bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of systemic immunomodulatory treatments on COVID‐19 outcomes in patients with atopic dermatitis: Results from the global SECURE‐AD registry
Authors: Musters Annelie H. , Broderick Conor , Prieto‐Merino David , Chiricozzi Andrea , Damiani Giovanni , Peris Ketty , Dhar Sandipan , De Abhishek , Freeman Esther , Arents Bernd W. M. , Burton Tim , Bosma Angela Leigh‐Ann L. , Chi Ching‐Chi , Fletcher Godfrey , Drucker Aaron M. , Kabashima Kenji , de Monchy Emilie F. , Panda Maitreyee , Wall Dmitri Robert , Vestergaard Christian , Mahé Emmanuel , Bonzano Laura , Kattach Leila , Napolitano Maddalena , Ordoñez‐Rubiano María Fernanda , Haufe Eva , Patruno Cataldo , Irvine Alan D. , Spuls Phyllis I. , Flohr Carsten
Published: September 2022

Background

Limited data are available on the effects of systemic immunomodulatory treatments on COVID‐19 outcomes in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective

To investigate COVID‐19 outcomes in patients with AD treated with or without systemic immunomodulatory treatments, using a global registry platform.

Methods

Clinicians were encouraged to report cases of COVID‐19 in their patients with AD in the Surveillance Epidemiology of Coronavirus Under Research Exclusion for Atopic Dermatitis (SECURE‐AD) registry. Data entered from 1 April 2020 to 31 October 2021 were analysed using multivariable logistic regression. The primary outcome was hospitalization from COVID‐19, according to AD treatment groups.

Results

442 AD patients (mean age 35.9 years, 51.8% male) from 27 countries with strongly suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 were included in analyses. 428 (96.8%) patients were treated with a single systemic therapy (n = 297 [67.2%]) or topical therapy only (n = 131 [29.6%]). Most patients treated with systemic therapies received dupilumab (n = 216). Fourteen patients (3.2%) received a combination of systemic therapies. Twenty‐six patients (5.9%) were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. Patients treated with topical treatments had significantly higher odds of hospitalization, compared with those treated with dupilumab monotherapy (odds ratio (OR) 4.65 [95%CI 1.71–14.78]), including after adjustment for confounding variables (adjusted OR (aOR) 4.99 [95%CI 1.4–20.84]). Combination systemic therapy which did not include systemic corticosteroids was associated with increased odds of hospitalization, compared with single agent non‐steroidal immunosuppressive systemic treatment (OR 8.09 [95%CI 0.4–59.96], aOR 37.57 [95%CI 1.05–871.11]). Hospitalization was most likely in patients treated with combination systemic therapy which included systemic corticosteroids (OR 40.43 [95%CI 8.16–207.49], aOR 45.75 [95%CI 4.54–616.22]).

Conclusions

Overall, the risk of COVID‐19 complications appears low in patients with AD, even when treated with systemic immunomodulatory agents. Dupilumab monotherapy was associated with lower hospitalization than other therapies. Combination systemic treatment, particularly combinations including systemic corticosteroids, was associated with the highest risk of severe COVID‐19.
Effect of surface prereacted glass ionomer nanofillers on fluoride release, flexural strength, and surface characteristics of polymethylmethacrylate resin
Authors: Jitaluk Poomchai , Ratanakupt Kwanchanok , Kiatsirirote Kritirat
Published: September 2022

Objective

Dentures should have proper fluoride release and physical properties. We evaluated how surface prereacted glass ionomer (S‐PRG) nanofillers influenced fluoride release, flexural strength, and surface characteristics of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resin.

Materials and Methods

PMMA resin disc (n = 14) and rectangular (n = 5) specimens containing 0, 20 wt% microparticles, and 20 wt% nanoparticles of S‐PRG were prepared. Six‐disc specimens were examined for surface roughness; eight‐disc specimens were immersed in 5 ml of deionized water for 24 h before analyzing the fluoride levels on days 1–3, 12, and 15. They were recharged with 1000 ppm fluoride solution for 24 h and stored in deionized water for five cycles. Fluoride release was examined. The flexural strength of the rectangular specimens was determined using a three‐point bending test. Data were analyzed by two‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA.

Results

S‐PRG nanofiller had the highest fluoride exchange rate and did not significantly change the surface roughness compared with the microparticle and control groups; however, the nanofillers agglomerated and reduced the flexural strength to below 65 MPa.

Conclusions

Incorporating 20 wt% nanofillers into resin enhanced the fluoride exchange property greater than microfillers at the same content, but diminished the mechanical properties of the resin.

