addition, we found full support for the moderating role of crafting behaviors in the work domain and partial support for the family domain. Further analyses suggested that employees' work and family crafting behaviors (i.e., decreasing hindering demands) buffered the negative effects of changes in work and family overload on changes in work and family fatigue, respectively. Also, decreasing hindering work demands moderated the indirect effect of changes in work overload on changes in WFBS. We discuss theoretical and practical implications as well as future research directions.
High‐performance enrichment of casein and ovalbumin in wall painting with immunomagnetic beads
Authors: Sun Xiaolu , Zhang Bingjian , Chen Weixiang
Published: June 2023

The detection of trace binding medium in wall paintings is usually challenging due to the aging and degradation of proteinaceous binding medium in a long time. Therefore, immunomagnetic beads (IMBs) with specific enrichment ability for casein and ovalbumin were prepared, and then the beads were applied for capturing target proteinaceous binding medium from ancient Chinese wall paintings. After optimization of experimental conditions, the enrichment performance of magnetic beads was confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). In this experiment, archaeological wall painting samples were used to verify the accuracy of the construction enrichment method. The results showed that the OD450nm value of archaeological samples containing binding medium has increased to varying degrees after IMBs enrichment, effectively avoiding the occurrence of false negative results, indicating that the IMBs enrichment method developed in this work could be successfully applied for enriching ovalbumin and casein binding medium from ancient wall paintings for subsequently immunoassay detection.
The effect of food and acid‐reducing agents on the pharmacokinetic profile of capivasertib: Results from a randomized, crossover study
Authors: Miller Claire , Sommavilla Roberto , Murphy Donal , Morris Thomas , Khatun Mahmuda , Cullberg Marie
Published: June 2023

Aims

This two‐part, adaptive study assessed the effect of food and an acid‐reducing agent (rabeprazole) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of capivasertib, a potent AKT inhibitor, in clinical development for cancer treatment.

Methods

In Part 1, healthy participants (n = 24) were randomized to receive single‐dose capivasertib after overnight fasting, a high‐fat, high‐calorie meal and with rabeprazole postovernight fasting in one of six treatment sequences. Based on Part 1 results, a new group of participants (n = 24) were randomized (Part 2) to receive capivasertib after overnight fasting, a low‐fat, low‐calorie meal and modified fasting (food restricted from 2 h before dosing to 1 h postdose) in one of six treatment sequences. Blood samples were collected for PK analyses.

Results

Following a high‐fat, high‐calorie meal, capivasertib exposure increased versus overnight fasting (geometric mean ratio [GMR] [90% confidence interval (CI)]: area under the concentration‐time curve [AUCinf] 1.32 [1.22, 1.43], maximum concentration [Cmax] 1.23 [1.08, 1.41]), but was comparable to that postmodified fasting (GMR: AUCinf 1.13 [0.99, 1.29], Cmax 0.85 [0.70, 1.04]). AUCinf was similar and Cmax was lower with/without rabeprazole (GMR: AUCinf 0.94 [0.87, 1.02]), Cmax 0.73 [0.64, 0.84]). Capivasertib exposure was similar after a low‐fat, low‐calorie meal versus overnight fasting (GMR: AUCinf 1.14 [1.05, 1.25], Cmax 1.21 [0.99, 1.48]) or modified fasting (GMR: AUCinf 0.96 [0.88, 1.05], Cmax 0.86 [0.70, 1.06]). Safety was consistent with that in larger trials.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that administering capivasertib with food or acid‐reducing agents does not lead to clinically relevant PK or safety profile changes.
Automated multi‐well stratigraphic correlation and model building using relative geologic time
Authors: Sylvester Zoltán
Published: June 2023

