bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart contracts software metrics: A first study
Authors: Tonelli Roberto , Pierro Giuseppe Antonio , Ortu Marco , Destefanis Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

Smart contracts (SC) are software programs that reside and run over a blockchain. The code can be written in different languages with the common purpose of implementing various kinds of transactions onto the hosting blockchain. They are ruled by the blockchain infrastructure with the intent to automatically implement the typical conditions of traditional contracts. Programs must satisfy context-dependent constraints which are quite different from traditional software code. In particular, since the bytecode is uploaded in the hosting blockchain, the size, computational resources, interaction between different parts of the program are all limited. This is true even if the specific programming languages implement more or less the same constructs as that of traditional languages: there is not the same freedom as in normal software development. The working hypothesis used in this article is that Smart Contract specific constraints should be captured by specific software metrics (that may differ from traditional software metrics). We tested this hypothesis on 85K Smart Contracts written in Solidity and uploaded on the Ethereum blockchain. We analyzed Smart Contracts from two repositories “Etherscan” and “Smart Corpus” and we computed the statistics of a set of software metrics related to Smart Contracts and compared them to the metrics extracted from more traditional software projects. Our results show that generally, Smart Contract metrics have more restricted ranges than the corresponding metrics in traditional software systems. Some of the stylized facts, like power law in the tail of the distribution of some metrics, are only approximate but the lines of code follow a log-normal distribution which reminds us of the same behaviour already found in traditional software systems.
Correcting vaccine misinformation: A failure to replicate familiarity or fear-driven backfire effects
Authors: Ecker Ullrich K. H. , Sharkey Caitlin X. M. , Swire-Thompson Briony
Published: April 2023

Individuals often continue to rely on misinformation in their reasoning and decision making even after it has been corrected. This is known as the continued influence effect, and one of its presumed drivers is misinformation familiarity. As continued influence can promote misguided or unsafe behaviours, it is important to find ways to minimize the effect by designing more effective corrections. It has been argued that correction effectiveness is reduced if the correction repeats the to-be-debunked misinformation, thereby boosting its familiarity. Some have even suggested that this familiarity boost may cause a correction to inadvertently increase subsequent misinformation reliance; a phenomenon termed the familiarity backfire effect. A study by Pluviano et al. (2017) found evidence for this phenomenon using vaccine-related stimuli. The authors found that repeating vaccine “myths” and contrasting them with corresponding facts backfired relative to a control condition, ironically increasing false vaccine beliefs. The present study sought to replicate and extend this study. We included four conditions from the original Pluviano et al. study: the myths vs. facts, a visual infographic, a fear appeal, and a control condition. The present study also added a “myths-only” condition, which simply repeated false claims and labelled them as false; theoretically, this condition should be most likely to produce familiarity backfire. Participants received vaccine-myth corrections and were tested immediately post-correction, and again after a seven-day delay. We found that the myths vs. facts condition reduced vaccine misconceptions. None of the conditions increased vaccine misconceptions relative to control at either timepoint, or relative to a pre-intervention baseline; thus, no backfire effects were observed. This failure to replicate adds to the mounting evidence against familiarity backfire effects and has implications for vaccination communications and the design of debunking interventions.
Bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy and reconstruction–A 12-year review of methodological trends and outcomes at a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Aslam Aiman , Arshad Zaki , Ahmed Amir , Soh Chien Lin , Kazzazi Fawz , Benson John R. , Forouhi Parto , Agrawal Amit , Benyon Sarah L. , Irwin Michael , Malata Charles M.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy (BRRM) involves removal of healthy breast tissue to substantially decrease the risk of developing breast cancer in individuals with greater susceptibility due to a strong family history or genetic mutation. This retrospective study evaluates cases of BRRM and associated reconstruction performed at a tertiary centre, with emphasis on mastectomy and reconstructive trends.

Methods

A retrospective review of all BRRM cases performed between January 2010 and May 2022 was conducted, with two separate cohorts corresponding to the earlier (group 1) and later (group 2) portion of the time-period. Data collected included demographics, genetic test results, family history of breast/ovarian cancer, co-morbidities, mastectomy type, reconstruction type, surgical histopathology findings and post-operative complications.

Results

A total of 82 patients (group 1 = 41, group 2 = 41) underwent BRRM. The proportion of nipple-sparing mastectomy increased from 14.6% to 56.1% between the two time periods with a reduction in skin-sparing mastectomies from 75.6% to 20.3% (p<0.001). Of the 80 patients who opted to undergo reconstruction, there was a significant decrease in combined flap-implant reconstructions (19.51% to 0%, p<0.01). Importantly, for implant-only reconstruction, there were significant increases in prepectoral approaches (p = 0.0267) and use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) (48.15% to 90.63%, p<0.001).

