bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological inhibition of S6K1 rescues synaptic deficits and attenuates seizures and depression in chronic epileptic rats
Authors: Zhang Yuying , Cheng Xiaojuan , Wu Luyan , Li Juan , Liu Changyun , Wei Mingjia , Zhu Chaofeng , Huang Huapin , Lin Wanhui
Published: September 2023

Background

Recent studies have shown that mTOR signaling plays an important role in synaptic plasticity. However, the function of S6K1, the mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1 (mTORC1) substrate, in epilepsy remains unknown.

Aims

Our present study aimed to explore the mechanism by which S6K1 is involved in chronic epilepsy.

Methods

First, immunostaining was used to measure neurite length and complexity in kainic acid (KA)‐treated primary cultured neurons treated with PF‐4708671, a highly selective S6K1 inhibitor. We obtained evidence for the role of S6K1 in protecting and promoting neuronal growth and development in vitro. Next, to explore the function and mechanism of the S6K1 inhibitor in epilepsy, a pilocarpine‐induced chronic epileptic rat model was established. In vivo electrophysiology (including local field potentiation in CA1 and long‐term potentiation), depression/anxiety‐like behavior tests, and Golgi staining were performed to assess seizure behavior, power spectral density, depression/anxiety‐like behavior, and synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, western blotting was applied to explore the potential molecular mechanisms.

Results

We found that inhibition of S6K1 expression significantly decreased seizures and depression‐like behavior and restored power at low frequencies (1–80 Hz), especially in the delta, theta, and alpha bands, in chronic epileptic rats. In addition, PF‐4708671 reversed the LTP defect in hippocampal CA3–CA1 and corrected spine loss and dendritic pathology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our data suggest that inhibition of S6K1 attenuates seizures and depression in chronic epileptic rats via the rescue of synaptic structural and functional deficits. Given the wide range of physiological functions of mTOR, inhibition of its effective but relatively simple functional downstream molecules is a promising target for the development of drugs for epilepsy.
Assessing diverse evidence to improve conservation decision‐making
Authors: Christie Alec P. , Morgan William H. , Salafsky Nick , White Thomas B. , Irvine Robyn , Boenisch Nicolas , Chiaravalloti Rafael M. , Kincaid Kate , Rezaie Ali Mohammad , Yamashita Hiromi , Sutherland William J.
Published: September 2023

Meeting the urgent need to protect and restore ecosystems requires effective decision‐making through wisely considering a range of evidence. However, weighing and assessing evidence to make complex decisions is challenging, particularly when evidence is of diverse types, subjects, and sources, and varies greatly in its quality and relevance. To tackle these challenges, we present the Balance Evidence Assessment Method (BEAM), an intuitive way to weigh and assess the evidence relating to the core assumptions underpinning the planning and implementation of conservation projects, strategies, and actions. Our method directly tackles the question of how to bring together diverse evidence whilst assessing its relevance, reliability, and strength of support for a given assumption, which can be mapped, for example to a Theory of Change. We consider how simple principles and safeguards in applying this method could help to respectfully, and equitably, include more local forms of knowledge when assessing assumptions, such as by ensuring diverse groups of individuals contribute and assess evidence. The method can be flexibly applied within existing decision‐making tools, platforms, and frameworks whenever assumptions (i.e., claims and hypotheses) are made. This method could greatly facilitate and improve the weighing of diverse evidence to make decisions in a range of situations, from local projects to global policy platforms.
Letters away from the looking glass: Developmental trajectory of mirrored and rotated letter processing within words
Authors: Fernandes Tânia , Velasco Sofia , Leite Isabel
Published: September 2023

Discrimination of reversible mirrored letters (e.g., d and b) poses a challenge when learning to read as it requires overcoming mirror invariance, an evolutionary‐old perceptual tendency of processing mirror images as equivalent. The present study investigated when, in reading development, mirror‐image discrimination becomes automatic during visual word recognition. The developmental trajectory of masked priming effects was investigated from 2nd to 6th grade and in adults, by manipulating letter type (nonreversible; reversible) and prime condition (control; identity; mirrored; rotated). Standardized identity priming increased along reading development. Beginning readers showed mirror invariance during reversible and nonreversible letter processing. A mirror cost (slower word recognition in mirrored‐letter than identity prime condition) was found by 5th‐grade but only for reversible letters. By 6th grade, orthographic processing was no longer captive of mirror invariance. A multiple linear regression showed that letter representations, but not phonological processes or age, were a reliable predictor of the rise of mirror‐image discrimination in 2nd–4th‐graders. The present results suggest a protracted development of automatic mirror‐image discrimination during orthographic processing, contingent upon the quality of abstract letter representations.

Research Highlights

We traced the developmental trajectory of mirrored‐letter and rotated‐letter priming effects (e.g., ibea and ipea as primes of IDEA) in visual word recognition.

Beginning readers (2nd–4th‐graders) showed mirror invariance and plane‐rotation sensitivity in orthographic processing, thus still being susceptible to the perceptual biases in charge in object recognition.

