bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of postnatal erythropoietin and nano‐erythropoietin on behavioral alterations by mediating K‐Cl co‐transporter 2 in the valproic acid‐induced rat model of autism
Authors: Haratizadeh Sara , Ranjbar Mehdi , Darvishzadeh‐Mahani Fatemeh , Basiri Mohsen , Nozari Masoumeh
Published: December 2022

In this study, based on the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance theory of autism, the time window of GABA switch, the role of K‐Cl co‐transporter 2 (KCC2) in adjustment GABA switch, and brain permeability to erythropoietin (EPO), the effects of postnatal ‐EPO and‐ nano‐ erythropoietin (NEPO) have been evaluated in the valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism. The VPA was administered for animal modeling of autism at gestational day (GD) 12.5 (600 mg/kg). Male offsprings were injected with EPO and NEPO in a clinically proper postnatal dosing regimen on postnatal days (PND) 1–5, and autistic‐like behaviors were tested at the end of the first month. Then animals were sacrificed, and neuron morphology and KCC2 expression were examined by Nissl staining and Western blot. According to our findings, high‐dose NEPO improved autism‐associated phenotypes. Neuroprotective effects of EPO and NEPO have been shown in the hippocampus. Postnatal NEPO treatment reversed KCC2 expression abnormalities induced by prenatal VPA. Our results might support the role of KCC2 in ASD and the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance hypothesis. We suggested Nano‐ erythropoietin and other KCC2 interventions as a new approach to the early treatment and prevention of autism.
Long‐term trends in wetland event response with permafrost thaw‐induced landscape transition and hummock development
Authors: Haynes Kristine M. , Frederick Ian , Disher Brenden , Carpino Olivia , Quinton William L.
Published: December 2022

Northwestern Canada's discontinuous permafrost landscape is transitioning rapidly due to permafrost thaw, with the conversion of elevated, forested peat plateaus to low‐lying, treeless wetlands. Increasing hydrological connectivity leads to partial drainage of previously isolated wetlands, which subsequently develop hummock–hollow microtopography. Ultimately, the ecohydrological feedbacks associated with climate‐driven permafrost thaw have led to the expansion of treed wetlands in plateau–wetland complexes. Field research and aerial imagery analyses were conducted at the Scotty Creek Research Station, Northwest Territories, to examine the development of hummock terrain over time and the resultant impacts on the hydrological response of wetlands connected to the basin drainage network. The area of peat plateaus underlain by permafrost declined between 2010 and 2018. The total area of hummock terrain increased in the basin in the same time period, with an overall decrease in the hummock perimeter‐to‐area ratio as small individual hummocks increased in size and aggregated into larger hummock complexes occupied by re‐establishing trees. With the development and expansion of hummock terrain, the tortuosity of flowpaths draining wetlands increased. The average wetland water level recession constants following precipitation events became shorter over the 15 year period of record (2003–2017). The average time of water level rise in response to precipitation events decreased over time, as precipitation was directed quickly to runoff. As permafrost thaw reduces the cover of peat plateaus in exchange for increased wetland area, the presence of treed wetlands appears to be transitioning plateau–wetland complexes into permafrost‐free forest, facilitated by the growth of hummock terrain. Permafrost thaw‐induced wetland transition triggers ecohydrological feedbacks with the potential to alter the availability and sustainability of freshwater resources.
High variation in handling times confers 35‐year stability to predator feeding rates despite community change
Authors: Novak Mark
Published: December 2022

Historical resurveys of ecological communities are important for placing the structure of modern ecosystems in context. Rarely, however, are snapshot surveys alone sufficient for providing direct insight into the rates of the ecological processes underlying community functioning, either now or in the past. In this study, I used a statistically reasoned observational approach to estimate the feeding rates of a New Zealand intertidal predator, Haustrum haustorium, using diet surveys performed at several sites by Robert Paine in 1968–1969 and by me in 2004. Comparisons between time periods reveal a remarkable consistency in the predator's prey‐specific feeding rates, which contrasts with the changes I observed in prey abundances, the predator's body‐size distribution, and the prey's proportional contributions to the predator's apparent diet. Although these and additional changes in the predator's per‐capita attack rates seem to show adaptive changes in its prey preferences, they do not. Rather, feeding‐rate stability is an inherently statistical consequence of the predator's high among‐prey variation in handling times which determine the length of time that feeding events will remain detectable to observers performing diet surveys. Though understudied, similarly high among‐prey variation in handling (or digestion) times is evident in many predator species throughout the animal kingdom. The resultant disconnect between a predator's apparent diet and its actual feeding rates suggests that much of the temporal, biogeographic, and seemingly context‐dependent variation that is often perceived in community structure, predator diets, and food‐web topology may be of less functional consequence than assumed. Qualitative changes in ecological pattern need not represent qualitative changes in ecological process.
A Self‐Healing and Nonflammable Cross‐Linked Network Polymer Electrolyte with the Combination of Hydrogen Bonds and Dynamic Disulfide Bonds for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Chen Kai , Sun Yuxue , Zhang Xiaorong , Liu Jun , Xie Haiming
Published: December 2022