Conclusion

This study documents recent increases in nipple-sparing techniques for BRRM compared to more traditional skin-sparing methods. Concurrently, reconstruction following RRM has become predominantly implant-based without a flap, coinciding with more widespread usage of ADM. This is consistent with national trends towards fewer complex autologous procedures.
Nabilone treatment for severe behavioral problems in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Protocol for a phase I open-label clinical trial
Authors: Lin Hsiang-Yuan , Abi-Jaoude Elia , Desarkar Pushpal , Wang Wei , Ameis Stephanie H. , Lai Meng-Chuan , Lunsky Yona , Rajji Tarek K.
Published: April 2023

Severe behavioral problems (SBPs) are common contributors to morbidity and reduced quality of life for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Current medications for SBPs show equivocal effectiveness and are associated with a high risk of side effects. New and safe treatments are urgently needed. While preliminary studies suggest that medical cannabinoids, particularly the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone, are plausible treatment options for SBPs in adults with IDD, data on the tolerability, safety and efficacy of nabilone in this population has never been investigated. Thus, we propose this first-ever Phase I pre-pilot open-label clinical trial to obtain preliminary data on the adherence, tolerability and safety profiles of nabilone in adults with IDD, and explore changes in SBPs pre- to post-treatment. We hypothesize that nabilone has favorable tolerability and safety profile for adults with IDD. The preliminary results will inform the next-stage pilot randomized controlled trials, followed by fully powered clinical trials eventually. This research helps fill the evidence gap in the use of cannabinoids in individuals with IDD to meet the needs of patients, families, and service providers.
UK alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of drinking motives, employment and subjective mental health
Authors: Monk Rebecca Louise , Qureshi Adam W. , Richardson George B. , Heim Derek
Published: April 2023

Background

Previous investigations suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic effects on alcohol consumption were heterogenous and may vary as a function of structural and psychological factors. Research examining mediating or moderating factors implicated in pandemic-occasioned changes in drinking have also tended to use single-study cross-sectional designs and convenience samples. Aims: First, to explore structural (changed employment or unemployment) and psychological (subjective mental health and drinking motives) correlates of consumption reported during the COVID-19 pandemic using a UK nationally representative (quota sampled) dataset. Second, to determine whether population-level differences in drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic (versus pre-pandemic levels) could be attributable to drinking motives. Method: Data collected from samples of UK adults before and during the pandemic were obtained and analysed: Step1 carried out structural equation modelling (SEM) to explore data gathered during a period of social restrictions after the UK’s first COVID-19-related lockdown (27 August-15 September, 2020; n = 3,798). It assessed whether drinking motives (enhancement, social, conformity, coping), employment and the perceived impact of the pandemic on subjective mental health may explain between-person differences in self-reported alcohol consumption. Step 2 multigroup SEM evaluated data gathered pre-pandemic (2018; n = 7,902) in concert with the pandemic data from step 1, to test the theory that population-level differences in alcohol consumption are attributable to variances in drinking motives. Results: Analyses of the 2020 dataset detected both direct and indirect effects of subjective mental health, drinking motives, and employment matters (e.g., having been furloughed) on alcohol use. Findings from a multigroup SEM were consistent with the theory that drinking motives explain not only individual differences in alcohol use at both time points, but also population-level increases in use during the pandemic. Conclusion: This work highlights socioeconomic and employment considerations when seeking to understand COVID-19-related drinking. It also indicates that drinking motives may be particularly important in explaining the apparent trend of heightened drinking during the pandemic. Limitations related to causal inference are discussed.
Impact assessment of immunization and the COVID-19 pandemic on varicella across Europe using digital epidemiology methods: A descriptive study
Authors: Sabale Ugne , Jarmale Ligita , Murtagh Janice , Pawaskar Manjiri , Bencina Goran
Published: April 2023

Background

Varicella is usually a mild disease in children but may be life-threatening, especially in adolescents and adults. Infection control measures implemented during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have suppressed varicella transmission, potentially creating an ‘immunity debt’, particularly in countries without universal varicella vaccination.

Objectives

To assess trends in Google search engine queries for varicella keywords as a proxy for varicella infection rates and to evaluate the effect of universal varicella vaccination on these trends. A further objective was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on varicella keyword search query trends in countries with and without universal varicella vaccination.

Methods

This study used the keyword research tool, Google Trends, to evaluate trends in time series of the relative search query popularity of language-specific varicella keywords in 28 European countries from January 2015 through December 2021. The Google Ads Keyword Planner tool was used to evaluate absolute search volumes from March 2018 through December 2021.

Results

The relative search query popularity of varicella keywords displayed marked seasonal variation. In all 28 countries, the relative search query popularity of varicella keywords declined after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020), compared with pre-pandemic levels (range, -18% to -70%). From April 2020 to July 2021, a period of intense COVID-19 transmission and infection control, absolute search volumes for varicella keywords were lower than pre-pandemic levels but rebounded after July 2021, when infection control measures were relaxed.