A mirror cost was found in 5th‐graders but only for reversible letters; orthographic processing was no longer captive of mirror invariance by 6th‐grade.

The automation of mirror‐image discrimination during orthographic processing depends on the quality of letter representations but not on phonological processes or age.
Type 1 diabetes in the pancreas: A histological perspective
Authors: Leete Pia
Published: September 2023

Aims

This review aims to introduce research in the pancreas to a broader audience. The pancreas is a heterocrine gland residing deep within our abdominal cavity. It is the home to our islets, which play a pivotal role in regulating metabolic homeostasis. Due to its structure and location, it is an impossible organ to study, in molecular detail, in living humans, and yet, understanding the pancreas is critical if we aim to characterise the immunopathology of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and one day prevent the triggering of the autoimmune attack associated with ß‐cell demise.

Methods

Over a 100 years ago, we began studying pancreatic histology using cadaveric samples and clever adaptations to microscopes. As histologists, some may say nothing much has changed. Nevertheless, our microscopes can now interrogate multiple proteins at molecular resolution. Images of pancreas sections are no longer constrained to a single field of view and can capture a thousands and thousands of cells. AI‐image‐analysis packages can analyse these massive data sets offering breakthrough findings.

Conclusion

This narrative review will provide an overview of pancreatic anatomy, and the importance of research focused on the pancreas in T1D. It will range from histological breakthroughs to briefly discussing the challenges associated with characterising the organ. I shall briefly introduce a selection of the available global biobanks and touch on the distinct pancreatic endotypes that differ immunologically and in ß‐cell behaviour. Finally, I will introduce the idea of developing a collaborative tool aimed at developing a cohesive framework for characterising heterogeneity and stratifying endotypes in T1D more readily.
The impact of diabetes and obesity on fertility and the potential role of gut hormones as treatment
Authors: Sridhar Ananyaa , Khan Dawood , Moffett R. Charlotte
Published: September 2023

Aims

Alongside its metabolic implications, obesity and associated diabetes impair female reproductive function, causing infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Recently, gut hormones and their receptors have been identified in various reproductive organs indicating their potential regulatory effects on reproductive function. This review aims to give an overview of their potential effects.

Methods

This review focuses on literature that outlines modifications during obesity, diabetes and related infertility with an emphasis on gut hormones and their therapeutic potential.

Results

Evidence suggests that bariatric surgery has positive effects on fertility and PCOS where major alterations in metabolism occurs through restoration of gut hormone levels. This is thought to be due to the indirect effect weight loss and regulation of blood glucose has on the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis influencing reproduction.

Conclusions

Further research is required to elucidate the cellular mechanisms involved in the direct effects of gut hormone receptor activation on reproductive tissues. Current observations suggest a therapeutic role for gut hormones in infertility/PCOS associated with metabolic pathophysiology.
Teaching root cause analysis in healthcare management with Grey's Anatomy
Authors: Gray Natallia , Petrova Olga
Published: September 2023

Over the past 20 years, root cause analysis (RCA) has become one of the most widely used retrospective methods for detecting safety hazards in medicine and healthcare. Despite its wide use in management practice and growing popularity in academic research, there is currently a dearth of coverage of RCA in popular healthcare management textbooks and pedagogical publications. This paper addresses this gap by presenting innovative instructional materials and recommendations for teaching RCA in healthcare management. Using an episode of Grey's Anatomy TV show, this experiential learning exercise takes students through the steps of RCA and makes use of a range of RCA tools, including high‐level flowchart, fishbone diagram, “five whys”, corrective action plan, and others. The exercise, which was classroom tested and received positive student feedback, can be adapted to a range of healthcare management classes. Because RCA can have widespread, lifesaving consequences, healthcare management courses can significantly benefit from integrating this exercise into classroom pedagogies.
Predicting the fine‐scale spatial distribution of zoonotic reservoirs using computer vision
Authors: Layman Nathan C. , Basinski Andrew J. , Zhang Boyu , Eskew Evan A. , Bird Brian H. , Ghersi Bruno M. , Bangura James , Fichet‐Calvet Elisabeth , Remien Christopher H. , Vandi Mohamed , Bah Mohamed , Nuismer Scott L.
Published: September 2023

Zoonotic diseases threaten human health worldwide and are often associated with anthropogenic disturbance. Predicting how disturbance influences spillover risk is critical for effective disease intervention but difficult to achieve at fine spatial scales. Here, we develop a method that learns the spatial distribution of a reservoir species from aerial imagery. Our approach uses neural networks to extract features of known or hypothesized importance from images. The spatial distribution of these features is then summarized and linked to spatially explicit reservoir presence/absence data using boosted regression trees. We demonstrate the utility of our method by applying it to the reservoir of Lassa virus,Mastomys natalensis, within the West African nations of Sierra Leone and Guinea. We show that, when trained using reservoir trapping data and publicly available aerial imagery, our framework learns relationships between environmental features and reservoir occurrence and accurately ranks areas according to the likelihood of reservoir presence.
An optimized deep learning model for human activity recognition using inertial measurement units
Authors: Challa Sravan Kumar , Kumar Akhilesh , Semwal Vijay Bhaskar , Dua Nidhi
Published: September 2023