The self‐healing solid polymer electrolytes (SHSPEs) can spontaneously eliminate mechanical damages or micro‐cracks generated during the assembly or operation of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), significantly improving cycling performance and extending service life of LIBs. Here, we report a novel cross‐linked network SHSPE (PDDP) containing hydrogen bonds and dynamic disulfide bonds with excellent self‐healing properties and non‐flammability. The combination of hydrogen bonding between urea groups and the metathesis reaction of dynamic disulfide bonds endows PDDP with rapid self‐healing capacity at 28 °C without external stimulation. Furthermore, the addition of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIMTFSI) improves the ionic conductivity (1.13 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 28 °C) and non‐flammability of PDDP. The assembled Li/PDDP/LiFePO4 cell exhibits excellent cycling performance with a discharge capacity of 137 mA h g−1 after 300 cycles at 0.2 C. More importantly, the self‐healed PDDP can recover almost the same ionic conductivity and cycling performance as the original PDDP.
Applicability of new proposed criteria for iron deficiency in Japanese patients with heart failure
Authors: Tada Atsushi , Nagai Toshiyuki , Koya Taro , Nakao Motoki , Ishizaka Suguru , Mizuguchi Yoshifumi , Aoyagi Hiroyuki , Imagawa Shogo , Tokuda Yusuke , Takahashi Masashige , Kato Yoshiya , Machida Masaharu , Matsutani Kenichi , Saito Takahiko , Anzai Toshihisa ,   the ELMSTAT‐HF investigators
Published: December 2022

Aims

Iron deficiency (ID) is a common co‐morbidity in patients with heart failure (HF). A recent study showed that ID defined by the current guideline criteria was not associated with worse clinical outcomes, and new ID criteria was proposed in patients with HF. However, the external applicability of the new proposed criteria is unclear. We sought to investigate the applicability of the proposed ID criteria in Japanese patients with HF.

Methods and results

We prospectively examined 763 patients with chronic HF from a Japanese multicentre registry. The proposed ID criteria were transferrin saturation (TSAT) < 20% and serum iron ≤13 mmol/L and the guideline ID criteria were serum ferritin <100 ng/mL or, when ferritin was 100–299 ng/mL, TSAT <20%. Among all patients (456 male, mean age 71 ± 13 years), 213 (28%) and 444 (58%) met the proposed and guideline ID criteria, respectively. During a median follow‐up period of 436 days (interquartile range 297–565), the primary outcome of all‐cause mortality occurred in 56 (7%) patients. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome between the patients with and without guideline ID criteria (P = 0.32), whereas patients with serum iron ≤10 μmol/L showed higher mortality (P = 0.002). In multivariable Cox regressions, the proposed ID criteria, but not guideline ID criteria, were independently associated with the risk of all‐cause mortality (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.16–3.51 and HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.76–2.28, respectively), even after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions

When defined by the proposed criteria and not the guideline criteria, ID was associated with higher mortality in patients with chronic HF, suggesting that the proposed ID criteria is applicable to the Japanese population.
How Methylammonium Iodide Reactant Size Affects Morphology and Defect Properties of Mechanochemically Synthesized MAPbI3 Powder
Authors: Leupold Nico , Ramming Philipp , Bauer Irene , Witt Christina , Jungklaus Jennifer , Moos Ralf , Grüninger Helen , Panzer Fabian
Published: December 2022

Here, we investigate in detail the impact of the size of the methylammonium iodide (MAI) reactants in the mechanochemical powder synthesis of the halide perovskite methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3). Morphology and structural characterizations by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction reveal that with increasing MAI reactant size, the particle size of the perovskite powder increases, while its defect density decreases, as suggested by nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy and photoluminescence investigations. The reason for this behavior seems to be associated to the sensitive influence of the MAI size on the time durations of MAPbI3 synthesis and delayed MAPbI3 crushing stage during ball milling. Thus, our results emphasize the high importance the reactant properties have on the mechanochemical synthesis of halide perovskites and will contribute to enhance the reproducibility and control of the fabrication of halide perovskites in powder form.
Quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation of genotoxicity data provides protective estimates of in vivo dose
Authors: Beal Marc A. , Audebert Marc , Barton‐Maclaren Tara , Battaion Hannah , Bemis Jeffrey C. , Cao Xuefei , Chen Connie , Dertinger Stephen D. , Froetschl Roland , Guo Xiaoqing , Johnson George , Hendriks Giel , Khoury Laure , Long Alexandra S. , Pfuhler Stefan , Settivari Raja S. , Wickramasuriya Shamika , White Paul
Published: December 2022