Conclusion

This evaluation of search query trends demonstrated that search query data could be used as a proxy for trends in varicella infection rates and revealed that transmission of varicella may have been suppressed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consideration should be given to using search query data to better understand the burden of varicella, particularly in countries where surveillance systems are inadequate.
The impact of coastal erosion on the archaeology of the Cyrenaican coast of Eastern Libya
Authors: Westley Kieran , Nikolaus Julia , Emrage Ahmad , Flemming Nic , Cooper Andrew
Published: April 2023

Coastal erosion in Cyrenaica (Eastern Libya) represents a major problem for archaeology and heritage management. The area is rich in archaeological sites, often understudied or not fully documented, but also has extensive stretches of vulnerable eroding coastline. This study demonstrates the extent and impact of erosion via shoreline change assessment at two spatial scales. Firstly, wide area assessment using shorelines extracted from a time-series of medium-resolution Landsat imagery. Secondly, site-specific assessment using recent and historic Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery. In both cases, extracted shorelines at different timesteps were compared using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) tool to quantify rates and magnitudes of shoreline movement. The results show extensive zones of erosion at and around the key ancient harbour sites of Apollonia, Ptolemais and Tocra. They also suggest increased rates of coastal retreat in recent years, which is likely linked to anthropogenic actions such as sand mining and urbanization. Forecasts based on present-day shoreline change rates, coupled with ground-level documentation of the vulnerable shorelines is used to identify archaeological features and structures which will likely be progressively damaged or destroyed over the next 20 years. The ability to actively protect archaeological sites is unclear, but there is a clear need for mitigation in the form of enhanced awareness of environmental problems (e.g. caused by sand mining) and more intensive survey/documentation of sites and areas which will be lost in the coming years.
Cardiovascular risk factors and its patterns of change between 4 and 8 years of age in the INMA-Asturias cohort
Authors: Fernández-Iglesias Rocío , Fernández-Somoano Ana , Rodríguez-Dehli Cristina , Venta-Obaya Rafael , Riaño-Galán Isolina , Tardón Adonina
Published: April 2023

Aim

This study aimed to investigate whether there are subgroups of children with different clusters of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors at 4 and 8 years of age, and their patterns of change between these two time points.

Methods

The analysis was conducted in 332 children who participated in the INMA-Asturias cohort (Spain) at 4 and at 8 years of age. The CVD risk factors were central obesity, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, and hypertension. Latent transition analysis was used to identify the different clusters and their probabilities of change.

Results

At 4 years, three subgroups were identified: no disorders (prevalence of 55.9%); some disorders (21.2%), and central obesity (22.9%). Three distinct subgroups were identified at 8 years: no disorders (59.8%); hypertension (17.9%), and central obesity (22.3%). Central obesity at 4 years tends to appear simultaneously with dyslipidaemia, while at 8 years it tends to appear simultaneously with dyslipidaemia and/or hypertension. Children aged 4 years with no disorders had a 93.7% probability of remaining in the same status at 8 years of age. Children aged 4 who had some disorders had a 67.7% of probability of having only hypertension and a 32.3% of probability of having central obesity. Children aged 4 in the central obesity subgroup had a 32.4% of probability of having no disorders at 8 years of age, while 67.6% still had central obesity.

Conclusions

These exploratory findings suggest that children who do not present any disorder at 4 years of age tend to remain in that state at 8 years of age. And also that central obesity may play a major role in the development of other disorders, as the number of disorders with which it concomitantly occurs increases between the ages of 4 and 8 years.
Ozone ultrafine bubble water exhibits bactericidal activity against pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity and upper airway and disinfects contaminated healthcare equipment
Authors: Takizawa Fumio , Domon Hisanori , Hiyoshi Takumi , Tamura Hikaru , Shimizu Kana , Maekawa Tomoki , Tabeta Koichi , Ushida Akiomi , Terao Yutaka
Published: April 2023

Ozone is strong oxidizing agent that is applied in aqueous form for sanitation. However, ozonated water is unstable and has a short half-life. Ultrafine bubble technology is promising to overcome these issues. Ultrafine bubble is nanoscale bubble and can exist in water for a considerable duration of time. This study aims to investigate the application of ozone ultrafine bubble water (OUFBW) as a disinfectant. We produced an OUFBW generator which generates OUFBW containing 4–6 ppm of ozone. Thereafter, we examined the bactericidal activity of the OUFBW against various pathogenic bacteria in oral cavity and upper airway, including antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Exposure of planktonic culture of these bacterial species to OUFBW reduced viable bacteria by > 99% within 30s. Additionally, OUFBW exerted bactericidal activity against S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa adhered to toothbrush and gauze, respectively. We also observed disruption of bacterial cell wall of S. pneumoniae exposed to OUFBW by transmission electron microscope. Additionally, OUFB did not show any significant cytotoxicity toward the human gingival epithelial cell line Ca9‐22. These results suggest that OUFBW exhibits bactericidal activity against broad spectrum of bacteria and has low toxicity towards human cells.
Characterization and field application of a novel dual-liquid gas leakage material: Mechanical properties and microscopic hydration mechanism
Authors: Hong Zijie , Zuo Jianping , Li Zhenhua , Xu Lei
Published: April 2023