Human activity recognition (HAR) has recently gained popularity due to its applications in healthcare, surveillance, human‐robot interaction, and various other fields. Deep learning (DL)‐based models have been successfully applied to the raw data captured through inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors to recognize multiple human activities. Despite the success of DL‐based models in human activity recognition, feature extraction remains challenging due to class imbalance and noisy data. Additionally, selecting optimal hyperparameter values for DL models is essential since they affect model performance. The hyperparameter values of some of the existing DL‐based HAR models are chosen randomly or through the trial‐and‐error method. The random selection of these significant hyperparameters may be suitable for some applications, but sometimes it may worsen the model's performance in others. Hence, to address the above‐mentioned issues, this research aims to develop an optimized DL model capable of recognizing various human activities captured through IMU sensors. The proposed DL‐based HAR model combines convolutional neural network (CNN) layers and bidirectional long short‐term memory (Bi‐LSTM) units to simultaneously extract spatial and temporal sequence features from raw sensor data. The Rao‐3 metaheuristic optimization algorithm has been adopted to identify the ideal hyperparameter values for the proposed DL model in order to enhance its recognition performance. The proposed DL model's performance is validated on PAMAP2, UCI‐HAR, and MHEALTH datasets and achieved 94.91%, 97.16%, and 99.25% accuracies, respectively. The results reveal that the proposed DL model performs better than the existing state‐of‐the‐art (SoTA) models.
Characteristics of Hispanic patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery: a review of the literature
Authors: Camacho Isabella , Biro Mark , Stevenson Mary L. , Deng Min
Published: September 2023

Background

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer worldwide and is frequently treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS); however, data regarding characteristics of Hispanic patients undergoing MMS for NMSC are limited.

Objective

To review the characteristics of Hispanic patients undergoing MMS for NMSC in the United States.

Methods

A systematic review of PubMed articles from inception through September 2022 providing data for Hispanic patients undergoing MMS for NMSC was completed.

Results

Overall, six publications met inclusion criteria and provided data for 2,856 Hispanic patients that underwent MMS for 2,955 NMSCs. Results demonstrate 60% of Hispanic patients were male, and the majority of NMSCs were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (71%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (21%). Additionally, a larger percentage of pigmented BCC was found in the Hispanic population. While there is conflicting data in the literature, Hispanic patients may also have larger MMS defects when controlled for additional variables. Finally, over 64% of NMSCs in Hispanic patients were in high‐risk locations.

Conclusion

Literature regarding the characteristics of Hispanic patients undergoing MMS for NMSC demonstrates most patients were male, BCC was the most common tumor subtype, and the majority of NMSCs were in high‐risk locations.
Effects of evidence‐based care on diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Cui‐Zhen , He Dian‐Ju , Cao Sheng‐Hua , Qi Yong‐Hua
Published: September 2023

This analysis systematically reviewed the efficacy of evidence‐based care on diabetic foot ulcers. A computerised literature search was conducted for randomised controlled studies (RCTs) of evidence‐based care interventions for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) and Wanfang databases from the date of inception of each database to June 2023. The articles were independently screened, data were extracted by two researchers, and the quality of each study was assessed using the Cochrane bias assessment tool. Meta‐analysis of the data was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Twenty‐five RCTs with a total of 2272 patients were included. Meta‐analysis showed that, compared with other care methods, evidence‐based care significantly improved the treatment efficacy of diabetic foot ulcers (odds ratio: 3.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.76 to 5.53, p < 0.001) and significantly reduced their fasting plasma glucose (mean difference [MD]: −1.10, 95% CI: −1.24 to −0.96, p < 0.001), 2‐h postprandial glucose (2hPG) (MD: −1.69, 95% CI: −2.07 to −1.31, p < 0.001) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (MD: −0.71, 95% CI: −0.94 to −0.48, p < 0.001). Evidence‐based care intervention is effective at reducing FPG, 2hPG and HbA1c levels and improving treatment efficacy in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
Oxidation kinetics of silicon carbide‐containing refractory diborides, I: Revised model
Authors: Mogilevsky Pavel , Cinibulk Michael K.
Published: September 2023

The original model by Parthasarathy et al. for oxidation of MeB₂–SiC ultra‐high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) has been further expanded to include oxidation by water vapor and oxygen/water vapor mixtures. The revised model offers a more representative analysis of the composition of the glass phase and a thermodynamically consistent formulation for the processes governing the formation of the internal depletion zone. A key feature of the revised model is that it explicitly incorporates the out‐diffusion of CO(g) through the scale as a rate‐controlling parameter that defines the formation of internal depletion zone. In its present form, the expanded model explains some of the experimentally observed phenomena of oxidation of MeB₂–SiC UHTCs, such as the formation of MeO₂/B₂O₃ scale with embedded partially oxidized SiC at lower temperatures and limited growth of ZrO₂/borosilicate layer compared with the SiC‐depleted layer and the outer borosilicate layer in static oxidation at high temperatures. Application of the revised model to the experimental data from literature on oxidation of ZrB₂–SiC materials in air and water vapor is demonstrated and discussed.
New insights on the potential anti‐epileptic effect of metformin: Mechanistic pathway
Authors: Alnaaim Saud A. , Al‐kuraishy Hayder M. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Ali Naif H. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Saad Hebatallah M. , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: September 2023