Genotoxicity assessment is a critical component in the development and evaluation of chemicals. Traditional genotoxicity assays (i.e., mutagenicity, clastogenicity, and aneugenicity) have been limited to dichotomous hazard classification, while other toxicity endpoints are assessed through quantitative determination of points‐of‐departures (PODs) for setting exposure limits. The more recent higher‐throughput in vitro genotoxicity assays, many of which also provide mechanistic information, offer a powerful approach for determining defined PODs for potency ranking and risk assessment. In order to obtain relevant human dose context from the in vitro assays, in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) models are required to determine what dose would elicit a concentration in the body demonstrated to be genotoxic using in vitro assays. Previous work has demonstrated that application of IVIVE models to in vitro bioactivity data can provide PODs that are protective of human health, but there has been no evaluation of how these models perform with in vitro genotoxicity data. Thus, the Genetic Toxicology Technical Committee, under the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, conducted a case study on 31 reference chemicals to evaluate the performance of IVIVE application to genotoxicity data. The results demonstrate that for most chemicals considered here (20/31), the PODs derived from in vitro data and IVIVE are health protective relative to in vivo PODs from animal studies. PODs were also protective by assay target: mutations (8/13 chemicals), micronuclei (9/12), and aneugenicity markers (4/4). It is envisioned that this novel testing strategy could enhance prioritization, rapid screening, and risk assessment of genotoxic chemicals.
Minimizing the transport loss and degradation of perovskite optoelectronics via grain dimerization technique
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Yun Alan Jiwan , Park Byungwoo , Kim Jinhyun
Published: December 2022

As a next‐generation photovoltaic device, perovskite solar cell (PSC) is rapidly emerging by its appealing properties. Nevertheless, owing to the degradation which is initiated from the grain boundaries and dangling bonds on the surface, PSC is struggling with not only power conversion efficiency (PCE) but its stability. Herein, dimerization technique using diphenyl(4‐vinylphenyl)phosphine (DVP) is suggested to heal both bulk and interfaces of the perovskite grains. Effective DVP dimerization results in the minimized‐defect perovskite and constructs strong cross‐linking networks inside the grains, enabling improved device performance, reproducibility and stability. Furthermore, hydrophobic species of DVP boost the stability against humidity, which is confirmed by the solar cell dipped in water. As a result, this work obtained PSCs with improved film morphology, reproducibility and stability by DVP dimerization, achieving 21.1% of PCE stable for 1000 h under extreme conditions (AM 1.5G and 60°C, encapsulated).

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A new nonlinear spring‐dashpot model of CPRF of NPP structure based on coupled BEM‐FEM approach
Authors: Firoj Mohd , Maheshwari Bal Krishna
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a BEM‐FEM coupled model of combined piled raft foundation (CPRF) is proposed for both the frequency domain and the time domain dynamic analyses of a NPP structure in the linear, equivalent linear and nonlinear soil domain. The piles are modeled using the finite element method as a beam element, while the raft and internal domain of soil are modeled using the eight nodded brick element. It is assumed that the piles are rigidly connected with the raft. The nonlinearity of soil is modeled using the hyperbolic stress–strain relation and Modified Drucker–Prager Model. The boundary of the layered soil domain is modeled using the boundary element method. For simplification, it is assumed that the raft and piles are rigidly connected with the soil that means there are no slip and separation conditions at the interface of pile‐soil and raft‐soil. In order to validate the proposed approach, numerical results, that is, impedances in the horizontal, vertical and rocking directions, are compared with the published literature. Further, dynamic analyses of a lumped structure founded on CPRF is carried out in the time domain and frequency domain using these impedances and results are compared with the FEM. It is found that the spring‐dashpot models give the reasonably good agreement with finite element method for linear, equivalent linear and nonlinear models for both frequency domain and time domain analyses. Moreover, practical application of proposed model is shown for a very large problem of raft‐pile‐soil‐structure interaction such as a NPP structure on the layered soil. It was found that the nonlinearity significantly increases the response of the NPP structure. The proposed model has many advantage over the finite element model, for example, first it is very simple and second it reduced the computation time significantly with the good accuracy.
Evaluating the Sensitivity of Spectral and Synthetic Aperture Radar-based Forest Degradation Products in the Peruvian Amazon Forest
Authors: Ahmed Hasan , Pinto Naiara , Fagan Matthew
Published: December 2022

Detection and monitoring of tropical forest degradation is crucial to
climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation efforts. Several
algorithms have been recently developed to monitor forest degradation
and disturbance using remote sensing. However, these algorithms differ
in local predictions due to the variation in the biogeophysical
parameters used as degradation proxies. It is crucial to assess their
relative performance and shortcomings in order to develop a clear
understanding of the conditions under which each algorithm will detect a
disturbance. In this study, we used GEDI lidar data on forest structure
to examine the sensitivity of widely used forest disturbance and
degradation products in a frontier tropical forest landscape in the
Peruvian Amazon. We compared a leading spectral-based degradation
algorithm (Continuous Degradation Detection (CODED)) with a radar-based
algorithm (ALOS-2 PalSAR-2 based Radar Forest degradation Index (RFDI)).
Given the sensitivity of radar to canopy cover and volume, we
hypothesized that a single radar observation may detect degradation
better than a long spectral time series. We first identified stable
forests for reference structure in two ways: using disturbance
stratification data from CODED, and using Peruvian protected areas. Our
analysis showed that CODED performed below expectations in detecting
forest degradation, often including patches that were regrowing after
clear-felling in its “degraded” class. As CODED classified spectral
changes over time rather than capturing structural variability, it
classified 82% of palm plantations area as “degraded.” CODED also
failed to detect degradation in forest areas that were likely partially
disturbed (i.e., with low height and high cover). By contrast, the
PalSAR-2 RFDI showed a significant relationship with forest height
(detecting low height in degraded forests), although its predictive
ability was limited due to high variability and signal saturation. Our
study supports the conclusion that radar-based observation can detect
forest degradation that the time series observation failed to detect.
Given the limited correspondence between radar and spectral algorithms,
we suggest that integrations of spectral and radar data may be
beneficial for mapping forest degradation.
Free‐space optical communication assisted emergency communication scheme against multiple fiber link failures in low‐edge‐connected optical networks
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Xin , Xu Wei , Huang Shanguo
Published: December 2022