Stratigraphic correlation of geophysical well logs is one of the most important—and most time‐consuming—tasks that applied geoscientists perform on a daily basis. Using the dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm, automated correlation of two wells is a fairly simple task; DTW can also be used to correlate a large number of wells along a single path. However, errors accumulate along a path and loops cannot be closed. To create a three‐dimensionally consistent correlation framework, we use a Python implementation of the Wheeler and Hale (2014) approach, which is based on the idea of stretching and squeezing all logs into a chronostratigraphic diagram that has relative geologic time (RGT) on itsy‐axis. The depth shifts needed for the RGT transformation are computed by translating the outputs of a large number of pairwise DTW correlations into a least‐squares optimization problem that is solved through the conjugate gradient method. The resulting chronostratigraphic diagram provides an overview of the overall stratigraphy and its variability; and the correlation framework is significantly different from what one could get from correlating based on lithologic similarity between two logs. To create geologically intuitive well‐log cross sections, we use a multi‐scale blocking method that relies on the continuous wavelet transform to identify stratigraphic units of a certain scale in one well and then propagate these boundaries to all the other wells. We demonstrate the usefulness of this approach on a data set with close to 700 wells from the Permian Basin, West Texas. Linear channel bodies in the deepwater Spraberry Formation are easily detected and clearly highlighted in maps and cross sections. The methodology is robust enough for mapping subtle stratigraphic details, previously considered feasible only through manual interpretation. More importantly, it can be used to quickly build three‐dimensional stratigraphic models for large segments of sedimentary basins where enough log data are available.
Patient perspectives on consequences of resection for colorectal cancer: A qualitative study
Authors: van Kooten Robert T. , Schutte Bianca A. M. , van Staalduinen Dorine J. , Hoeksema Jetty H. L. , Holman Fabian A. , van Dorp Chantal , Peeters Koen C. M. J. , Tollenaar Rob A. E. M. , Wouters Michel W. J. M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer is diagnosed in approximately 500,000 patients each year in Europe, leading to a high number of patients having to cope with the consequences of resection for colorectal cancer. As treatment options tend to grow, more information on the effects of these treatments is needed to engage in shared decision‐making. This study aims to explore the impact of resection for colorectal cancer on patients' daily life.

Methods

Patients (≥18 years of age) who underwent an oncological colorectal resection between 2018 and 2021 were selected. Purposeful sampling was used to include patients who differed in age, comorbidity conditions, types of (neo)adjuvant therapy, postoperative complications and the presence/absence of a stoma. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, guided by a topic guide. Interviews were fully transcribed and subsequently thematically analysed using the framework approach. Analyses were carried out using the following predefined themes: (1) daily life and activities; (2) psychological functioning; (3) social functioning; (4) sexual functioning; and (5) healthcare experiences.

Results

Sixteen patients with a follow‐up period of between 0.6 and 4.4 years after surgery were included in this study. Participants reported several challenges experienced because of poor bowel function, a stoma, chemotherapy‐induced neuropathy, fear of recurrence and sexual dysfunction. However, they reported these as not interfering much with daily life.

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer treatment leads to several challenges and treatment‐related health deficits. This is often not recognized by generic patient‐reported outcome measures, but the findings on treatment‐related health deficits presented in this study contain valuable insights which might contribute to improving colorectal cancer care, shared decision making and value‐based health care.
Optimal staffing for a good quality inpatient diabetes service
Authors: Dashora U. , Flanagan D. , Rayman G. , Mustafa O. G. , Walden E. , Dhatariya K. ,   the Joint British Diabetes Societies
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Increasing numbers of people admitted to hospital have diabetes and need specialist support. To date, there is no mechanism which can help teams estimate the number of health care professionals they need to provide optimal care for people with diabetes in hospitals.

Methods

The Joint British Diabetes Societies (JBDS) for Inpatient Care Group organised a survey of specialist inpatient diabetes teams in the UK for current staffing and the perception of optimal staffing using mailing lists available through their representative organisations. The results were verified and confirmed by one‐to‐one conversations with individual respondents and discussed in multiple expert‐group meetings to agree on the results.

Results

Responses were received from 17 Trusts covering 30 hospital sites. Current diabetes specialist staffing level per 100 people with diabetes in hospital (Median, IQR) for consultants was 0.24 (0.22–0.37), diabetes inpatient specialist nurses was 1.94 (1.22–2.6), dieticians was 0.00 (0.00–0.00), podiatrists was 0.19 (0.00–0.62), pharmacists was 0.00 (0.00–0.37), psychologists was 0.00 (0.00–0.00). The teams also reported that for optimal care the total staff needed for each group (Median, IQR) was much higher; consultants 0.65 (0.50–0.88), specialist nurses 3.38 (2.78–4.59), dieticians 0.48 (0.33–0.72), podiatrists, 0.93 (0.65–1.24), pharmacists, 0.65 (0.40–0.79) and psychologists 0.33 (0.27–0.58). Based on the results of the survey, the JBDS expert group produced an Excel calculator to estimate staffing needs of any hospital site in question just by populating a few of the cells.