Gas drainage materials are one critical aspect of preventing coal mine gas explosions. Here, a novel dual-liquid gas sealing material was developed to improve gas extraction. The mechanical properties and hydration mechanism of the proposed material were determined. The novel dual-liquid gas sealing material’s performance was verified experimentally and with field testing, with practical application explored in the YunGaiShan 2 coal mine. The results showed that the main factor responsible for gas drainage leakage was the poor sealing effect of the sealing materials on the cracks around the borehole. The novel dual-liquid gas sealing material reduced damage to the rock surrounding the borehole and significantly improved the gas drainage performance. The initial and final setting times of the novel dual-liquid material were shown to be controllable, and the slurry exhibited good fluidity, with a 28-day uniaxial compressive strength of 11.06 MPa. The analysis of the microscopic hydration mechanism showed that the production of ettringite (AFt) in the dual-liquid material increased significantly, forming a denser network interlace that functioned as a network skeleton, improving the compressive strength of the material and achieving the characteristics of plastic deformation. Field-based analysis was performed to verify the practical applicability of the proposed material, showing that the gas drainage concentration increased by 200.5% compared to the original sealing material. Moreover, the average gas drainage negative pressure increased from 7.8 kPa (using the conventional sealing technique) to 16.6 kPa using the proposed material. Overall, the proposed materials are suitable for sealing materials for effective gas drainage performance and can help control gas disasters.
Body composition among Malawian young adolescents: Cross-validating predictive equations for bioelectric impedance analysis using deuterium dilution method
Authors: Näsänen-Gilmore Pieta , Kumwenda Chiza , Nurhonen Markku , Hallamaa Lotta , Mangani Charles , Ashorn Per , Ashorn Ulla , Kajantie Eero
Published: April 2023

Background

Body composition can be measured by several methods, each with specific benefits and disadvantages. Bioelectric impedance offers a favorable balance between accuracy, cost and ease of measurement in a range of settings. In this method, bioelectric measurements are converted to body composition measurements by prediction equations specific to age, population and bioimpedance device. Few prediction equations exist for populations in low-resource settings. We formed a prediction equation for total body water in Malawian adolescents using deuterium dilution as reference.

Methods

We studied 86 boys and 92 girls participating in the 11-14-year follow-up of the Lungwena Antenatal Intervention Study, a randomized trial of presumptive infection treatment among pregnant women. We measured body composition by Seca m515 bioimpedance analyser. Participants ingested a weight-standardized dose of deuterium oxide, after which we collected saliva at baseline, at 3 and 4 h post-ingestion, measured deuterium concentration using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and calculated total body water. We formed predictive equations for total body water using anthropometrics plus resistance and reactance at a range of frequencies, applying multiple regression and repeated cross-validation in model building and in prediction error estimation.

Results

The best predictive model for percentage total body water (TBW %) was 100*(1.11373 + 0.0037049*height (cm)2/resistance(Ω) at 50 kHz– 0.25778*height(m)– 0.01812*BMI(kg/m2)– 0.02614*female sex). Calculation of absolute TBW (kg) by multiplying TBW (%) with body weight had better predictive power than a model directly constructed to predict absolute total body water (kg). This model explained 96.4% of variance in TBW (kg) and had a mean prediction error of 0.691 kg. Mean bias was 0.01 kg (95% limits of agreement -1.34, 1.36) for boys and -0.01 kg (1.41, 1.38) for girls.

Conclusions

Our equation provides an accurate, cost-effective and participant-friendly body composition prediction method among adolescents in clinic-based field studies in rural Africa, where electricity is available.
Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups and trajectories of cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood and adolescence: A prospective cohort study
Authors: O’Neill Kate N. , Aubrey Emily , Howe Laura D. , Stergiakouli Evie , Rodriguez Santiago , Kearney Patricia M. , O’Keeffe Linda M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Mitochondria are organelles responsible for converting glucose into energy. Mitochondrial DNA is exclusively maternally inherited. The role of mitochondrial DNA haplogroups in the aetiology of cardiometabolic disease risk is not well understood.

Methods

Sex-specific associations between common European mitochondrial DNA haplogroups (H, U, J, T, K, V, W, I and X) and trajectories of cardiometabolic risk factors from birth to 18 years were examined in a prospective cohort. Cardiometabolic risk factors measured from birth/mid-childhood to 18 years included body mass index (BMI), fat and lean mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), non-HDL-c and triglycerides. Fractional polynomial and linear spline multilevel models explored the sex-specific association between haplogroups and risk factor trajectories.