The optical network may become disconnected under fiber link failures if its edge connectivity is not greater than the number of link failures, this will make the transmissions of many services to be interrupted. In the optical network with lengths of fiber links from several kilometers to more than 10 km, free‐space optical (FSO) links can provide considerable capacity for the transmissions of large‐bandwidth services. Using FSO links to establish the emergency communication path for uninterrupted transmission can be seen as a viable scheme. In this paper, we propose the FSO communication assisted emergency communication (FSOC‐EC) scheme against multiple fiber link failures in the low‐edge‐connected optical network. Using FSO links and fiber links to establish emergency communication paths can achieve a quick recovery for communication. The layout of FSO transceivers can be seen as a classic NP‐hard problem. To reduce capital expenditure (CAPEX), we propose an integer linear programming (ILP) model and a heuristic algorithm for the layout of FSO transceivers. And to improve the protection success rate (PSR) of services, we propose an ILP model and a heuristic algorithm to pre‐allocate the wavelengths on FSO links. We consider the adverse influence of rainfall on FSO links and propose the corresponding schemes to alleviate this on FSOC‐EC. Simulation results show that adding available FSO links in different locations can alleviate the adverse influence of rainfall and increase the network connected rate (NCR) under multiple fiber link failures, and FSOC‐EC can greatly improve PSR.
Taxonomic update ofDryadella(Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) based on morphometric analyses of three species of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest
Authors: Imig Daniela Cristina , Silvério Righetto Mauad Anna Victória , da Silva‐Pereira Viviane , Toscano de Brito Antonio Luiz Vieira , Smidt Eric de Camargo
Published: December 2022

Dryadella(Orchidaceae, Epidendreae) is a Neotropical genus predominantly distributed in the Andean region and the Atlantic rainforest (ARF). Three species occurring in the Brazilian ARF,Dryadella edwallii,D. wuerstlei, andD. zebrina, are challenge to tell apart due to the overlap of morphological characters that define them, so we considered these species as morphotypes. To evaluate the current taxonomic status and to identify suitable characters for the better delimitation of taxon within this group, we measured and analyzed 40 flower characters from 145 individuals of 23 populations distributed throughout the geographical range of this species complex, representing all the morphological diversity of these morphotypes. We performed a principal component analysis (PCA) to summarize all the morphological variations found and a permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) to verify whether the groups formed by the PCA are statistically different. To assess the phenetic relationships among individuals, we generated an unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram. As a result, it was possible to clearly differentiateD. wuerstleifrom the two other species. The variables that contributed most to the differentiation of the species were the perimeter and area of the sepals (SD1, SD2, SL10); area and width of the apex, mid‐portion, and base of the petals (PT19, PT21, PT22, and PT2); and the measurements of the base and widest portion of the lip blade (LB36, LB38). The second group was formed by all individuals ofD. edwalliiandD. zebrinawhich present highly overlapping characters with no clear separation between their populations based on PCA and UPGMA results. With this in view, we considered thatD. edwalliiandD. zebrinacorrespond to a single species, whileD. wuerstleishould remain recognized as a distinct species. We present a taxonomic circumscription ofD. wuerstleiandD. zebrinato clarify the taxonomic delimitation of these taxa, highlighting morphological diagnostic characters and their geographical distribution.
Remaining useful lifetime prediction methods of proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on convolutional neural network‐long short‐term memory and convolutional neural network‐bidirectional long short‐term memory
Authors: Peng Yulin , Chen Tao , Xiao Fei , Zhang Shaojie
Published: December 2022

As a promising energy conversion device, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been widely used in many fields. However, its commercialization is limited by its useful lifetime, so it's very important to predict the remaining useful lifetime (RUL). In this paper, an RUL prediction method of PEMFC based on convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short‐term memory (LSTM) is proposed. First, for data processing, we use Savitzky‐Golay to smooth the datasets, a box plot to remove the outliers, and Z‐score to normalize the datasets. Then, we perform experiments on different lengths of time series data to find the best parameters and test the generalization ability of the model to long‐term and short‐term forecasts. Eventually, the results indicated that CNN‐LSTM and CNN‐bidirectional LSTM (CNN‐BiLSTM) can get very accurate predictions with the relative error values of CNN‐LSTM being 0.07% and CNN‐BiLSTM only 0.03%. Furthermore, we discover that the training and prediction speed of the models are improved due to the addition of CNN. Therefore, we can quickly and accurately predict the RUL of PEMFC in the long term and short term.
Schwann cell stimulation induces functional and structural changes in peripheral nerves
Authors: Ciotu Cosmin I. , Kistner Katrin , Kaindl Ulrich , Millesi Flavia , Weiss Tamara , Radtke Christine , Kremer Andreas , Schmidt Katy , Fischer Michael J. M.
Published: December 2022