Clinical Significance

Incorporating 20 wt% S‐PRG nanofillers in resin denture base can improve the fluoride releasing property without affecting the surface roughness.
A qualitative study into cancer survivors' relationship with nutrition post‐cancer treatment
Authors: O'Callaghan Niamh , Douglas Pauline , Keaver Laura
Published: September 2022

In Ireland, one in every 25 individuals is living with and beyond cancer, placing survivorship care at the forefront of strategic planning and service requirements. Several unmet needs of cancer survivors were identified in the National Cancer Strategy 2017–2026. Further reports from national bodies have highlighted how these unmet needs, including those of a nutritional nature, have not been prioritised. In Ireland, little information is available on how cancer diagnosis changes cancer survivors’ perceptions of food and nutrition. Thus, this study aimed to describe cancer survivors’ relationship with nutrition. Survivors who lived on the Island of Ireland and were at least 6 months post‐treatment were eligible. Five semi‐structured focus groups and two individual interviews were conducted online (n = 20). Focus groups and interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The cohort was mostly female breast cancer survivors (n = 12) with an average age of 51.3 ± 12 years. Emergent themes illustrated how a cancer diagnosis appears to motivate cancer survivors to immediate positive dietary changes. Many new dietary introductions were in line with cancer survivor recommendations, while dietary supplement use and some nonevidence‐supported actions were revealed. A minority of participants continued their original dietary intake prior to their diagnosis. Participants reported the impact of treatment‐related side effects on their relationship with nutrition. The participants emphasised a desire to receive dietary advice from health professionals while undergoing treatment and survivorship.
ECOPT2: An adaptable life cycle assessment model for the environmentally constrained optimization of prospective technology transitions
Authors: Hung Christine Roxanne , Kishimoto Paul , Krey Volker , Strømman Anders Hammer , Majeau‐Bettez Guillaume
Published: September 2022

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of technologies from cradle to grave. However, LCAs are commonly defined in terms of the consumption of a single unit of a product and thus ignore scaling issues in large‐scale deployment of technologies. Such product‐level LCAs often do not consider capital manufacturing capacity and supply chain bottlenecks that may hinder the rapid, widespread uptake of emerging technologies entering the market; emerging technologies often require the expansion of existing supply chains or the development of entirely new supply chains, such as the manufacturing of novel materials. As a result, such LCA studies are limited in their ability to realistically assess impacts at the macro‐scale and thus to guide large‐scale decisions. In this work, we present ECOPT2, a generalized adaptable model that combines these constraints to the LCA approach using a mathematical programming approach and dynamic stock modeling. ECOPT2 combines LCA factors with transition scenarios from energy systems models to determine the environmentally optimal deployment of new technologies while accounting for material circularity constraints and barriers to uptake. We also introduce the structure of the software tool and demonstrate its features using a stylized vehicle electrification scenario.
Reproductive health of women with intellectual disability: antenatal care, pregnancies and outcomes in the Dutch population
Authors: Schuengel C. , Cuypers M. , Bakkum L. , Leusink G. L.
Published: September 2022

Background

Research in a handful of countries found that women with intellectual disability (ID) faced barriers and risks regarding antenatal care and reproductive health. This study tested disparities between women in the Netherlands with and without ID in antenatal care, pregnancy rates and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

Secondary analyses on the large representative panel of primary health patients in the Netherlands by the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL) compared women in their reproductive age (18–49 years) with (n = 2397) and without (n = 228 608) indicators of ID. Bias due to underreporting and under‐identification was reduced by linkage with an index of ID for the total Dutch population from Statistical Netherlands.

Results

Women with ID were more likely to receive contraceptive care [95% confidence interval (CI) for odds ratio (OR) = 1.37–1.61] and became somewhat more often pregnant (95% CI OR = 1.06–2.30) than women from the general population, adjusting for age difference and follow‐up time. No statistical differences were found in medical complications during pregnancy, delivery and immediately after birth, but women with indicators of ID had a higher risk of losing their pregnancy, including through induced abortion (95% CI OR = 1.26–1.99).

Conclusions

Women with ID have specific needs around contraceptive care and risks around their pregnancy that may require more awareness among practitioners and better understanding of the processes of care and decision‐making.
Microbotox (Mesobotox) versus microneedling as a new therapeutic modality in the treatment of atrophic post‐acne scars
Authors: Mohamed Noha E. , Shabaan Samar N. , Raouf Amel H.
Published: September 2022

Background

Given that most patients with moderate to severe acne develop post‐acne scars, many treatment modalities can be used to ameliorate scaring; chemical peels, surgical excision, dermabrasion, fat transfer, autologous collagen, punch grafting, diverse filler injection, and lasers. Microneedling is one of the promising modalities based on the breaking of dermis‐damaged collagen and enhancing new collagen formation.

Microbotox (Mesobotox) injection may have a beneficial effect by causing muscular paralysis with subsequent dermal edema due to transient and mild lymphatic insufficiency. The comparison between these two modalities has not been yet assessed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of both methods (Microbotox and microneedling) in the treatment of atrophic post‐acne scars.

Methods

Between May 2021 to April 2022, patients with atrophic post‐acne scars were selected from the out‐patients clinics of the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine. The face was divided into two sides: the right side was treated with Mesobotox for three sessions once monthly and followed up 3 months later after the last session and the left side was treated with dermapen (microneedling) for six sessions every 2 weeks and followed up 3 months after the last session. The feasibility, safety, and efficacy of both lines of treatment were studied.

Results

This study included 20 patients with atrophic post‐acne scars. They were 13 females (65%) and 7 males (35%), and their ages ranged between 15 and 35 years with a mean ± sd age of 24.40 ± 5.90 based on the significant improvement between S1 (baseline acne scar score) and both S2 (acne scar score at end of treatment) and S3 (acne scar score 3 months after the last session). Microneedling showed also similar results to Mesobotox.