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is observed as a well‐controlled disease by anti‐epileptic agents (AEAs) in about 69%. However, 30%–40% of epileptic patients fail to respond to conventional AEAs leading to an increase in the risk of brain structural injury and mortality. Therefore, adding some FDA‐approved drugs that have an anti‐seizure activity to the anti‐epileptic regimen is logical. The anti‐diabetic agent metformin has anti‐seizure activity. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of the anti‐seizure activity of metformin was not entirely clarified. Henceforward, the objective of this review was to exemplify the mechanistic role of metformin in epilepsy. Metformin has anti‐seizure activity by triggering adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling and inhibiting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways which are dysregulated in epilepsy. In addition, metformin improves the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which has a neuroprotective effect. Hence, metformin via induction of BDNF can reduce seizure progression and severity. Consequently, increasing neuronal progranulin by metformin may explain the anti‐seizure mechanism of metformin. Also, metformin reduces α‐synuclein and increases protein phosphatase 2A (PPA2) with modulation of neuroinflammation. In conclusion, metformin might be an adjuvant with AEAs in the management of refractory epilepsy. Preclinical and clinical studies are warranted in this regard.
Identification and validation of voltage‐dependent anion channel 1‐related genes and immune cell infiltration in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Lin Jiaqun , Weng Mengjie , Zheng Jing , Nie Kun , Rao Siyi , Zhuo Yongjie , Wan Jianxin
Published: September 2023

Aims/Introduction

This study investigated the roles of voltage‐dependent anion channel 1‐related differentially expressed genes (VRDEGs) in diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Materials and Methods

We downloaded two datasets from patients with DN, namely, GSE30122 and GSE30529, from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. VRDEGs associated with DN were obtained from the intersection of voltage‐dependent anion channel 1‐related genes from the GeneCards database, and differentially expressed genes were screened according to group (DN/healthy) in the two datasets. The enriched pathways of the VRDEGs were analyzed. Hub genes were selected using a protein–protein interaction network, and their predictive value was verified through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The CIBERSORTx software examined hub genes and immune cell infiltration associations. The protein expression of hub genes was verified through immunohistochemistry in 16‐week‐old db/db mice for experimentation as a model of type 2 DN. Finally, potential drugs targeting hub genes that inhibit DN development were identified.

Results

A total of 57 VRDEGs were identified. The two datasets showed high expression of the PI3K, Notch, transforming growth factor‐β, interleukin‐10 and interleukin‐17 pathways in DN. Five hub genes (ITGAM, B2M, LYZ, C3 and CASP1) associated with DN were identified and verified. Immunohistochemistry showed that the five hub genes were highly expressed in db/db mice, compared with db/m mice. The infiltration of immune cells was significantly correlated with the five hub genes.

Conclusions

Five hub genes were significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration and might be crucial to DN development. This study provides insight into the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of DN.
Effects of the Informed Health Choices secondary school intervention: A prospective meta‐analysis
Authors: Chesire Faith , Mugisha Michael , Ssenyonga Ronald , Rose Christopher J. , Nsangi Allen , Kaseje Margaret , Sewankambo Nelson K. , Oxman Matt , Rosenbaum Sarah E. , Moberg Jenny , Dahlgren Astrid , Lewin Simon , Oxman Andrew D.
Published: September 2023

Aim

The aim of this prospective meta‐analysis was to synthesize the results of three cluster‐randomized trials of an intervention designed to teach lower‐secondary school students (age 14–16) to think critically about health choices.

Methods

We conducted the trials in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The intervention included a 2‐ to 3‐day teacher training workshop, digital resources, and ten 40‐min lessons. The lessons focused on nine key concepts. We did not intervene in control schools. The primary outcome was a passing score on a test (≥9 of 18 multiple‐choice questions answered correctly). We performed random effects meta‐analyses to estimate the overall adjusted odds ratios. Secondary outcomes included effects of the intervention on teachers.

Results

Altogether, 244 schools (11,344 students) took part in the three trials. The overall adjusted odds ratio was 5.5 (95% CI: 3.0–10.2;p < 0.0001) in favor of the intervention (high certainty evidence). This corresponds to 33% (95% CI: 25–40%) more students in the intervention schools passing the test. Overall, 3397 (58%) of 5846 students in intervention schools had a passing score. The overall adjusted odds ratio for teachers was 13.7(95% CI: 4.6–40.4;p < 0.0001), corresponding to 32% (95% CI: 6%–57%) more teachers in the intervention schools passing the test (moderate certainty evidence). Overall, 118 (97%) of 122 teachers in intervention schools had a passing score.