Signal propagation is the essential function of nerves. Lysophosphatidic acid 18:1 (LPA) allows the selective stimulation of calcium signaling in Schwann cells but not neurons. Here, the time course of slowing and amplitude reduction on compound action potentials due to LPA exposure was observed in myelinated and unmyelinated fibers of the mouse, indicating a clear change of axonal function. Teased nerve fiber imaging showed that Schwann cell activation is also present in axon‐attached Schwann cells in freshly isolated peripheral rat nerves. The LPA receptor 1 was primarily localized at the cell extensions in isolated rat Schwann cells, suggesting a role in cell migration. Structural investigation of rat C‐fibers demonstrated that LPA leads to an evagination of the axons from their Schwann cells. In A‐fibers, the nodes of Ranvier appeared unchanged, but the Schmidt‐Lanterman incisures were shortened and myelination reduced. The latter might increase leak current, reducing the potential spread to the next node of Ranvier and explain the changes in conduction velocity. The observed structural changes provide a plausible explanation for the functional changes in myelinated and unmyelinated axons of peripheral nerves and the reported sensory sensations such as itch and pain.
Psychological adjustment to initial treatment for low‐risk thyroid cancer: Preliminary study
Authors: Seo Gabriella T. , Urken Mark L. , Wein Lauren E. , Saturno Michael P. , Kapustin Danielle , Xing Monica H. , Yue Lauren E. , Dowling Eric M. , Revenson Tracey A. , Roberts Katherine J. , Tuttle Robert Michael
Published: December 2022

Background

Low‐risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (LR‐PTC) can be managed by immediate surgery (IS) or active surveillance (AS). We compare the psychological impact of these treatments on patients with LR‐PTC.

Methods

Psychological data were collected over 1 year, with assessments at the time of treatment decision (T1), at 6 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) follow‐up. Assessments included 13 validated psychological tools.

Results

Of 27 enrolled patients, 20 chose AS and 7 chose IS. The average times to T2 and T3 were 5.7 and 11.3 months, respectively. For both groups, Impact of Events Scale scores significantly decreased (p = 0.001) at T2, and depressive/anxiety symptoms remained low.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of assessing psychological outcomes among patients treated for LR‐PTC. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of AS versus IS on quality of life and changes that patients experience over longer time periods following their treatment decision.
Presentation and outcomes of Listeria‐affected pregnancies in Johannesburg tertiary hospitals: A 2‐year review
Authors: Iiyambo Olivia‐Joan , Baba Vuyelwa , Thomas Juno , Sekwadi Phuti , Naidoo Poovangela
Published: December 2022

Objective

To describe maternal risk factors, presentations, peripartum findings, and pregnancy outcomes in Listeria monocytogenes‐infected women.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive case review. The records of 51 pregnant women infected with listeriosis who delivered infants between February 1, 2016 and February 28, 2018 at three academic hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa, were included. The diagnosis of listeriosis was made on maternal/neonatal‐sampled blood or tissue cultures.

Results

Forty‐eight (82.3%) Listeria infections of maternal and neonatal listeriosis were diagnosed on blood culture. The median gestational age at diagnosis was at a preterm gestation of 33 (20–43) weeks. Twenty‐eight women (54.9%) had normal vaginal deliveries. Precipitous labor was described in 18 (39%) of these women. Fetal distress was the indication for cesarean section in 22 (41.2%) women. Meconium‐stained amniotic fluid was found in 21 (61.7%) women at the time of delivery. The category of very low birth weight had 14 (27.4%) neonates with an Apgar score of less than 7 at 5 min. Maternal morbidities included chorioamnionitis (3 [5.8%]) and puerperal infections (7 [13.7%]). The HIV‐positive anemic women had a tendency towards listerial infections.

Conclusions

Symptoms of listeriosis were non‐specific and diagnosis was detected on blood culture sampling. Risk factors included HIV seropositivity and were associated with puerperal infections and anemia.
Genetic causes of isolated and severe fetal growth restriction in normal chromosomal microarray analysis
Authors: Zhou Hang , Fu Fang , Wang You , Li Ru , Li Yingsi , Cheng Ken , Huang Ruibin , Wang Dan , Yu Qiuxia , Lu Yan , Lei Tingying , Yang Xin , Liao Can
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate the genetic burden in fetuses with isolated and severe fetal growth restriction (FGR) using Trio whole‐exome sequencing (WES) with a normal chromosomal microarray.

Method

This retrospective study analyzed WES results of singleton fetuses with isolated and severe FGR, whose estimated fetal weight (EFW) was less than the third percentile by Hadlock formula, in a tertiary center between March 2016 and March 2022. Cases with abnormal chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and TORCH results were excluded.