Conclusions

Microbotox and microneedling were effective and tolerated.
Hypothesis generation: Quantitative research to levator ani muscle injury based on MRI texture analysis
Authors: Liu Jing Jing , Wang Yan Zhou , Chen Na , Wang Qian Nan , Liu Li , Li Ying , Lei Ling , Wu Yi
Published: September 2022

Aim

Patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) mostly have injury to the levator ani muscle (LAM). We aimed to assess LAM injury in POP patients by quantifying texture feature (TF) ratios between the LAM and the obturator internus muscle (OIM) using texture analysis.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 32 participants, including 24 patients with POP and eight people with normal pelvic floor muscles. TFs of the LAM and the OIM were extracted using LIFEx version 6.30, and an independent samples t‐test was performed to determine TF ratios characterizing LAM injury. After dimension reduction and binary logic analysis, the optimal TF ratio was obtained and the LAM injury quantitative evaluation was proposed. Spearman's correlation was performed to explore the correlations between TF ratios and clinical characteristics. We compared the diagnostic performance of quantitative evaluation and visual evaluation.

Results

There were significant differences in 13 TF ratios between the POP and control groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the integrated TF ratio was 0.948. Integrated TF ratio was significantly correlated with body mass index, pregnancies, and vaginal deliveries but had no correlation with LAM volume, hiatal area or abortions. Compared with the visual evaluation, the diagnostic accuracy of the quantitative evaluation had improved by 63.2% and 14.3% in the “minor defect” and “major defect” categories, respectively.

Conclusion

The integrated TF ratio can be used as a new quantifiable index to characterize LAM injury. The TF evaluation provides a potential role in LAM injury noninvasive diagnostic.
Evaluation of atherosclerosis‐related biomarkers during perimenopause: A prospective cohort study in women with endometriosis
Authors: Uehara Mari , Hiraike Osamu , Hirano Mana , Harada Miyuki , Koga Kaori , Yoshimura Noriko , Tanaka Sakae , Osuga Yutaka
Published: September 2022

Aim

Endometriosis is linked to asymptomatic atherosclerosis and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Vascular function tests are used to assess atherosclerosis, an important indicator of CVD development. In this study, we aimed to evaluate atherosclerosis‐related biomarkers, such as vascular function tests and laboratory data, in perimenopausal women with endometriosis.

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled 207 women (≥40 years old) with endometriosis. Laboratory data, ankle brachial index (ABI), and cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) were evaluated.

Results

The mean age, CAVI, and ABI of the participants at the initial examination were 45.02 years, 6.9 ± 0.6, and 1.07 ± 0.06, respectively. In multiple regression analysis, no factor was associated with CAVI, but ABI was significantly correlated with elevated total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and estradiol (partial regression coefficient [β] = −0.00074, p = 0.017; β = −0.00075, p = 0.033; and β = −0.00022, p = 0.015, respectively). The annual rate of change in CAVI showed a positive correlation with TC and pentosidine and a negative correlation with history of hormone therapy. Neither correlation was strong. In a comparison of three groups classified by the annual rate of change in CAVI, the group with the severe change had a higher level of pentosidine. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, high pentosidine levels were a risk factor for increased rate of change in CAVI.

Conclusions

The association between CAVI and serum markers related to lipid metabolism and ovarian function was mild. Longitudinal analysis of CAVI showed an association with pentosidine, which may be helpful in assessing atherosclerosis risk in women with endometriosis during perimenopause.
Clinical Outcomes of Implant‐Assisted Removable Partial Dentures According to Implant Strategic Position
Authors: Yi Yuseung , Heo Seong‐Joo , Koak Jai‐Young , Kim Seong‐Kyun
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To retrospectively analyze the success of implant‐assisted removable partial dentures (IARPDs) according to three types of strategic positions in distal extension areas of Kennedy Class I and II arches.

Materials and methods

The data included 102 arches in 95 patients with Kennedy Class I/II arches treated with IARPDs with implants in three strategic positions: Type 1a, assisted by P‐1a implants on the anterior area adjacent to the abutment tooth; Type 1b, assisted by P‐1b implants on the anterior area apart from the abutment tooth with or without P‐1a; Type 2, assisted by P‐2a implants on the posterior area adjacent to the natural tooth or P‐2b implants on the posterior area apart from the abutment tooth to modify from Kennedy Class I /II to Class III. The success was defined as the IARPDs without abutment tooth‐related, denture‐related, and implant‐related complications. Kaplan‐Meier curves and the multivariable Cox regression model were used to analyze the success of IARPDs and implants.