Conclusions

The intervention led to a large improvement in the ability of students and teachers to think critically about health choices, but 42% of students in the intervention schools did not achieve a passing score.
Ceramic veneer shade evaluation using a multicolored 3D‐printed model—A case report
Authors: An Hongseok
Published: September 2023

Objective

This article demonstrates the use of a multicolored 3D‐printed model for laboratory shade evaluation of ceramic veneers.

Clinical Considerations

A young female patient presented with peg lateral incisors and diastemata between her maxillary incisors. Four ceramic veneers for her maxillary incisors were fabricated using a digital workflow. A multicolored 3D‐printed model was manufactured using material jetting technology. The multicolored model and try‐in pastes were used to evaluate and adjust the shade of the veneers. Clinically acceptable color matching was achieved, the veneers were delivered without further chairside shade adjustments.

Conclusions

Successful color evaluation and adjustment were achieved using the combination of multicolored 3D‐printed model and try‐in pastes. The use of this approach saved time for stump shade taking and fabrication of tooth‐colored dies.

Clinical Significance

A multicolored 3D‐printed model can be a useful tool for color evaluation and adjustment of ceramic restorations.
Food intolerance related to gastrointestinal symptoms amongst adults living with bile acid diarrhoea: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: McKenzie Yvonne A. , French Chloe , Todd Chris , Burden Sorrel
Published: September 2023

Background

The role of food in managing bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is poorly understood. The present study explored the prevalence of food intolerance amongst adults with BAD.

Methods

The study comprised a cross‐sectional survey of adults with BAD determined by the 75selenium homotaurocholic acid test (SeHCAT) living in the UK. Participants anonymously completed an online questionnaire on 39 food items. Frequency of food in general affecting BAD symptoms, as well as frequencies of diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and consequential food avoidance after food item ingestion, were assessed. Food group avoidance was also assessed.

Results

There were 434 participants who completed the questionnaire between April and May 2021 of whom 80% reported moderate to severe chronic diarrhoea. Food intolerances were reported by 88.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 84.6–90.9) of participants. Diarrhoea was reported most frequently after take‐away food, fish and chips, creamy sauces, cream and large quantities of fruit (range 41.0%–33.6%). Lowest frequencies were for potato, avocado, mango, watermelon and pear (range 3.7%–7.4%) for the foods listed in the questionnaire. Similar trends were found for abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and consequential food avoidance. Symptom‐triggering within 30 min of ingestion was more prevalence than after 30 min for almost all foods. Food group avoidance was highest for fatty foods (81.2%; 95% CI = 77.8–85.3) followed by dairy (53.9%; 95% CI = 49.1–58.7).

Conclusions

Perceived food intolerance amongst adults with BAD and persisting diarrhoeal symptoms is high. Important triggers were meals with a higher fat content and higher‐fat dairy products. Diets amongst those with persisting diarrhoeal symptoms may be overly restrictive.
Effectiveness of Snoezelen in older adults with neurocognitive and other pathologies: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Carvalho Sónia C. , Martins Fátima S. , Martins Amélia N. , Barbosa Raquel C. , Vicente Selene G.
Published: September 2023

Snoezelen Multisensory Stimulation (SMSS) is a non‐pharmacological intervention that provides controlled multisensorial environments to stimulate the primary senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste, proprioceptive and vestibular. Even though the use and potential of SMSS have been widespread in the literature regarding certain target populations (autism, developmental disabilities) and settings (e.g. leisure, therapeutic), its effectiveness in older adults with neurocognitive disorders (e.g. dementia, mild cognitive impairment) and other pathologies (e.g. psychiatric disorders, oncological diseases) is still unclear. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature was conducted to address this issue. The recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) and of the Cochrane Collaboration were followed. An initial search on PubMed and Scopus databases resulted in 86 articles of which 14 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed in detail. The outcomes showed that most of the studies (n = 13) focused on the effects of SMSS on behaviour and mood in older adults with major cognitive disorders (i.e. dementia). Although there is scarce literature on its impact on cognition, psychophysiological measures (e.g. heart rate, oxygen saturation), daily living functionality and quality of life, this type of intervention seems to contribute to delaying the worsening in severity of the neurocognitive disorders from the mildest to the most severe stages. Likewise, it is legitimate to consider the possibility of potential benefits to older adults with less severe neurocognitive disorders or other pathologies, but more research is needed.
Clinical effects of autologous follicular unit extraction transplantation in the treatment of secondary cicatricial alopecia after infections
Authors: Niu Yanchao , Ren Ci , Liao Hengli , Jin Zhoufeng , Zhu Ling
Published: September 2023

Objective

To explore the clinical effects of autologous follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplantation in the treatment of secondary scarring alopecia caused by infections, and to evaluate its effectiveness.