Results

Among a total of 7,954 participants with 79,178 repeated measures per outcome, we found no evidence that haplogroups U, T, J, K and W were associated with cardiometabolic risk factors compared to haplogroup H. In females, haplogroup V was associated with 4.0% (99% CI: -7.5, -0.6) lower BMI at age one but associations did not persist at age 18. Haplogroup X was associated with 1.3kg (99% CI: -2.5, -0.2) lower lean mass at age 9 which persisted at 18. Haplogroup V and X were associated with 9.3% (99% CI: -0.4, 19.0) and 16.4% (99% CI: -0.5,33.3) lower fat mass at age 9, respectively, although confidence intervals spanned the null and associations did not persist at 18. In males, haplogroup I was associated with 2.4% (99% CI: -0.5, 5.3) higher BMI at age 7; widening to 5.1% (99% CI: -0.5, 10.6) at 18 with confidence intervals spanning the null.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated little evidence of sex-specific associations between mitochondrial DNA haplogroups and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Patterns of mental health care provision in urban areas: A comparative analysis for local policy in the ACT
Authors: Furst Mary Anne , Salinas-Perez Jose A. , Gutiérrez-Colosía Mencia R. , Mendoza John , Bagheri Nasser , Anthes Lauren , Salvador-Carulla Luis
Published: April 2023

Urbanisation presents specific mental health challenges, requiring a better understanding of service availability in urban areas for mental health care planning. Our objective is to analyse patterns of urban mental healthcare provision in Australia, and compare these with relevant national and international regions to inform urban mental healthcare policy and planning. Following a health ecosystems approach, we use a standardised service classification instrument, the Description and Evaluation of Services and DirectoriEs (DESDE), and Mental Health Care Atlases, to compare the availability, bed capacity and diversity of services providing specialised mental health or psychosocial care that are universally accessible (ie provided at no or low cost only in all relevant care sectors in four Australian and three international urban regions. We used a heuristics approach and an homogeneity test. Applicability to local policy was assessed using the Adoption Impact Ladder. Community care was less developed in Australia than internationally, except in the case of residential care in Australian Capital Territory, our reference area. Alternatives to hospitalisation were scarce across all regions. The Atlas was applicable to regional and local mental health planning. Differences in pattern of care between regions has implications for planning, equality of access to care and prioritisation of resources. An ecosystems approach is relevant to service planning in mental healthcare at local level.
Designed and validated novel allele-specific primer to differentiate Kernel Row Number (KRN) in tropical field corn
Authors: Mukri Ganapati , Shilpa Kumari , Gadag R. N. , Bhat Jayant S. , Singh Chandu , Gupta Navin C. , Prabha Chandra , Patil Sahana Police
Published: April 2023

Background

Kernel row number (KRN) is an important yield component trait with a direct impact on the productivity of maize. The variability in KRN is influenced by the inflorescence meristem size, which is determined by the CLAVATA-WUSCHEL pathway. A CLAVATA receptor-like protein, encoded by the FASCIATED EAR2 (fea2gene), enhances the growth of inflorescence meristem and is thus involved in the determination of KRN. The amplicon sequencing-based method was employed to dissect the allelic variation of the fea2 gene in tropical field corn.

Methodology/Principal finding

Amplicon-based sequencing of AI 535 (Low KRN) and AI 536 (High KRN) was undertaken for the gene fea 2 gene that codes for KRN in maize. Upon multiple sequence alignment of both sequences, A to T transversion at the 1311 position was noticed between Low KRN and High KRN genotypes resulting in different allelic forms of a fea2 gene in tropical maize. An allele-specific primer 1311 fea2.1 was designed and validated that can differentiate High and Low KRN genotypes.

Conclusion/Significance

Maize has high variability for KRN and is exemplified by the wide values ranging from 8–26 KRN in the maize germpalsm. The sequence-based approach of SNP detection through the use of a specific primer facilitated the detection of variation present in the target trait. This makes it possible to capture these variations in the early generation. In the study, the PCR-based differentiation method described for the identification of desirable high KRN genotypes would augment the breeding programs for improving the productivity of field corn.
Anti-Müllerian hormone and pregnancy after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zafeiri Lida , Åkerfeldt Torbjörn , Tolf Andreas , Carlson Kristina , Skalkidou Alkistis , Burman Joachim
Published: April 2023