Results

The overall success rate of IARPD treatment was 66.7%; 77.8% in Type 1a, 60.0% in Type 1b, and 68.0% in Type 2. There was no significant effect of treatment type on success rate of IARPDs. However, there was significant differences at the level of implant supporting IARPDs: 83.3% in Type 1a implants, 62.6% in Type 1b implants, and 73.2% in Type 2 implants. The implants of IARPD's adjacent to the natural tooth abutments (P‐1a and P‐2a) had higher success rates than those away from the natural tooth abutments.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, there was no significant difference in the prosthodontic complications of IARPDs depending on the treatment type. However, the success of implants of IARPD is associated with the strategic position. Strategic implant abutments adjacent to the natural tooth had higher success rates than those away from the natural teeth abutments.
Prospective comparison of prostatic aspirate culture and cystocentesis urine culture for detection of bacterial infection in dogs with prostatic neoplasia
Authors: Skorupski K. A. , Byrne B. A. , Palm C. A. , Burton J. H.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether prostatic aspirate culture is a superior method to detect infection compared to culture of urine collected by cystocentesis in dogs with prostatic neoplasia.

Materials and Methods

A prospective study was conducted and dogs with suspected or confirmed prostatic neoplasia were enrolled. Urinalysis was done and culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on paired urine and prostatic aspirate samples collected at a single timepoint.

Results

Ten dogs with prostatic neoplasia were enrolled. All dogs had one or more clinical sign consistent with lower urinary tract disease. One dog (10%) had a positive urine culture, but negative prostatic aspirate culture, one dog (10%) had a positive prostatic aspirate culture, but negative urine culture, and one dog (10%) had both positive urine and prostatic aspirate cultures. Using prostatic aspirate culture as the reference standard, urine culture had a sensitivity for detecting infection of 87.5% (95% confidence interval 52.9 to 99.4) and specificity of 50% (92.6 to 97.4) in this population of dogs.

Clinical Significance

Positive cultures were uncommon with both culture collection methods. Study results did not identify prostatic aspirate culture to be a more sensitive method of detecting prostatic infection than urine culture collected by cystocentesis in these dogs with prostatic neoplasia.
Monitoring genetic diversity with new indicators applied to an alpine freshwater top predator
Authors: Andersson Anastasia , Karlsson Sten , Ryman Nils , Laikre Linda
Published: September 2022

Genetic diversity is the basis for population adaptation and long‐term survival, yet rarely considered in biodiversity monitoring. One key issue is the need for useful and straightforward indicators of genetic diversity. We monitored genetic diversity over 40 years (1970–2010) in metapopulations of brown trout (Salmo trutta) inhabiting 27 small mountain lakes representing 10 lake systems in central Sweden using >1200 fish per time point. We tested six newly proposed indicators; three were designed for broad, international use in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and are currently applied in several countries. The other three were recently elaborated for national use by a Swedish science‐management effort and applied for the first time here. The Swedish indicators use molecular genetic data to monitor genetic diversity within and between populations (indicators ΔH and ΔFST, respectively) and assess the effective population size (Ne‐indicator). We identified 29 genetically distinct populations, all retained over time. Twelve of the 27 lakes harboured more than one population indicating that brown trout biodiversity hidden as cryptic, sympatric populations are more common than recognized. The Ne indicator showed values below the threshold (Ne ≤ 500) in 20 populations with five showing Ne < 100. Statistically significant genetic diversity reductions occurred in several populations. Metapopulation structure appears to buffer against diversity loss; applying the indicators to metapopulations suggest mostly acceptable rates of change in all but one system. The CBD indicators agreed with the Swedish ones but provided less detail. All these indicators are appropriate for managers to initiate monitoring of genetic biodiversity.
Molecular characterization reveals no functional evidence for naturally occurring cross‐kingdom RNA interference in the early stages of Botrytis cinerea–tomato interaction
Authors: Qin Si , Veloso Javier , Baak Mirna , Boogmans Britt , Bosman Tim , Puccetti Guido , Shi‐Kunne Xiaoqian , Smit Sandra , Grant‐Downton Robert , Leisen Thomas , Hahn Matthias , van Kan Jan A. L.
Published: September 2022

Plant immune responses are triggered during the interaction with pathogens. The fungus Botrytis cinerea has previously been reported to use small RNAs (sRNAs) as effector molecules capable of interfering with the host immune response. Conversely, a host plant produces sRNAs that may interfere with the infection mechanism of an intruder. We used high‐throughput sequencing to identify sRNAs produced by B. cinerea and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) during early phases of interaction and to examine the expression of their predicted mRNA targets in the other organism. A total of 7042 B. cinerea sRNAs were predicted to target 3185 mRNAs in tomato. Of the predicted tomato target genes, 163 were indeed transcriptionally down‐regulated during the early phase of infection. Several experiments were performed to study a causal relation between the production of B. cinerea sRNAs and the down‐regulation of predicted target genes in tomato. We generated B. cinerea mutants in which a transposon region was deleted that is the source of c.10% of the fungal sRNAs. Furthermore, mutants were generated in which both Dicer‐like genes (Bcdcl1 and Bcdcl2) were deleted and these displayed a >99% reduction of transposon‐derived sRNA production. Neither of these mutants was significantly reduced in virulence on any plant species tested. Our results reveal no evidence for any detectable role of B. cinerea sRNAs in the virulence of the fungus.
Association between eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal dysmotility: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Reddy Sumana B. , Ketchem Corey J. , Dougherty Michael K. , Eluri Swathi , Dellon Evan S.
Published: September 2022

Background

There is conflicting evidence about the association between eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and esophageal motility disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate esophageal manometry findings in EoE.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. All articles from 1990 to 2021 with EoE patients who underwent esophageal manometry were eligible. We also included pertinent abstracts from national conferences from 2015 to 2020. The primary outcomes were the prevalence of specific Chicago 3 Classification (CCv3) diagnoses in EoE, as well as broader categories of non‐relaxing lower esophageal sphincter, and major and minor peristaltic disorders. When multiple studies reported a specific outcome, we performed random effects meta‐analysis to obtain pooled prevalence of each outcome. To reduce heterogeneity, we restricted meta‐analysis to high‐resolution manometry (HRM) studies only.