Results

Fifty‐one fetuses with isolated and severe FGR and negative CMA results underwent Trio‐WES. Of all patients, eight (15.7%) were diagnosed with FGR at its early onset (<32 weeks) and showed pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants involving Nipped‐B‐like protein gene (NIPBL) (n = 3), fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (n = 1), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit alpha 1 (n = 1), collagen, type I, alpha 1 (n = 1), superkiller viralicidic activity 2‐like (n = 1), and chloride voltage‐gated channel (CLCN5) (n = 1). De novo–generated variants were identified in five fetuses, of which two were novel, including c.6983C>A (p. Thr2328Lys) in NIPBL and c.934‐1G>T in CLCN5. Genetic disorders involved Cornelia de Lange syndrome and metabolic and skeletal genetic diseases.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that Trio‐WES can improve effectivity of prenatal diagnoses for isolated and severe FGR in cases with normal CMA results, aiding prenatal genetic counseling and pregnancy management for FGR fetuses.
Metastasectomy of a solitary liver tumor from prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Hayashi Tomoyuki , Yoshida Kenji , Tamura Chiharu , Miyazawa Yoshio , Sato Masahiko , Miyamoto Taito , Nakagawa Masayuki
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Metastasectomy of oligometastatic prostate cancer has the potential to contribute to improving prognosis. We report on a case of metastasectomy of solitary liver tumor after radical prostatectomy.

Case presentation

An 80‐year‐old man underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, followed by radiotherapy after the operation because of increased serum prostate‐specific antigen levels of 0.529 ng/mL. Levels increased further to 0.997 ng/mL even after salvage therapy. The patient then received androgen deprivation therapy. Levels remained stable for 3 years, but rapidly increased to 19.781 ng/mL in the following 6 months. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a solitary liver tumor, and no metastasis to other sites was identified. The patient underwent liver segmentectomy. Microscopic examination of excised specimens revealed prostate cancer cells. Five years after surgery, serum prostate‐specific antigen maintained to the lowest level so far.

Conclusion

Metastasectomy might be a beneficial therapeutic option to improve the prognosis for solitary metastasis from prostate cancer.
Parent–Child Relationship Scale (P‐CRS): A valid and clinically sensitive tool for assessing the parent‐child relationship
Authors: Quintigliano Maria , Fortunato Alexandro , Lauriola Marco , Speranza Anna Maria
Published: December 2022

The present study measured the efficacy of the Parent–Child Relationship Scale (P‐CRS) in assessing the relationship between parents and children. The aims of the study were to explore how the scale scores change in relation to age and sex of the children, evaluate its ability to capture relational difficulties, and investigating its usefulness to assess the parent‐child relationship in the context of certain psychopathological conditions. A total of 322 clinicians rated 542 mother–child dyads (92% Italian, 8% other nationality). The clinical group was comprised of 267 children with confirmed clinical conditions. The control group was comprised of 275 children with typical development, rated by clinicians in their private offices after four to five evaluative sessions. Descriptive statistics were captured and ANOVAs and linear regression analyses were performed to investigate in both groups the efficacy of the scale in assessing the parent‐child relationship. Finally, to test P‐CRS accuracy, optimal cutoff scores for each subscale were computed using the ROC method. The findings provide evidence for the P‐CRS ability to capture relational difficulties in both groups, showing its utility as screening tool. Thus, the results support that P‐CRS can be used for exploring how different relationship patterns can occur in different clinical conditions.
Thirteen dubious ways to detect conserved structural RNAs
Authors: Gao William , Yang Ann , Rivas Elena
Published: December 2022

Covariation induced by compensatory base substitutions in RNA alignments is a great way to deduce conserved RNA structure, in principle. In practice, success depends on many factors, importantly the quality and depth of the alignment and the choice of covariation statistic. Measuring covariation between pairs of aligned positions is easy. However, using covariation to infer evolutionarily conserved RNA structure is complicated by other extraneous sources of covariation such as that resulting from homologous sequences having evolved from a common ancestor. In order to provide evidence of evolutionarily conserved RNA structure, a method to distinguish covariation due to sources other than RNA structure is necessary. Moreover, there are several sorts of artifactually generated covariation signals that can further confound the analysis. Additionally, some covariation signal is difficult to detect due to incomplete comparative data. Here, we investigate and critically discuss the practice of inferring conserved RNA structure by comparative sequence analysis. We provide new methods on how to approach and decide which of the numerous long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have biologically relevant structures.
Benchmarking biomolecular force field‐based Zn2+ for mono‐ and bimetallic ligand binding sites
Authors: Melse Okke , Antes Iris , Kaila Ville R. I. , Zacharias Martin
Published: December 2022

Zn2+ is one of the most versatile biologically available metal ions, but accurate modeling of Zn2+‐containing metalloproteins at the biomolecular force field level can be challenging. Since most Zn2+ models are parameterized in bulk solvent, in‐depth knowledge about their performance in a protein environment is limited. Thus, we systematically investigate here the behavior of non‐polarizable Zn2+ models for their ability to reproduce experimentally determined metal coordination and ligand binding in metalloproteins. The benchmarking is performed in challenging environments, including mono‐ (carbonic anhydrase II) and bimetallic (metallo‐β‐lactamase VIM‐2) ligand binding sites. We identify key differences in the performance between the Zn2+ models with regard to the preferred ligating atoms (charged/non‐charged), attraction of water molecules, and the preferred coordination geometry. Based on these results, we suggest suitable simulation conditions for varying Zn2+ site geometries that could guide the further development of biomolecular Zn2+ models.
Extremely asymmetric sawtooth potential in the ratchet theory
Authors: Rozenbaum Viktor M. , Shapochkina Irina V. , Teranishi Yoshiaki , Witek Henryk A. , Trakhtenberg Leonid I.
Published: December 2022