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been approved for multiple sclerosis (MS) in many European countries. A large proportion of patients are women of child-bearing age. For them, AHSCT may have negative consequences for reproductive health, since the ovaries are particularly susceptible to alkylating agents. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) reflects the ovarian reserve and has been suggested as a potential biomarker of fertility in women. The aim of this study was to investigate AMH levels in relation to age and reproductive potential in MS patients treated with AHSCT. The study cohort comprised 38 female patients, aged 20–44 years, who underwent AHSCT for MS using a cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg)/rabbit—anti-thymocyte globulin (6 mg/kg) conditioning regimen between 2013–2020. Clinal follow-up visits were made 3 months after AHSCT and then yearly. AMH was analysed in blood samples. The median age at transplantation was 28 years (interquartile range, IQR 25–33). The median AMH concentration was 23 pmol/l at baseline (IQR 6.0–30), 0.5 pmol/l at 3 months (IQR 0–1.5) and 1.1 pmol/l at 2 years (IQR 0–2.9). A multiple linear regression model was used to determine if age and/or AHSCT influenced AMH values; both significantly did (age, -0.21 per year, p = 0.018; AHSCT -19, p <0.0001). Seven women became pregnant, six spontaneously and one both spontaneously and with IVF. One patient underwent an abortion, all other pregnancies led to live births. Six of the women became pregnant despite low or very low post-AHSCT serum concentrations of AMH, suggesting that low serum AMH concentrations do not necessarily reflect impaired fertility in patients treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide.
Silencing of dentate gyrus inhibits mossy fiber sprouting and prevents epileptogenesis through NDR2 kinase in pentylenetetrazole kindling rat model of TLE
Authors: Zhang Chen , He Zixian , Tan Zheren , Tian Fafa
Published: April 2023

Epileptogenesis is a potential process. Mossy fiber sprouting (MFS) contributes to epileptogenesis. Silencing of the dentate gyrus (DG) suppressed spontaneous seizures model of epilepsy and hyperactivity of granule cells resulted in MFS in vitro. However, the role of DG’s excitability in epileptogenesis have not yet been well explored, and underlying mechanisms has not been elucidated. Using chemical genetics, we studied whether MFS and epileptogenesis could be modulated by silencing of DG in the PTZ kindling rat model of epilepsy. MFS and protein expression was measured by Timm staining, Western blotting, and Immunofluorescence. Previous studies demonstrated that MFS and epileptogenesis could be modulated by a regulator of axonal growth (e.g. RGMa, PTEN). NDR2 kinase regulate neuronal polarity and prevents the formation of supernumerary axons in the hippocampus. We experimentally confirmed chemogenetic inhibition in DG resulted in decreased MFS and NDR2 expression, and alleviated epileptogenesis. Furthermore, our results showed that injection of AVV vector expressing NDR2 into DG induced upregulation of NDR2 in the hippocampus, and over expression of NDR2 in the hippocampus promote MFS and block protective effect of chemogenetic silencing of DG on epileptogenesis. Overall, we concluded that silencing of DG inhibits MFS and prevents epileptogenesis through NDR2 in the hippocampus in the PTZ kindling rat model of TLE, thereby providing a possible strategy to prevent epileptogenesis.
A multistate assessment of population normalization factors for wastewater-based epidemiology of COVID-19
Authors: Rainey Andrew L. , Liang Song , Bisesi Joseph H. , Sabo-Attwood Tara , Maurelli Anthony T.
Published: April 2023

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has become a valuable tool for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infection trends throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Population biomarkers that measure the relative human fecal contribution to normalize SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations are needed for improved analysis and interpretation of community infection trends. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Wastewater Surveillance System (CDC NWSS) recommends using the wastewater flow rate or human fecal indicators as population normalization factors. However, there is no consensus on which normalization factor performs best. In this study, we provided the first multistate assessment of the effects of flow rate and human fecal indicators (crAssphage, F+ Coliphage, and PMMoV) on the correlation of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations and COVID-19 cases using the CDC NWSS dataset of 182 communities across six U.S. states. Flow normalized SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations produced the strongest correlation with COVID-19 cases. The correlation from the three human fecal indicators were significantly lower than flow rate. Additionally, using reverse transcription droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (RT-ddPCR) significantly improved correlation values over samples that were analyzed with real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (rRT-qPCR). Our assessment shows that utilizing flow normalization with RT-ddPCR generate the strongest correlation between SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations and COVID-19 cases.
Agency and reward across development and in autism: A free-choice paradigm
Authors: Valori Irene , Carnevali Laura , Farroni Teresa
Published: April 2023