Key Results

Of 763 publications identified, 27 original studies met criteria for inclusion, encompassing 706 EoE patients; 14 studies (425 patients) had HRM and underwent meta‐analysis. The pooled prevalence of any motility abnormality was 53% (95% CI: 43%–63%), largely comprised of minor motility disorders such as ineffective esophageal motility and fragmented peristalsis. Major motility disorders, classified by CCv3, were less common in EoE, with pooled prevalence of 2% (0%–7%), 10% (5%–16%), and 1% (0%–3%), for achalasia, esophagogastric‐junction outflow obstruction, and hypercontractile disorders, respectively.

Conclusion and Inferences

Non‐specific motility disorders were common in patients with EoE, but major motility disorders were rare. Further studies are needed to determine the relationship between eosinophilic infiltration and the clinical relevance of abnormal esophageal motility findings in this population.
Vaccination hesitancy: To be vaccinated, or not to be vaccinated, that is the question in the era of COVID‐19
Authors: Perrone Cecilia , Fiabane Elena , Maffoni Marina , Pierobon Antonia , Setti Ilaria , Sommovigo Valentina , Gabanelli Paola
Published: September 2022

COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy poses serious challenges in achieving adequate vaccine coverage in the general population. While most studies on vaccine hesitance determinants during the COVID‐19 pandemic were quantitative, qualitative research on the reasons for vaccine resistance is still lacking. To fill this gap, this study aims to qualitatively investigate cognitive and emotional factors associated with COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy. This qualitative pilot study was conducted between October and November 2021 in Italy. A total of 40 COVID‐19 vaccine‐hesitant (“hesitant not vaccinated” or “hesitant but vaccinated”) individuals completed anonymous questionnaires with open‐ended questions. Data were analysed using the Interpretive Description approach. The central theme that emerged about vaccine hesitancy was the lack of control. This construct included four different sub‐categories: distrust of the government, infodemic, influence of family, and general anti‐vaccine opinions. The results also showed that the most important emotional and cognitive factors associated with hesitancy were anger related to a perceived sense of oppression; emotional avoidance to minimize risk; anxiety related to potential vaccine side effects. Identifying and understanding factors influencing COVID‐19 vaccination hesitancy is crucial to improving communication strategies that will ultimately result in increased confidence and vaccine acceptance.
Comparative transcriptomics of Pinus massoniana organs provides insights on terpene biosynthesis regulation
Authors: Bai Qingsong
Published: September 2022

Terpenoids are the most important natural products collected from conifer species. However, the molecular mechanisms and core factors underlying terpenoid biosynthesis in Pinus massoniana remain unclear. To clarify these mechanisms, this study aimed to identify potential genes that might participate in the terpenoid biosynthesis of P. massoniana. In this study, single molecule real‐time (SMRT) sequencing and expression analysis were used to confirm the expression patterns of genes involved in the cones, immature needles, mature needles, immature branches, and mature branches of P. massoniana. A total of 31,331 lncRNAs and 71,240 mRNAs were identified from these organs, and the greatest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was discovered between needles and branches. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) classified all expressed genes into nine typical modules with 11 kinds of transcription factors (TFs), namely, AP2‐ERF, ARF, AUX‐IAA, C2H2, Dof, F‐box, SBP, WRKY, bHLH, bZIP, and GRAS, and seven kinds of functional genes, namely, ABC transporter, cellulose synthase (CesA), leucine‐rich repeats (LRR), cytochrome P450 (CYT P450), pathogenesis‐related protein (PR), terpene synthase (TPS), and chlorophyllase enzyme. A molecular network was constructed for hub genes, TFs, and functional genes in three modules. The potential function of eight candidate genes, including PmbHLH2, PmERF1, PmRGA, PmGAI, PmbZIP1, PmLOB1, PmMADS1, and PmMYB1, was validated through correlation analysis between terpenoid contents and expression levels, subcellular localization, and transcriptional activation activity, which provides us with probable regulators of terpenoid biosynthesis in conifers.
Chemical compositions of the Neogene bedded manganese deposits in the Fukaura area, Northeast Japan
Authors: Komuro Kosei , Ito Takashi
Published: September 2022