Methods

A retrospective observational study has been conducted, which included nine patients with secondary scarring alopecia caused by infections. All patients underwent initial autologous FUE hair transplantation surgery, and the occurrence of postoperative complications was monitored. Patient satisfaction was evaluated after 12 months post‐surgery.

Results

At the follow‐up, postoperative satisfaction was 88.9% in nine patients, with only one case of postoperative infection and no incidence of skin necrosis, significant bruising and swelling, unnatural appearance or temporary hair loss.

Conclusions

Autologous FUE hair transplantation is an effective method for treating secondary scarring alopecia caused by infections. This procedure is minimally invasive, resulting in high patient satisfaction and minimal complications postoperatively.
Ursodeoxycholic acid does not affect the clinical outcome of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A retrospective study of propensity score‐matched cohorts
Authors: Marrone Giuseppe , Covino Marcello , Merra Giuseppe , Piccioni Andrea , Amodeo Annamaria , Novelli Angela , Murri Rita , Pompili Maurizio , Gasbarrini Antonio , Franceschi Francesco
Published: September 2023

Background

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been recently proposed as a modulator of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor expression, with potential effects on COVID‐19.

Aim and Study Design

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical course and outcome of subjects taking UDCA admitted to the hospital for COVID‐19 compared with matched infected subjects. Differences regarding the severity and outcome of the disease between treated and non‐treated subjects were assessed. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log‐rank test were used to evaluate the effect of UDCA on all‐cause intra‐hospital mortality.

Results

Among 6444 subjects with confirmed COVID‐19 admitted to the emergency department (ED) from 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2022, 109 subjects were taking UDCA. After matching 629 subjects were included in the study: 521 in the no UDCA group and 108 in the UDCA group. In our matched cohort, 144 subjects (22.9%) died, 118 (22.6%) in the no‐UDCA group and 26 (24.1%) in the UDCA group. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no significant difference in survival between groups. In univariate regression analysis, the presence of pneumonia, National Early Warning Score (NEWS) score, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were significant independent predictors of death. At multivariate Cox regression analysis, age, NEWS, pneumonia and CCI index were confirmed significant independent predictors of death. UDCA treatment was not a predictor of survival both in univariate and multivariate regressions.

Conclusions

UDCA treatment does not appear to have significant effects on the outcome of COVID‐19. Specially designed prospective studies are needed to evaluate efficacy in preventing infection and severe disease.
The impact of brain tissue oxygenation monitoring on the Glasgow Outcome Scale/Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: A systematic review
Authors: Shanahan Ruth , Avsar Pinar , Watson Chanel , Moore Zena , Patton Declan , McEvoy Natalie L. , Curley Ger , O'Connor Tom
Published: September 2023

Background

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the leading causes of death or long‐term disability around the world. As a result of improvements in supportive care, patients are surviving more severe insults with more pronounced dependency on their families, hospitals, and long‐term care facilities. The introduction of brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) monitoring aims to recognize episodes of reduced cerebral perfusion with and without associated increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

Aim

The aim of this review is to determine the impact of PbtO2 on the Glasgow Outcome Scale/Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOS/GOSE) in patients with moderate to severe TBI.

Study Design

Systematic review with narrative and meta‐analysis. All original research in which adult patients undergoing PbtO2 were compared with a control group of traditional ICP/cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) monitoring. Both randomized controlled trials and observational studies were included in this review.

Methods

Databases were searched in September 2022. The primary outcome of the review was the impact of PbtO2 monitoring on GOS/GOSE, while secondary outcomes were mortality and length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Results

Seven studies with a combined number of 770 patients were included in the review. These patients were adults ≥16 years of age. Only two of the studies included found a statistically significant association between PbtO2 monitoring and improved long‐term neurological outcomes in patients with TBI (p = .01, p < .01). A meta‐analysis of the secondary outcomes identified an associated reduction of mortality in favour of the group treated with PbtO2 monitoring (p < .0001). Results from studies examining LOS in ICU have demonstrated an associated increase of LOS in ICU in patients treated with PbtO2‐guided therapy.

Conclusion

From the studies included in this review, only two found a statistically significant association between PbtO2 monitoring and long‐term outcomes. It is unclear whether PbtO2 goal‐directed therapy has a positive impact on the long‐term neurological functions and mortality of patients suffering from TBI. A multicentre randomized controlled trial may provide further evidence, but not necessarily conclusive.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Further research is warranted to determine the efficacy of the introduction of this new monitoring system to guide local policy change.
Actomyosin‐driven motility and coalescence of phase‐separated viral inclusion bodies are required for efficient replication of a plant rhabdovirus
Authors: Liang Yan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wu Binyan , Wang Shuo , Kang Lihua , Deng Yinlu , Xie Li , Li Zhenghe
Published: September 2023

Phase separation has emerged as a fundamental principle for organizing viral and cellular membraneless organelles. Although these subcellular compartments have been recognized for decades, their biogenesis and mechanisms of regulation are poorly understood.