Conclusion

Current inpatient diabetes staffing is much lower than needed in most Trusts who responded to the survey. The JBDS calculator can provide an estimate of the staffing needs of any hospital.
Neuropsychological outcomes after epilepsy surgery: A comparison of stereo electroencephalography and subdural electrodes
Authors: Arya Ravindra , Frink Clayton , Kargol Christina , Byars Anna W. , Huddleston David , Diedenhofer Donna B. , Aungaroon Gewalin , Ervin Brian , Horn Paul S. , Ihnen S. K. Z. , Tenney Jeffrey R. , Kremer Kelly , Fong Susan , Lin Nan , Liu Wei , Arthur Todd M. , Skoch Jesse , Leach James L. , Mangano Francesco T. , Glauser Tracy A. , Greiner Hansel M. , Holland Katherine D.
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

We analyzed the association of neuropsychological outcomes after epilepsy surgery with the intracranial electrode type (stereo electroencephalography [SEEG] and subdural electrodes [SDE]), and electrical stimulation mapping (ESM) of speech/language.

Methods

Drug‐resistant epilepsy patients who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation before and 1 year after epilepsy surgery were included. SEEG and SDE subgroups were matched by age, handedness, operated hemisphere, and seizure freedom. Postsurgical neuropsychological outcomes (adjusted for presurgical scores) and reliable change indices were analyzed as functions of electrode type and ESM.

Results

Ninety‐nine patients aged 6–29 years were included with similar surgical resection/ablation volumes in the SEEG and SDE subgroups. Most of the neuropsychological outcomes were comparable between SEEG and SDE subgroups; however, Working Memory and Processing Speed were significantly improved in the SEEG subgroup. Undergoing language ESM was associated with significant improvements in Spelling, Letter–Word Identification, Vocabulary, Verbal Comprehension, Verbal Learning, and Story Memory scores, but a decline in Calculation scores.

Conclusions

Intracranial evaluations with SEEG and SDE are comparable in terms of long‐term postsurgical neuropsychological outcomes. Our data suggest that SEEG may be associated with improvements in working memory and processing speed, representing cognitive domains served by spatially distributed networks. Our study also supports wider use of language ESM before epilepsy surgery, preferably using other language tasks in addition to visual naming. Rather than the type of electrode, postsurgical neuropsychological outcomes are driven by whether language ESM was performed or not, with beneficial effects of language mapping.
Connecting Women in Neurosciences: A networking project to sustain mutual empowerment in young, female clinical neuroscientists
Authors: Goeldlin Martina B. , Wenz Elena S. , Kottler Chantal , Fischer Urs , Bassetti Claudio L. A. , Aybek Selma , Heldner Mirjam R.
Published: June 2023

Simultaneously acquiring broad clinical knowledge and scientific expertise is a major challenge for young clinical scientists. Female researchers may face additional hurdles in their career, for example, due to unconscious bias. We aimed to address clinical, research, and gender‐related challenges among young female clinical neuroscientists. We implemented a peer‐led networking group dedicated to increasing clinical and scientific knowledge, improve soft skills, and encourage exchange between fellow residents. In monthly meetings, two participants hold short presentations on a clinical topic or scientific method, followed by a discussion and feedback to the presenter. Afterwards, participants network and discuss challenges they face in their daily experience. Nine neurology residents at a Swiss University Hospital with ≤3 years of training participated in the Connecting Women in Neurosciences project from August 2020 to June 2021. In a qualitative evaluation, participants reported they felt empowered by these meetings and profited from their new network. We identified several challenges in combining clinical and research activities, some of which participants perceived to be gender‐related. In addition to women‐only meetings, we will promote events addressing all interested researchers. Peer‐to‐peer networking is an easy and low‐budget intervention to encourage female residents to engage in research activities, profit from each other's expertise, and promote interdisciplinary teamwork. It can provide a protected environment to discuss and overcome in particular gender‐related challenges. We encourage young colleagues to regularly engage in structured networking activities with their local peers.
Making migraine easier to stomach: the role of the gut−brain−immune axis in headache disorders
Authors: Sgro Marissa , Ray Jason , Foster Emma , Mychasiuk Richelle
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose

Headache disorders place a significant burden on the healthcare system, being the leading cause of disability in those under 50 years. Novel studies have interrogated the relationship between headache disorders and gastrointestinal dysfunction, suggesting a link between the gut−brain−immune (GBI) axis and headache pathogenesis. Although the exact mechanisms driving the complex relationship between the GBI axis and headache disorders remain unclear, there is a growing appreciation that a healthy and diverse microbiome is necessary for optimal brain health.