We present a review of analytical approaches involved in developing the ratchet theory, which are based on the model of extremely asymmetric sawtooth potential. Analytical expressions are given for the average velocity of ratchets which operate in various motion modes, namely, motion induced by dichotomous half‐period shifts of potential profiles, adiabatic and high‐temperature modes, and motion induced by small fluctuations of an arbitrary type. The presence of jumps in the periodic extremely asymmetric sawtooth potential profile leads to a number of features of the obtained solutions which follow from the competition of the reverse sliding time tending to infinity with high fluctuation frequencies. The resulting dependences of the average velocity on the ratchet parameters clearly demonstrate that the motion direction can be controlled by tuning the frequency and temperature. The heuristic value of the presented models for controlling nanoparticle transport is discussed.
Sex‐specific effects of developmental morphine exposure and rearing environments on hippocampal spatial memory
Authors: Sarkaki Alireza , Mard Seyed Ali , Bakhtiari Nima , Yazdanfar Neda
Published: December 2022

Developmental morphine (MOR) exposure (DME) detrimentally affects the cognitive abilities of the next generation. It is shown that postnatal rearing environments and prenatal conditions effectively impact memory. The present study investigated the effects of DME, postweaning rearing, and sex on spatial learning and memory. At molecular level, we evaluated mRNA levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, cyclic AMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), μ‐opioid receptor, and ΔFosB in the hippocampus of male offspring. Female Wistar rats were treated with escalating doses of MOR or saline before mating, gestation, and lactation. On Postnatal Day 22, the male and female pups were divided into 12 groups and raised for 2 months under different conditions: standard, isolated (ISO), or enriched environment. Afterward, the Morris water maze task measured spatial learning and reference memory; rats were then sacrificed to assess hippocampus gene expressions. Results indicated the DME and isolated rearing increased latency to find the hidden platform in male offspring. DME was insignificant in female offspring, whereas rearing environments significantly altered escape latency in both sexes. We also found that the enriched environment upregulated the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor mRNA in both saline and MOR groups, whereas it downregulated the mRNA levels of CREB1, μ‐opioid receptor, and ΔFosB in the MOR group. In addition, the DME enhanced CREB1, μ‐opioid receptor, and ΔFosB gene expression in the MOR + isolated group. Our findings signified the effects of DME, rearing environment, and sex on the spatial learning abilities of offspring. Also, we showed that DME and rearing conditions could manipulate hippocampal neurochemistry.
Psychophysical Evaluation of Visual vs. Computer‐Aided Detection of Brain Lesions on Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Solomon Chen , Shmueli Omer , Shrot Shai , Blumenfeld‐Katzir Tamar , Radunsky Dvir , Omer Noam , Stern Neta , Reichman Dominique Ben‐Ami , Hoffmann Chen , Salti Moti , Greenspan Hayit , Ben‐Eliezer Noam
Published: December 2022

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnosis is usually performed by analyzing contrast‐weighted images, where pathology is detected once it reached a certain visual threshold. Computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) has been proposed as a way for achieving higher sensitivity to early pathology.

Purpose

To compare conventional (i.e., visual) MRI assessment of artificially generated multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions in the brain's white matter to CAD based on a deep neural network.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A total of 25 neuroradiologists (15 males, age 39 ± 9, 9 ± 9.8 years of experience) independently assessed all synthetic lesions.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T, T2‐weighted multi‐echo spin‐echo (MESE) sequence.

Assessment

MS lesions of varying severity levels were artificially generated in healthy volunteer MRI scans by manipulating T2 values. Radiologists and a neural network were tasked with detecting these lesions in a series of 48 MR images. Sixteen images presented healthy anatomy and the rest contained a single lesion at eight increasing severity levels (6%, 9%, 12%, 15%, 18%, 21%, 25%, and 30% elevation in T2). True positive (TP) rates, false positive (FP) rates, and odds ratios (ORs) were compared between radiological diagnosis and CAD across the range lesion severity levels.

Statistical Tests

Diagnostic performance of the two approaches was compared using z‐tests on TP rates, FP rates, and the logarithm of ORs across severity levels. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

ORs of identifying pathology were significantly higher for CAD vis‐à‐vis visual inspection for all lesions' severity levels. For a 6% change in T2 value (lowest severity), radiologists' TP and FP rates were not significantly different (P = 0.12), while the corresponding CAD results remained statistically significant.