Here, we investigate the formation of membraneless inclusion bodies (IBs) induced during the infection of a plant rhabdovirus, tomato yellow mottle‐associated virus (TYMaV). We generated recombinant TYMaV encoding a fluorescently labeled IB constituent protein and employed live‐cell imaging to characterize the intracellular dynamics and maturation of viral IBs in infected Nicotiana benthamiana cells.

We show that TYMaV IBs are phase‐separated biomolecular condensates and that viral nucleoprotein and phosphoprotein are minimally required for IB formation in vivo and in vitro. TYMaV IBs move along the microfilaments, likely through the anchoring of viral phosphoprotein to myosin XIs. Furthermore, pharmacological disruption of microfilaments or inhibition of myosin XI functions suppresses IB motility, resulting in arrested IB growth and inefficient virus replication.

Our study establishes phase separation as a process driving the formation of liquid viral factories and emphasizes the role of the cytoskeletal system in regulating the dynamics of condensate maturation.
Cervical Disc Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Noncontiguous Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: Results of Mid‐ to Long‐Term Follow‐up
Authors: Wu Ting‐kui , He Jun‐bo , Huang Kang‐kang , Rong Xin , Ding Chen , Wang Bei‐yu , Liu Hao
Published: September 2023

Objective

The long‐term results of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) for noncontiguous cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD) are still uncertain. Moreover, it is unclear whether CDA delays or avoids the degeneration of the intermediate segment (IS), leading to controversy in the field. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mid‐ to long‐term clinical and radiographic outcomes of CDA in treating noncontiguous CDDD and to explore whether the IS degenerated faster after CDA than other non‐surgically treated adjacent segments.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with noncontiguous CDDD who underwent CDA in our department between January 2008 and July 2018. The patients were divided into the CDA and hybrid surgery (HS) groups, and clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at routine postoperative intervals. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), neck disability index (NDI), and visual analogue scale (VAS), while radiographic outcomes included cervical lordosis (CL), C2‐C7 range of motion (ROM), segmental ROM, and disc angle (DA) at the arthroplasty level. Complications were also evaluated.Pre‐ and postoperative values were compared using paired t‐tests or Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests. Independent Student t‐tests or Mann–Whitney U tests analyzed continuous data between CDA and HS groups, while chi‐square or Fisher exact tests assessed categorical data.

Results

Sixty‐four patients with noncontiguous CDDD, with 31 in the CDA group and 33 in the HS group, were evaluated. The mean follow‐up time was over 70 months. The most frequently involved levels were C4/5 and C5/6. Both groups showed significant improvements in JOA, NDI, and VAS values after surgery. Although CL was maintained, the CL in the CDA group was consistently lower than that in the HS group (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in C2‐C7 ROM (p < 0.05), but at the last follow‐up, the C2‐C7 ROM in the CDA group was greater than that in the HS group (p < 0.05). At the last follow‐up, 44.3% of arthroplasty levels had developed heterotopic ossification (HO), and 48.45% had developed anterior bone loss (ABL). In addition, adjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg) was observed in the IS (22.7%), superior adjacent segment (20.6%)and inferior adjacent segment (21.9%).

Conclusion

CDA or CDA combined with fusion are viable treatments for noncontiguous CDDD, with satisfactory outcomes after mid‐to‐long‐term follow‐up. ASDeg is similar in non‐surgical segments after 70 months of follow‐up. ROM of the IS issimilar to preoperative levels, indicating CDA does not increase the risk of IS degeneration.
Pediatric community acquired urinary tract infections due to extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase versus non‐extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase producing bacteria
Authors: Alsubaie Mohammed A. , Alsuheili Abdullah Z. , Aljehani Mohammed N. , Alothman Abdulrahman A. , Alzahrani Abdulaziz S. , Mohammedfadel Hamza A. , Alnajjar Abeer A.
Published: September 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the demographics, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and antibiotic resistance of pediatric community‐acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing and non‐ESBL‐producing uropathogens.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia, among children aged between 0 and 14 years, with a culture‐proven diagnosis of community‐acquired UTI between February 2019 and September 2021. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not their UTI was caused by ESBL‐producing bacteria.

Results

A total of 383 patients with community‐acquired UTI were evaluated. Escherichia coli was detected in 72.6% of cultures. Extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing organisms were responsible for 35.7% of UTI episodes. Of these 69% and 31% were caused by E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to clinical presentation or urine analysis. The resistance rates in the ESBL‐producing group were 39.4% for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 65.7% for ciprofloxacin, 72.3% for co‐trimoxazole, 32.8% for nitrofurantoin, 21.2% for gentamicin, and 0.7% for amikacin and carbapenems. In the non‐ESBL‐producing group, it was 22.4% for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 22.4% for ciprofloxacin, 38.2% for co‐trimoxazole, 23.6% for nitrofurantoin, 6.1% for gentamicin, and zero for amikacin and carbapenems. The presence of renal abnormalities (p = 0.014) and male gender (p = 0.026) were determined to be independent risk factors for ESBL UTIs.