Methods

A literature search was performed through multiple reputable databases in search of Q1 journals within the field of headache disorders and gut microbiome research and were critically and appropriately evaluated to investigate and explore the following; the role of the GBI axis in dietary triggers of headache disorders and the evidence indicating that diet can be used to alleviate headache severity and frequency. The relationship between the GBI axis and post‐traumatic headache is then synthesized. Finally, the scarcity of literature regarding paediatric headache disorders and the role that the GBI axis plays in mediating the relationship between sex hormones and headache disorders are highlighted.

Conclusions

There is potential for novel therapeutic targets for headache disorders if understanding of the GBI axis in their aetiology, pathogenesis and recovery is increased.
Individuals with chronic epilepsy have elevated P‐wave heterogeneity comparable to patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Fialho Guilherme L. , Pang Trudy D. , Kong Wan Yee , Tran Anthony P. , Yu Calvin G. , Rodriguez Ivo D. , Nearing Bruce D. , Waks Jonathan W. , Maher Timothy R. , Clarke John‐Ross , Shepherd Alyssa , D'Avila Andre , Schachter Steven C. , Verrier Richard L.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Identification of epilepsy patients with elevated risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) is critical given the heightened morbidity and premature mortality associated with this arrhythmia. Epilepsy is a worldwide health problem affecting nearly 3.4 million people in the United States alone. The potential for increased risk for AF in patients with epilepsy is not well appreciated, despite recent evidence from a national survey of 1.4 million hospitalizations indicating that AF is the most common arrhythmia in people with epilepsy.

Methods

We analyzed inter‐lead heterogeneity of P‐wave morphology, a marker reflecting arrhythmogenic nonuniformities of activation/conduction in atrial tissue. The study groups consisted of 96 patients with epilepsy and 44 consecutive patients with AF in sinus rhythm before clinically indicated ablation. Individuals without cardiovascular or neurological conditions (n = 77) were also assessed. We calculated P‐wave heterogeneity (PWH) by second central moment analysis of simultaneous beats from leads II, III, and aVR (“atrial dedicated leads”) from standard 12‐lead electrocardiography (ECG) recordings from admission day to the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU).

Results

Female patients composed 62.5%, 59.6%, and 57.1% of the epilepsy, AF, and control subjects, respectively. The AF cohort was older (66 ± 1.1 years) than the epilepsy group (44 ± 1.8 years, p < .001). The level of PWH was greater in the epilepsy group than in the control group (67 ± 2.6 vs. 57 ± 2.5 μV, p = .046) and reached levels observed in AF patients (67 ± 2.6 vs. 68 ± 4.9 μV, p = .99). In multiple linear regression analysis, PWH levels in individuals with epilepsy were mainly correlated with the PR interval and could be related to sympathetic tone. Epilepsy remained associated with PWH after adjustments for cardiac risk factors, age, and sex.

Significance

Patients with chronic epilepsy have increased PWH comparable to levels observed in patients with AF, while being ~20 years younger, suggesting an acceleration in structural change and/or cardiac electrical instability. These observations are consistent with emerging evidence of an “epileptic heart” condition.
Dysfunctional sodium channel kinetics as a novel epilepsy mechanism in chromosome 15q11‐q13 duplication syndrome
Authors: Elamin Marwa , Lemtiri‐Chlieh Fouad , Robinson Tiwanna M. , Levine Eric S.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Duplication of the maternal chromosome 15q11.2‐q13.1 region causes Dup15q syndrome, a highly penetrant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe autism and refractory seizures. Although UBE3A, the gene encoding the ubiquitin ligase E3A, is thought to be the main driver of disease phenotypes, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of the syndrome are yet to be determined. We previously established the necessity of UBE3A overexpression for the development of cellular phenotypes in human Dup15q neurons, including increased action potential firing and increased inward current density, which prompted us to further investigate sodium channel kinetics.