Inorganic chemical compositions are determined for a series of ores from three bedded manganese deposits, that is, Kitaichi, Teranosawa, and Maruyama, in the Fukaura area, northeast Japan. The deposits occur as layers or lenses conformably in sedimentary or pyroclastic rocks of the Odoji formation of the Onnagawa stage in the Neogene period. The ores are composed of lower goethite ore and upper todorokite ore. The ores in the bedded manganese deposits are anomalously high in certain elements: t‐Fe2O3 (max. 51.2%), P2O5 (0.34%), As (9200 ppm), and Pb (600 ppm) in the goethite ore, and MnO (48.5%), Ba (28,000 ppm), Co (560 ppm), Mo (660 ppm), Ni (200 ppm), Tl (32 ppm), V (530 ppm), and W (520 ppm) in the todorokite ore. In the Kitaichi profile, there is distinct compositional zoning, that is, Fe‐As‐Y, P‐Pb, Cu, Co‐W‐Tl, and Mn‐Ba‐Mo‐Sr‐V, in ascending order. Based on the occurrences and chemical compositions of the Fukaura manganese deposits and the geological and paleoceanographic backgrounds, hydrothermal input or upwelling of anaerobic stratified water would be a possible source of elements of initial ferromanganese deposits. The zoning would be made by early diagenetic redistribution process of manganese from initial Fe‐Mn deposits, left residual products of goethite ore at the original horizon. Distinct compositional zoning would be made by the different adsorption behavior of goethite and todorokite for minor elements during early diagenesis.
Complications and outcomes of thoracoscopic‐assisted lung lobectomy in dogs
Authors: Scott Jacqueline E. , Auzenne Danielle A. , Massari Federico , Singh Ameet , Donovan Victoria , Mayhew Philipp D. , Case Brad , Scharf Valery F. , Buote Nicole , Wallace Mandy L.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To describe complications and outcomes of dogs undergoing thoracoscopic‐assisted (TA) lung lobectomy.

Study design

Multi‐institutional, retrospective study.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 30).

Methods

Medical records of dogs that underwent TA lung lobectomy were reviewed. Signalment, bodyweight, clinical signs, imaging findings, surgical variables, complications, and short‐term/long‐term outcome were assessed. Thoracoscopic‐assisted lung lobectomy was performed with a mini‐thoracotomy.

Results

Twelve intraoperative complications were recorded in 11 dogs, 6 requiring conversion to open thoracotomy. Reasons for conversion were reported in 5/6 dogs and included adhesions (2), difficultly manipulating the lesion through the mini‐thoracotomy (2), and acute oxygen desaturation (1). One lung ventilation was successful in 4 of the 7 dogs in which this was attempted. A linear stapling device (DST series Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) was used for lung lobe ligation in 14 dogs. Twenty‐three dogs underwent surgery for a neoplastic lesion, with 19 of these being carcinoma. The median lesion size was 4.3 cm (range 1‐10 cm); margins were clean, except in 1 dog. Complications were documented in 8 dogs prior to discharge, 5 of these being classified as mild. Twenty‐nine dogs were discharged at a median of 47 h postoperatively (range 24‐120 h). Death was reported in 9 dogs, with a median survival time of 168 days (range 70‐868 days).

Conclusion

Thoracoscopic‐assisted lung lobectomy was achieved with few major complications in the population reported here. Dogs were able to be discharged from hospital quickly, with most surviving beyond the follow‐up period.

Clinical significance

Thoracoscopic‐assisted lung lobectomy may be considered to facilitate the excision of larger pulmonary lesions or to treat smaller dogs, in which a thoracoscopic excision may be technically more challenging.
The Tripod neuron: a minimal structural reduction of the dendritic tree
Authors: Quaresima Alessio , Fitz Hartmut , Duarte Renato , Broek Dick van den , Hagoort Peter , Petersson Karl Magnus
Published: September 2022

Neuron models with explicit dendritic dynamics have shed light on mechanisms for coincidence detection, pathway selection and temporal filtering. However, it is still unclear which morphological and physiological features are required to capture these phenomena. In this work, we introduce the Tripod neuron model and propose a minimal structural reduction of the dendritic tree that is able to reproduce these computations. The Tripod is a three‐compartment model consisting of two segregated passive dendrites and a somatic compartment modelled as an adaptive, exponential integrate‐and‐fire neuron. It incorporates dendritic geometry, membrane physiology and receptor dynamics as measured in human pyramidal cells. We characterize the response of the Tripod to glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs and identify parameters that support supra‐linear integration, coincidence‐detection and pathway‐specific gating through shunting inhibition. Following NMDA spikes, the Tripod neuron generates plateau potentials whose duration depends on the dendritic length and the strength of synaptic input. When fitted with distal compartments, the Tripod encodes previous activity into a dendritic depolarized state. This dendritic memory allows the neuron to perform temporal binding, and we show that it solves transition and sequence detection tasks on which a single‐compartment model fails. Thus, the Tripod can account for dendritic computations previously explained only with more detailed neuron models or neural networks. Due to its simplicity, the Tripod neuron can be used efficiently in simulations of larger cortical circuits.

image

Key points

We present a neuron model, called the Tripod, with two segregated dendritic branches that are connected to an axosomatic compartment. Each branch implements inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic synaptic transmission, including voltage‐gated NMDA receptors.

Dendrites are modelled on relevant geometric and physiological parameters measured in human pyramidal cells.

The neuron reproduces classical dendritic computations, such as coincidence detection and pathway selection via shunting inhibition, that are beyond the scope of point‐neuron models.