Our ability to perform voluntary actions and make choices is shaped by the motivation from control over the resulting effects (agency) and from positive outcomes (reward). The underlying action-outcome binding mechanisms rely on sensorimotor abilities that specialise through child development and undergo different trajectories in autism. The study aimed at disentangling the role of agency and reward in driving action selection of autistic and non-autistic children and adults, who were asked to freely select one of three candies and feed the animals appearing on a tablet. The candies were associated with different probabilities of delivering a neutral vs no effect (agency task), or a positive vs neutral effect (reward task). Choices and reaction times (RT) were measured to understand whether participants preferred and were faster at selecting options with higher probability of producing a neutral vs. no effect (agency) or a positive vs. neutral effect (reward). Participants’ choices and RT were not affected by agency, whereas a more frequent selection of the option with higher probability of a positive vs. neutral effect emerged across groups, thus suggesting a reward effect. Autistic participants selected less frequently the option with chance level of receiving a neutral or no effect, which could be interpreted as a sign of reduced tolerance of uncertainty. Across tasks, conditions and age groups, autistic participants presented shorter RT, which is a marker of reduced action planning and control. Future research should deepen how tolerance of uncertainty, action planning and control impact the way autistic individuals make choices in everyday life situations, potentially contributing to restricted and repetitive behaviours.
The Bridgerton effect: Introduction to a Special Issue on Netflix’s TV series
Authors: Taddeo Julie Anne
Published: April 2023

This special mini-issue on Netflix’s TV series, Bridgerton (2020–present), highlights the power of period drama television in its interrogation of historical and contemporary issues. The authors represent different disciplines, from literature and history to communications and media studies, and the formal and reflective essays that follow, combine our perspectives as both academics and fans of the period romance genre. Lastly, this issue describes how the ‘Bridgerton experience’ represents the multiple ways in which fans consume this series as it continues to shape our fantasies about the past.
First Study on profiling of gut microbiome in wild and captive Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii)
Authors: Safika Safika , Indrawati Agustin , Afiff Usamah , Hastuti Yohana Tri , Zureni Zureni , Jati Afif Pranaya
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim: Orangutans are an “umbrella species” for conserving tropical forests in Sumatra and Kalimantan. There are remarkable changes between the gut microbiomes of wild and captive Sumatran orangutans. This study aimed to profile gut microbiota of wild and captive Sumatran orangutans.

Materials and Methods: Nine fecal samples collected from wild orangutans and nine fecal samples collected from captive orangutans were divided into three replicates. Each replicate randomly combined three pieces and were analyzed on the Illumina platform. A bioinformatics study of 16S rRNA according to Qiime2 (Version 2021.4) and microbiome profiling analysis was conducted.

Results: The relative abundance of different microbial taxa varied significantly between wild and captive Sumatran orangutans. Among the operational taxonomic units, various proportions of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Euryarchaeota, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia predominated. Solobacterium was found only in 19% of captive orangutans. Methanobrevibacter was identified to be prevalent among wild orangutans (16%). Analysis of the core microbiome from the combined wild and captive data revealed seven species as cores. According to linear discriminant analysis effect size, Micrococcus luteus, Bacteroidescaccae, Lachnospiraceae bacterium, Ruthenibacterium lactatiformans, Haemophilus haemolyticus, and Chishuiella spp. were microbiome biomarkers in captive orangutans, whereas Roseburia inulinivorans, Collinsella aerofaciens, Oscillibacter spp., and Eubacterium hallii were microbiome biomarkers in wild orangutans.

Conclusion: There were differences in the microbiome biomarkers of wild and captive Sumatran orangutans. This study is important for understanding the role of gut bacteria in the health of Sumatran orangutans.

Keywords: captive Sumatran orangutans, core microbiome, gut microbiota, Pongo abelii, wild Sumatran orangutans.
Leadership revisited
Authors: Doulgerof Ivan
Published: April 2023

Most people have an intuitive understanding of what leadership is. However, leadership is not an easy phenomenon to define, and no universally accepted definition exists. The present paper calls for the integration of person-oriented constructs and contextual variables which can help define a new frame of understanding of the phenomenon of leadership. The point of departure for such an integration entails an understanding of competence and essential perspectives on leadership, as well as the recognition that differences in leadership contexts call for different forms of leadership. The phenomenon of leadership should be understood as both an intra-psychic and inter-active process, where the leader exerts situational behaviours and interacts with followers to solve tasks embedded in the concrete leadership context. Thus, definitions of leadership and effective leadership must be made at the micro-level of the individual leader.
Desarrollo y caracterización de una milhojas de verdura lista para consumir enriquecida con polifenoles
Authors: Abalos Rosa Ana , Aviles M Victoria , Naef Elisa F , Gómez M. Beatriz
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The development of high-quality plant-based ready-to-eat food options can respond to today's dietary demands. The trend of consumers opting for a plant-based diet is on the rise; however, they have few options for ready-to-eat products. The aim of this study was to develop a ready-to-eat plant product enriched with polyphenols using vacuum technologies.