Methods

We used a Dup15q patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cell line that was CRISPR‐edited to remove the supernumerary chromosome and create an isogenic control line. We performed whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology on Dup15q and corrected control neurons at two time points of in vitro development.

Results

Compared to corrected neurons, Dup15q neurons showed increased sodium current density and a depolarizing shift in steady‐state inactivation. Moreover, onset of slow inactivation was delayed, and a faster recovery from both fast and slow inactivation processes was observed in Dup15q neurons. A fraction of sodium current in Dup15q neurons (~15%) appeared to be resistant to slow inactivation. Not unexpectedly, a higher fraction of persistent sodium current was also observed in Dup15q neurons. These phenotypes were modulated by the anticonvulsant drug rufinamide.

Significance

Sodium channels play a crucial role in the generation of action potentials, and sodium channelopathies have been uncovered in multiple forms of epilepsy. For the first time, our work identifies in Dup15q neurons dysfunctional inactivation kinetics, which have been previously linked to multiple forms of epilepsy. Our work can also guide therapeutic approaches to epileptic seizures in Dup15q patients and emphasize the role of drugs that modulate inactivation kinetics, such as rufinamide.
The performance of socially responsible investments: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Hornuf Lars , Yüksel Gül
Published: June 2023

In this article, we use a meta‐analysis to examine the performance of socially responsible investing (SRI). We find that, on average, SRI neither outperforms nor underperforms the market portfolio. However, in line with modern portfolio theory, we find that global SRI portfolios outperform regional subportfolios. Moreover, high‐quality publications, publications in finance journals and authors who publish more frequently on SRI are all less likely to report SRI outperformance. In particular, we find that including more factors in a capital market model reduces the likelihood that a study will find SRI outperformance.
Phase variation and mechanical properties of waste calcium carbonate to substitute quartz in composite slab production
Authors: Baş Sedanur , Güler Taki , Özer Ali , Aktürk Selçuk , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: June 2023

Owing to the fast‐emerging nature and rapid advancements in the construction industry, huge volumes of marble dust (MD) are generated as reject during slab cutting in marble processing, causing significant environmental hazards. Nowadays, quartz composite slabs have increasingly been preferred in building works due to their excellent hygienic property and mechanical strength. Composite slab is produced using micronized quartz as filler, the grinding of which is an energy‐intensive process. Substitution of micronized quartz with MD at different percentages was investigated in natural form and after roasting. Natural MD offered appreciable physical properties closer to those of a quartz composite slab. Physical properties slightly retrograded by quartz supplementation in the raw form. Roasting the filler led to the formation of rounded Ca–silicate. Wollastonite was the first phase formed after sintering at the lowest MD percentage and shortest roasting times. Larnite became dominating phase first by increasing MD percentage and roasting time, and then calcio‐olivine formed. Physical characterization test results demonstrated that hardnesses of new phase and particle shape were the key parameters that improved slabs’ mechanical properties of. Hard rounded larnite particles improved mechanical behavior of slabs having the synergic effect of quartz, whereas wollastonite did not show a significant effect.
Development and validation of nomogram to improve the specificity of multiparametric MRI for clinically significant prostate cancer
Authors: Shiekh Mohsin , Houenstein Holly , Ramahi Yousuf O. , Shabir Usma , Ghadersohi Sarah , Zhu Denzel , Zhu Michael , Jing Zhe , Attwood Kristopher , Kauffman Eric , Aboumohamed Ahmed , Guru Khurshid , Hussein Ahmed A.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To develop and validate a nomogram to improve the specificity of prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI‐RADS) on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for clinically significant prostate cancer on targeted fusion biopsy.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent fusion biopsy for PI‐RADS 3–5 lesions using UroNav and Artemis systems between 2016 and 2022 was performed. Patients were divided into those with CS disease on fusion biopsy (Gleason grade group ≥2) versus those without. Multivariable analysis was used to identify variables associated with CS disease. A 100‐point nomogram was constructed, and ROC curve was generated.