Data Conclusion

CAD is capable of detecting the presence or absence of more subtle lesions with greater precision than the representative group of 25 radiologists chosen in this study.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Evaluation the efficacy and safety of N‐acetylcysteine inhalation spray in controlling the symptoms of patients with COVID‐19: An open‐label randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Panahi Yunes , Ghanei Mostafa , Rahimi Morteza , Samim Abbas , Vahedian‐Azimi Amir , Atkin Stephen L. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and safety of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) inhalation spray in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This randomized controlled clinical trial study was conducted on patients with COVID‐19. Eligible patients (n = 250) were randomly allocated into the intervention group (routine treatment + NAC inhaler spray one puff per 12 h, for 7 days) or the control group who received routine treatment alone. Clinical features, hemodynamic, hematological, biochemical parameters and patient outcomes were assessed and compared before and after treatment. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the control group than in the intervention group (39.2% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between the two groups (intervention and control, respectively) for white blood cell count (6.2 vs. 7.8, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (12.3 vs. 13.3, p = 0.002), C‐reactive protein (CRP: 6 vs. 11.5, p < 0.0001) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST: 32 vs. 25.5, p < 0.0001). No differences were seen for hospital length of stay (11.98 ± 3.61 vs. 11.81 ± 3.52, p = 0.814) or the requirement for intensive care unit (ICU) admission (7.2% vs. 11.2%, p = 0.274). NAC was beneficial in reducing the mortality rate in patients with COVID‐19 and inflammatory parameters, and a reduction in the development of severe respiratory failure; however, it did not affect the length of hospital stay or the need for ICU admission. Data on the effectiveness of NAC for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‐2 is limited and further research is required.
Mendelian randomization suggests a potential causal effect of eosinophil count on influenza vaccination responsiveness
Authors: Chen Hongwei , Zhang Haoyang , Wen Simin , Xiu Xuehao , You Danming , Zhao Huiying , Wang Dayan , Yang Yuedong , Shu Yuelong
Published: December 2022

Currently, the clinical factors affecting immune responses to influenza vaccines have not been systematically explored. The mechanism of low responsiveness to influenza vaccination (LRIV) is complicated and not thoroughly elucidated. Thus, we integrate our in‐house genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) analysis result of LRIV (N = 111, Ncase [Low Responders] = 34, Ncontrol [Responders] = 77) with the GWAS summary of 10 blood‐based biomarkers (sample size ranging from 62 076−108 794) deposited in BioBank Japan (BBJ) to comprehensively explore the shared genetics between LRIV and blood‐based biomarkers to investigate the causal relationships between blood‐based biomarkers and LRIV by Mendelian randomization (MR). The applications of four MR approaches (inverse‐variance‐weighted [IVW], weighted median, weighted mode, and generalized summary‐data‐based MR [GSMR]) suggested that the genetically instrumented LRIV was associated with decreased eosinophil count (β = −5.517 to −4.422, p = 0.004−0.039). Finally, we conclude that the low level of eosinophil count is a suggestive risk factor for LRIV.
Quantifying spatiotemporal variations and driving factors of the energy budget in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Fen Gou , Wei Liang , Jianwu Yan , Zhigang Chen , Shaobo Sun , Zhao Jin , Weibin Zhang
Published: December 2022

The land surface energy exchange indirectly describes the energy forcing effect of solar radiation on the atmospheric system. Exploring the exchange process is of great significance to understand the formation and change of weather and climate. Based on the ERA5 reanalysis data and a process‐based land surface model (the Ecosystem‐Atmosphere Simulation Scheme), this study analysed the spatiotemporal variations and influencing factors in the energy budget in the Loess Plateau (LP). The results showed that from 1990 to 2017, the average annual surface net radiation (Rn) and latent heat (LE) in the LP showed a decreasing trend. The Rn and LE presented an increased spatial pattern from northwest to southeast. On a monthly scale, the Grain for Green (GFG) project amplified the negative effect in the period of November to February and September, but diminished the negative effect in other months. Climate change contributed more to energy exchange than land cover change during the study period. Our results provide useful information for developing adaptive strategies for the region to adapt to global climate change.
Elevation‐dependent changes in the trend of reference evapotranspiration in the Tibetan Plateau during 1960–2017
Authors: Chang Yaping , Ding Yongjian , Zhao Qiudong , Qin Jia , Zhang Shiqiang
Published: December 2022

Elevation plays a crucial role in modulating the spatiotemporal distributions of climatic variables in mountainous regions, which affects water and energy balances, among which reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is a key hydrological indicator. However, the response of ET0 to climate change with elevation continues to be poorly understood, especially in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) which has elevation variations of more than 4,000 m. The spatiotemporal variations of ET0 with elevation were investigated using long‐term (1960–2017) meteorological observations from 82 stations on the TP. The results suggest that the average annual ET0 showed an insignificant increasing trend. A significant negative correlation between ET0 and elevation was found (p < .01). The positive trends of ET0 decreased with elevation, whereas the negative trends of ET0 increased significantly with elevation (p < .05). The magnitude of trends of ET0 becomes smaller at higher‐elevation stations. Sensitivity analysis indicated that ET0 was most sensitive to shortwave radiation (Rs). Moreover, the sensitivities of temperature (T) and wind speed (U) significantly decreased with elevation, whereas those of Rs and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) increased slightly with elevation. The contribution and path analyse indicated that increasing VPD was the dominant contributor to the increase in ET0. The effect of elevation on ET0 variation mainly depended on the tradeoff between the contributions of U and VPD. U was the largest contributing factor for the change in ET0 below 2,500 m, whereas VPD was the primary contributor to the increase in ET0 above 2,500 m. This study provides insights into the response of ET0 to climate change with elevation on the TP, which is of great significance to hydrometeorological processes in high‐altitude regions.