Under some conditions, dendritic NMDA spikes cause plateau potentials, and we show that they provide a form of short‐term memory which is useful for sequence recognition.

The dendritic structure of the Tripod neuron is sufficiently simple to be integrated into efficient network simulations and studied in a broad functional context.
Fasting Before Evening Exercise Reduces Net Energy Intake and Increases Fat Oxidation, but Impairs Performance in Healthy Males and Females
Authors: Slater Tommy , Mode William J.A. , Pinkney Mollie G. , Hough John , James Ruth M. , Sale Craig , James Lewis J. , Clayton David J.
Published: September 2022

Acute morning fasted exercise may create a greater negative 24-hr energy balance than the same exercise performed after a meal, but research exploring fasted evening exercise is limited. This study assessed the effects of 7-hr fasting before evening exercise on energy intake, metabolism, and performance. Sixteen healthy males and females (n = 8 each) completed two randomized, counterbalanced trials. Participants consumed a standardized breakfast (08:30) and lunch (11:30). Two hours before exercise (16:30), participants consumed a meal (543 ± 86 kcal; FED) or remained fasted (FAST). Exercise involved 30-min cycling (∼60% VO2peak) and a 15-min performance test (∼85% VO2peak; 18:30). Ad libitum energy intake was assessed 15 min postexercise. Subjective appetite was measured throughout. Energy intake was 99 ± 162 kcal greater postexercise (p < .05), but 443 ± 128 kcal lower over the day (p < .001) in FAST. Appetite was elevated between the preexercise meal and ad libitum meal in FAST (p < .001), with no further differences (p ≥ .458). Fat oxidation was greater (+3.25 ± 1.99 g), and carbohydrate oxidation was lower (−9.16 ± 5.80 g) during exercise in FAST (p < .001). Exercise performance was 3.8% lower in FAST (153 ± 57 kJ vs. 159 ± 58 kJ, p < .05), with preexercise motivation, energy, readiness, and postexercise enjoyment also lower in FAST (p < .01). Fasted evening exercise reduced net energy intake and increased fat oxidation compared to exercise performed 2 hr after a meal. However, fasting also reduced voluntary performance, motivation, and exercise enjoyment. Future studies are needed to examine the long-term effects of this intervention as a weight management strategy.
Sports Specialization, Physical Literacy, and Physical Activity Levels in Young Adults
Authors: McKay Chloe , Hoch Johanna M. , Hoch Matthew C. , Dlugonski Deirdre
Published: September 2022

Context: Youth sport specialization may be associated with physical literacy and physical activity in young adulthood. The purposes of this study were to compare young adult (18–25 y) physical literacy and physical activity by high school sport specialization status and to examine the relationship between current physical activity and physical literacy. Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional study design. Methods: Participants were recruited from ResearchMatch, university classes, and social media posts. Participants (N = 172; aged 22.1 [2.1] y; 80.1% female) completed the following anonymous surveys on REDCap to assess: demographics and injury history, sport specialization, physical literacy (PLAYself), and physical activity (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire). Results: When controlling for age, there were no statistically significant differences in physical literacy (F2,166 = 2.02, P = .14) or moderate to vigorous physical activity (F2,161 = 0.24, P = .79) between sport specialization groups. There was a moderate, positive relationship between physical literacy and physical activity (r = .33, P < .001). Conclusions: Young adult physical literacy and physical activity were similar regardless of youth sport specialization level. Young adult physical literacy was positively associated with physical activity. Future studies should consider physical literacy as a possible correlate of physical activity among young adults.
In vivo peptide-based delivery of a gene-modifying enzyme into cells of the central nervous system
Authors: Allen Jason K. , Sutherland Theresa C. , Prater Austin R. , Geoffroy Cédric G. , Pellois Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2022

We report on the successful delivery of the Cre recombinase enzyme in the neural cells of mice in vivo by simple coinjection with peptides derived from HIV-TAT. Cre delivery activates the expression of a reporter gene in both neurons and astrocytes of the cortex without tissue damage and with a transduction efficiency that parallels or exceeds that of a commonly used adeno-associated virus. Our data indicate that the delivery peptides mediate efficient endosomal leakage and cytosolic escape in cells that have endocytosed Cre. The peptides, therefore, act in trans and do not require conjugation to the payload, greatly simplifying sample preparation. Moreover, the delivery peptides are exclusively composed of natural amino acids and are consequently readily degradable and processed by cells. We envision that this approach will be beneficial to applications that require the transient introduction of proteins into cells in vivo.
Dynamic processes at the ends of collisional mountain chains
Authors: Hodges K. V. , Whipple K. X.
Published: September 2022

Understanding of the relationships between tectonic deformation and exhumation in the Himalaya remains incomplete, especially at the ends of the chain.
Gastrointestinal tract drug delivery using algae motors embedded in a degradable capsule
Authors: Zhang Fangyu , Li Zhengxing , Duan Yaou , Abbas Amal , Mundaca-Uribe Rodolfo , Yin Lu , Luan Hao , Gao Weiwei , Fang Ronnie H. , Zhang Liangfang , Wang Joseph
Published: September 2022