Results

1485 lesions (1032 patients) were identified, 510 (34%) were PI‐RADS 3, 586 (40%) were PI‐RADS 4, and 389 (26%) were PI‐RADS 5. Of these, 11% of PI‐RADS 3, 39% of PI‐RADS 4, and 61% of PI‐RADS 5 showed CS disease. CS disease was associated with older age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06, p < 0.01), previous negative biopsy (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36–0.74, p < 0.01), presence of multiple PI‐RADS 3–5 lesions (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.45–0.83, p < 0.01), peripheral zone location (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.30–2.70, p < 0.01), PSA density (OR 1.48 per 0.1 unit, 95% CI 1.33–1.64, p < 0.01), PI‐RADS score 4 (OR 3.28, 95% CI 2.21–4.87, p < 0.01), and PI‐RADS score 5 (OR 7.65, 95% CI 4.93–11.85, p < 0.01). Area under ROC curve was 82% for nomogram compared to 75% for PI‐RADS score alone.

Conclusion

We report a nomogram that combines PI‐RADS score with other clinical parameters. The nomogram outperforms PI‐RADS score for the detection of CS prostate cancer.
Protocatechuic acid inhibits LPS‐induced mastitis in mice through activating the pregnane X receptor
Authors: Zhao Lihua , Jin Lei , Yang Bin
Published: June 2023

Mastitis refers to the inflammation in the mammary gland caused by various reasons. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) exerts anti‐inflammatory effect. However, no studies have shown the protective role of PCA on mastitis. We investigated the protective effect of PCA on LPS‐induced mastitis in mice and elucidated its possible mechanism. LPS‐induced mastitis model was established by injection of LPS into the mammary gland. The pathology of mammary gland, MPO activity and inflammatory cytokine production were detected to evaluate the effects of PCA on mastitis. In vivo, PCA significantly attenuated LPS‐induced mammary pathological changes, MPO activity, TNF‐α and IL‐1β production. In vitro, the production of inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐1β was significantly reduced by PCA. Furthermore, LPS‐induced NF‐κB activation was also inhibited by PCA. In addition, PCA was found to activate pregnane X receptor (PXR) transactivation and PCA dose‐dependently increased the expression of PXR downstream molecule CYP3A4. In addition, the inhibitory effect of PCA on inflammatory cytokine production was also reversed when PXR was knocked down. In conclusion, the protective effects of PCA on LPS‐induced mastitis in mice through regulating PXR.
Therapeutic potential of melatonin in the intervertebral disc degeneration through inhibiting the ferroptosis of nucleus pulpous cells
Authors: Dou Xinyu , Ma Yunlong , Luo Qipeng , Song Chunyu , Liu Meijuan , Liu Xiao , Jia Donglin , Li Shuiqing , Liu Xiaoguang
Published: June 2023

Ferroptosis, a novel type of cell death mediated by the iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation, contributes to the pathogenesis of the intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Increasing evidence demonstrated that melatonin (MLT) displayed the therapeutic potential to prevent the development of IDD. Current mechanistic study aims to explore whether the downregulation of ferroptosis contributes to the therapeutic capability of MLT in IDD. Current studies demonstrated that conditioned medium (CM) from the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophages caused a series of changes about IDD, including increased intracellular oxidative stress (increased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, but decreased glutathione levels), upregulated expression of inflammation‐associated factors (IL‐1β, COX‐2 and iNOS), increased expression of key matrix catabolic molecules (MMP‐13, ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5), reduced the expression of major matrix anabolic molecules (COL2A1 and ACAN), and increased ferroptosis (downregulated GPX4 and SLC7A11 levels, but upregulated ACSL4 and LPCAT3 levels) in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. MLT could alleviate CM‐induced NP cell injury in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, the data substantiated that intercellular iron overload was involved in CM‐induced ferroptosis in NP cells, and MLT treatment alleviated intercellular iron overload and protected NP cells against ferroptosis, and those protective effects of MLT in NP cells further attenuated with erastin and enhanced with ferrostatin‐1(Fer‐1). This study demonstrated that CM from the LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages promoted the NP cell injury. MLT alleviated the CM‐induced NP cell injury partly through inhibiting ferroptosis. The findings support the role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of IDD, and suggest that MLT may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for clinical treatment of IDD.
Effects of the invasive swim bladder parasiteAnguillicola crassuson health and condition indicators in the European eel
Authors: Myrenås Elin , Näslund Joacim , Persson John , Sundin Josefin
Published: June 2023