Methodology: The physicochemical, sensory and microbiological characteristics of the product were evaluated. A lasagna was designed (layers of vegetables of regional origin -sweet potato (Ipomea batata) Gema variety, Creole zucchini (Curcubita maxima) and dried tomato- interspersed with a binder and cheese) ready to eat, which were vacuum impregnated with an extract of polyphenols. (95% oligomeric proanthocyanidins) from grape seeds. The concentration of polyphenols was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method. The commercial life in refrigeration (0 - 3 °C) of the culinary preparation was determined, evaluating pH, color, texture and microbial count of aerobic and anaerobic psychrotrophic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, molds and yeasts following techniques established in ISO standards. The sensory evaluation was carried out with regular consumers of ready-to-eat products. They evaluated the appreciation of sensory attributes and the general acceptability of the sample on a 9-point hedonic scale.

Results: This study demonstrated that the sous vide cooking method improved the refrigerated storage time of the preparation since the microbial load was maintained at safe levels. The sensory evaluation showed a positive acceptance by consumers for most of the sensory characteristics of the designed product.

Conclusions: the technologies used, sous vide and vacuum impregnation, could enhance the gastronomic quality of the product, preserve the organoleptic and nutritional properties and guarantee its safety. The designed product could be an option to incorporate ready-to-eat vegetable dish preparations into the market and thus contribute to increasing the consumption of vegetables.

Financiación: The work was carried out with the financial support of the University of Entre Ríos (UNER)
The influence of calcium carbonate and its modifications on the extrusion process and selected functional properties of polypropylene cast films
Authors: Kloziński Arkadiusz , Szczepańska Małgorzata , Jakubowska Paulina , Samujło Bronisław , Barczewski Mateusz , Lota Grzegorz
Published: April 2023

The purpose of the article was to determine the influence of calcium carbonate and its modification (with stearic acid) on selected properties of composite polypropylene films and their processing. Polypropylene composites containing, respectively, 5, 10, 20 and 30 wt% filler, were made in twin-screw extrusion process with cold granulation. Films, on the other hand, were produced in single-screw extrusion process (an extruder with a screw with diameter d = 20 mm and ratio l/d = 24) using a flat head (so-called cast films) and a chill roll type cooling and pull-back device. The pull-back rotational speed was selected so as to obtain films of a thickness of approx. 120 µm, irrespectively of the composite being processed. The assessment of the effect of the addition of applied fillers on the magnitude of the melt volume-flow rate (MVR) of polypropylene and the processing characteristic of extrusion process was made (the flow resistance and the variations in volumetric flow rate were determined). It was demonstrated how variations in the processability of polymeric material determined the correction of extrusion process setup parameters (pull-back system speed). The processability of composite films under extensional flow conditions was also determined by evaluating the extensional viscosity (ηE) of the composites. The strength values of composite films were determined under static tension conditions and in puncture tests. The effect of the content and modification of CaCO3 on the film haze and gloss was also assessed. The investigation carried out has demonstrated a direct effect of the addition of calcium carbonate and its modification on the processability and selected functional properties of composite films. The study has also proved that stearic acid is an effective modifier of processing properties, not only in shear flow conditions, but also under extensional flow conditions – smaller ηE values are exhibited by films containing modified calcium carbonate.
Lawsuits after dermal filler injection registered in the state Court of São Paulo
Authors: Lange Marília Ribeiro Santos Sobania , Silva Rhonan Ferreira , Ortiz Adrielly Garcia , Paranhos Luiz Renato , Dias Paulo Eduardo Miamoto , Franco Ademir
Published: April 2023

The search for aesthetic procedures in the health sector have increased in the last years. The increase in the number of procedures brought together a higher number of lawsuits, especially when it comes to the injection of dermal fillers. This study aimed to revisit the jurisprudence of the State Court of São Paulo, Brazil, to investigate the risk factors behind the lawsuits and convictions of health care professionals after the injection of dermal fillers. The sample consisted of 46 lawsuits published between 2000 and 2022 in the State Court of São Paulo, Brazil. Data extracted from each lawsuit were: the year of publication, the reason behind the lawsuit, the defendant (individual or legal entity), sex of the plaintiff, type of dermal filler, whether there was a technical legal/forensic examination of the case and conviction. Most of the lawsuits were published between 2020 and 2022 (n = 26, 56.52%). The presence of intercurrences was the most common reason behind the lawsuits (n = 27, 58.69%). The defendants were mostly health care providers (n = 16, 34.78%), individually, and their combination with legal entities (n = 16, 34.78%), separately (the rest was legal entities alone). Female plaintiffs were predominant (n = 36, 78.26%), as well as the use of hyaluronic acid as dermal filler (n = 35, 76.08%). Technical legal/forensic examination was registered in 34 lawsuits (73.91%). Most of the defendants were convicted (n = 25, 54.34%). The chance of conviction was 3,9 times higher if the case was judged between 2017-2019 compared to 2020-2022 (p = 0.05); and 3,4 times higher if the case was based on intercurrences (p = 0.05). It is estimated that convictions in lawsuits after dermal filler injections might decrease in more recent cases. However, higher chances of conviction might be expected in the presence of intercurrences (e.g. accidents or complications) in the State São Paulo, Brazil.