The use of micromotors for active drug delivery via oral administration has recently gained considerable interest. However, efficient motor-assisted delivery into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract remains challenging, owing to the short propulsion lifetime of currently used micromotor platforms. Here, we report on an efficient algae-based motor platform, which takes advantage of the fast and long-lasting swimming behavior of natural microalgae in intestinal fluid to prolong local retention within the GI tract. Fluorescent dye or cell membrane–coated nanoparticle functionalized algae motors were further embedded inside a pH-sensitive capsule to enhance delivery to the small intestines. In vitro, the algae motors displayed a constant motion behavior in simulated intestinal fluid after 12 hours of continuous operation. When orally administered in vivo into mice, the algae motors substantially improved GI distribution of the dye payload compared with traditional magnesium-based micromotors, which are limited by short propulsion lifetimes, and they also enhanced retention of a model chemotherapeutic payload in the GI tract compared with a passive nanoparticle formulation. Overall, combining the efficient motion and extended lifetime of natural algae–based motors with the protective capabilities of oral capsules results in a promising micromotor platform capable of achieving greatly improved cargo delivery in GI tissue for practical biomedical applications.
Genome Characterization of
Gordonia
Phage Amore2
Authors: Lantis Caroline M. , Mattison Emily C. , Miller Sarah E. , Williams Alexandria J. , Kanak Alison E.
Published: September 2022

Novel
Gordonia
phage Amore2 was isolated from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and infects
Gordonia terrae
3612. Amore2 was placed into Actinobacteria cluster CS1. Its genome is 73,842 bp with 105 predicted open reading frames and 56.6% GC content. The closest similarity of Amore2 is
Gordonia
phage Austin, with a 98% nucleotide identity.
Male infant with Noonan syndrome withRAF-1gene mutation who survived hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-induced fatal heart failure and uncontrollable arrhythmias
Authors: Hagino Mao , Ota Chiharu , Onoki Takehiko , Iwasawa Shinya
Published: September 2022

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a congenital disease with characteristic facial features as well as heart disease, short stature and thoracic abnormalities. More than eighty per cent of patients with NS show several cardiac disorders including pulmonary valvular stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and/or atrial septal defects. HCM is a serious cardiac comorbidity in patients with NS, especially in those who are diagnosed within 6 months of age with congestive heart failure. Arrhythmia with or without HCM in NS is a rare comorbidity with a complicated clinical course and poor prognosis.

In this manuscript, we present the case of a male infant with NS withRAF1gene mutation, who showed various types of arrhythmias. He developed life-threatening heart failure and uncontrollable arrhythmias. We attempted several antiarrhythmic agents and finally controlled the arrhythmias to establish a normal sinus rhythm with a combination of amiodarone and flecainide.
Recurrent haemoptysis: a rare diagnosis of kaposiform lymphangiomatosis and review of literature
Authors: Fedidat Roukhama , Elia Anna , Hershko Alon , Fridlender Zvi
Published: September 2022

Kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KLA) is a rare clinicopathological entity among lymphatic anomalies. The main involved sites are the mediastinum and the lungs but the disease can also affect multiple extrathoracic organs. Little is known about the pathophysiology, the natural history, the treatment response and the long-term outcome of this disorder. KLA is typically diagnosed in childhood. We present here the case of an adult man with 13 years recurrent episodes of haemoptysis who was finally found to suffer from KLA. Following this, we present a comprehensive review of the literature.
Evans syndrome in a young man with rare autoimmune associations and transplanted liver
Authors: McCarthy Matthew Dominic , Fareeth A G Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Evans syndrome is classically characterised by two or more cytopenias occurring either concomitantly or sequentially. Most commonly, these are autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and immune thrombocytopenia purpura. It is mostly associated with specific autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and lymphoproliferative disorders. We present a case report of Evans syndrome in a young man with primary sclerosing cholangitis and Crohn’s disease, neither of which are classically associated with the condition. The case also further adds to the number of case reports of Evans syndrome occurring in patients following liver transplantation.
Update on the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Orpen-Palmer Josh , Stanley Adrian J
Published: September 2022

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common emergency presentation requiring prompt resuscitation and management. Peptic ulcers are the most common cause of the condition. Thorough initial management with a structured approach is vital with appropriate intravenous fluid resuscitation and use of a restrictive transfusion threshold of 7-8 g/dL. Pre-endoscopic scoring tools enable identification of patients at high risk and at very low risk who might benefit from specific management. Endoscopy should be carried out within 24 h of presentation for patients admitted to hospital, although optimal timing for patients at a higher risk within this period is less clear. Endoscopic treatment of high risk lesions and use of subsequent high dose proton pump inhibitors is a cornerstone of non-variceal bleeding management. Variceal haemorrhage results in higher mortality than non-variceal haemorrhage and, if suspected, antibiotics and vasopressors should be administered urgently, before endoscopy. Oesophageal variceal bleeding requires endoscopic band ligation, whereas bleeding from gastric varices requires thrombin or tissue glue injection. Recurrent bleeding is managed by repeat endoscopic treatment. If uncontrolled bleeding occurs, interventional radiological embolisation or surgery is required for non-variceal bleeding or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement for variceal bleeding.