Parasites negatively affect biological processes within their hosts, which may alter for example health, growth, and reproductive ability. Non‐native invasive parasites, in particular, may have large effects on the endemic hosts, given that the hosts lack evolved specific defences against such parasites. The swim bladder nematodeAnguillicola crassus, an invasive parasite originating from Asia, is found in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla, L. 1758), since the 1980s. We investigated whetherA. crassusaffected several indicators related to health of the European eel (spleen‐ and liver size, body fat content and relative condition). Our results indicate that during the continental residency of the eels, infection byA. crassushad no major negative impacts on the investigated health indicators at the generally low infection intensities present in this study (median 2–3 visible parasites). Given that many of the adult eels were found to have swim bladder damage, concerns about their spawning migration through deeper oceanic environments can still be raised. To allow further investigations, we suggest that quantification of swim bladder damage should be implemented in eel‐monitoring programs. Compared to other parasite pressure parameters, swim bladder damage provides additional information about past infections and future problems.
A study on the delayed effect of tilapia skin collagen on skin aging for mice and its possible mechanism
Authors: Pu Xinyue , Qu Yan
Published: June 2023

Objective

Study the possible mechanism and delayed effect of tilapia skin collagen on skin aging for mice.

Materials and Methods

Kunming (KM) mice were randomly divided into the aging model group, the normal group, the positive control group (vitamin E) and the low, medium, high dose tilapia skin collagen groups (2.0, 4.0, 8.0 mg/g). The normal group was only injected with saline at the back and the neck. The other groups were injected subcutaneously with 5% D‐galactose and ultraviolet light jointly to establish the aging model. After modeling, the positive control group was treated with a dose of 10% vitamin E once a day, and the low, medium, high dose tilapia skin collagen group was separately applied 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 mg/g of tilapia skin collagen for 40 days. The changes of skin tissue morphology, water content, hydroxyproline (Hyp) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in mice were studied at the day 10, 20, 30, 40, 50.

Results

Compared with the normal group, the skin of mice in the aging model group was thinner, looser, and the skin moisture content, Hyp content, SOD activity were all decreased. For mice of the low, medium, high dose tilapia skin collagen group, the thickness of dermis increased, possessing close arrangement, and the moisture content, Hyp content, SOD activity were up‐regulated significantly, which effectively alleviated the aging process of skin. The dose of tilapia skin collagen was directly proportional to the anti‐aging effect.

Conclusions

Tilapia skin collagen has an obvious effect on improving skin aging.
A testing approach to clustering scalar time series
Authors: Peña Daniel , Tsay Ruey S.
Published: June 2023

This article considers clustering stationary scalar time series using their marginal properties and a hierarchical method. Two major issues involved are to detect the existence of clusters and to determine their number. We propose a new test statistic for detecting whether a data set consists of multiple clusters and a new procedure to determine the number of clusters. The proposed method is based on the jumps, that is, the increments, in the heights of the dendrogram when a hierarchical clustering is applied to the data. We use autoregressive sieve bootstrap to obtain a reference distribution of the test statistics and propose an iterative procedure to find the number of clusters. The clusters found are internally homogeneous according to the test statistics used in the analysis. The performance of the proposed procedure in finite samples is investigated by Monte Carlo simulations and illustrated by some empirical examples. Comparisons with some existing methods for selecting the number of clusters are also investigated.
Associations of anomalous water temperature, salinity, and pH with change in water color of fish farming ponds
Authors: Chuang Cheng‐Han , Chiu Uei‐Chen , Huang Chang‐Wen , Chang Kuan Y.
Published: June 2023

Maintaining proper green water is important for a fish farming pond. However, it remains unclear how to translate this important rule into specific water quality characteristics to associate or even forecast changes in water color. To address this issue, we conducted a study based on daily monitoring of six grouper ponds in Fangliao Township, Pingtung, Taiwan, from March to December 2018. We investigated the relationships between changes in water color and anomalies in water temperature, salinity, and pH, as these three parameters had the most complete records. We employed a long‐short‐term memory model to detect water quality anomalies by computing residual values. Our findings indicate that changes in water color were associated with anomalies in these parameters, with water temperature anomalies being the best indicator for early detection. In fact, the top 5% of water temperature anomalies could predict over 40% of the water color changes. Additionally, pH anomalies occurred immediately after the color changes. This rule‐to‐physicochemical‐parameter paradigm that we developed for grouper ponds could be applied to other aquaculture farms. We anticipate that with the help of advanced environmental surveillance models, such as the one we used, the prospect of autonomous fish farming will be realized.