Conclusions

Recognizing risk factors and antibiotic resistance for ESBL‐producing bacteria may aid in tailoring an antibiotic regimen for pediatric patients at high risk of ESBL‐UTIs.
GLABROUS INFLORESCENCE STEMS3 binds to and activates RHD2 and RHD4 genes to promote root hair elongation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Huang Linli , Xu Nuo , Wu Junyu , Yang Shuaiqi , An Lijun , Zhou Zhongjing , Wong Chui Eng , Wu Mingjie , Yu Hao , Gan Yinbo
Published: September 2023

Root hairs are crucial in the uptake of essential nutrients and water in plants. This study showed that a zinc finger protein, GIS3 is involved in root hair growth in Arabidopsis. The loss‐of‐function gis3 and GIS3 RNAi transgenic line exhibited a significant reduction in root hairs compared to the wild type. The application of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC), an exogenous ethylene precursor, and 6‐benzyl amino purine (BA), a synthetic cytokinin, significantly restored the percentage of hair cells in the epidermis in gis3 and induced GIS3 expression in the wild type. More importantly, molecular and genetic studies revealed that GIS3 acts upstream of ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 2 (RHD2) and RHD4 by binding to their promoters. Furthermore, exogenous ACC and BA application significantly induced the expression of RHD2 and RHD4, while root hair phenotype of rhd2‐1, rhd4‐1, and rhd4‐3 was insensitive to ACC and BA treatment. We can therefore conclude that GIS3 modulates root hair development by directly regulating RHD2 and RHD4 expression through ethylene and cytokinin signals in Arabidopsis.
The impact of internet platform usage on firms' exports: New evidence for Turkish firms
Authors: Köten Emine Elçin
Published: September 2023

In the last decade, the key driver of e‐commerce growth has been the expansion of internet access. Studies indicate that the internet is transforming both the production and consumption of goods and services in the domestic and international markets. Internet platform usage has significantly decreased the barriers for firms to communicate with foreign clients and suppliers on their international market participation. Using the internet platform for marketing intelligence enables firms to access information about the external environment at a faster rate and lower cost. Thus, this paper adds to the limited literature by examining how using the internet platform can affect firms' export propensity and intensity by using the World Bank's Enterprise Survey dataset for Turkey. I use a theoretical framework introduced by Melitz (2003; Econometrica, 71, 1695) to identify the export difference between a firm that uses the internet platform and a firm that does not. I also add that fixed cost of internet adoption is firm specific due to heterogeneity in the firm's ability to access the internet. Results show that internet platform usage types have a positive impact on both the likelihood of exports and export intensity. These results are robust after controlling for the endogeneity in the telecommunication costs.
Impact Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Analysis of Transversely Isotropic Materials in Point Contact
Authors: Nguyen Linh Thi Phuong , Li Wang-Long
Published: September 2023

In the traditional elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) field, surface elastic deformation is usually determined using an elastic half-space model for isotropic materials. However, this theory may be inefficient when applied to point contact problems involving inherently anisotropic materials, such as transversely isotropic (TI) materials. Accordingly, the present study proposes a method for solving the EHL point contact problem between a rigid ball and a TI substrate under impact loading using a direct-solving numerical method, in which the mechanical properties of the TI material are expressed in the form of a stiffness matrix. For comparison purposes, the TI material is also approximated as an isotropic material using Turner’s approximation method based on the equivalent modulus property of the material. It is found that the direct-solving method outperforms Turner’s approximation in interpreting the mechanical properties of the TI substrate. In addition, it is shown that the initial velocity of the rigid ball and the stiffness of the TI material (i.e., the transverse elastic modulus, longitudinal modulus, and shear modulus) have significant effects on the load, impact velocity, and acceleration of the ball; central pressure and film thickness of the lubricant; and deformation and von Mises stress of the TI substrate, during the impact process. Overall, the results show that the proposed EHL model provides a useful tool for solving impact-EHL problems involving TI materials.
A Facility Location Model for Uncrewed Surface Vessels in The Maritime Survey Industry
Authors: Moorlag Lucas , Jiang Xiaoli
Published: September 2023

The maritime industry is preparing for a future where human presence is no longer required on board of ships. This will revolutionize maritime operations and consequentially introduce unprecedented challenges to the corresponding logistics. This paper provides a first piece of reflection on mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problems regarding remote and autonomous operations in the maritime industry. A non-standard facility location problem (FLP) is constructed to determine the optimal locations for a number of facilities serving as refueling stations, and to obtain the optimal heterogeneous vessel fleet size & mix to satisfy the inspection demand of North-Sea assets over a multi-period timeframe. The model combines distinctive vessel routing behavior to assess a heterogeneous fleet of both remotely operated vessels and traditional vessels in the maritime survey industry. The simulation results are reported for a real case study commissioned by geo-data company Fugro. The final results of the model suggest that the effective establishment of facility locations and corresponding fleet allocation can reduce the operational costs and environmental footprint of the survey operations in the North-Sea.