bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and asset pricing: An insight on African frontier stock markets
Authors: Hikouatcha Prince , Njamen Kengdo Arsène Aurelien , Bidias Menik Hans Patrick , Tchoffo Tioyem Pierre Ghislain , Nchofoung Tii Njivukuh
Published: February 2023

This article investigates the impact of microstructure factors on asset pricing in some African stock markets. We use data on stocks listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the “Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières,” and the Nigeria Stock Exchange, and we consider international portfolio management from 2000 to 2014. Generalized least square and fixed effect are estimation methods used to highlight the effect of microstructure variables on expected return. At the same time, panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) modeling is considered to identify the thresholds in this effect. The results show that liquidity and to a lesser extent the number of trading days are the most common significant microstructure variables for all the studied markets. However, other variables’ effects on the return are specific to the considered stock markets. Furthermore, the PSTR estimator reveals that the impact of indicated factors on asset pricing is not linear because it produces a double threshold between return and microstructure.
Upper thermal limits predict herpetofaunal responses to forest edge and cover
Authors: Veselka Andrew J. , Aponte‐Gutiérrez Andrés , Medina‐Báez Osmary A. , Watling James I.
Published: February 2023

Amphibians and reptiles are sensitive to changes in the thermal environment, which varies considerably in human‐modified landscapes. Although it is known that thermal traits of species influence their distribution in modified landscapes, how herpetofauna respond specifically to shifts in ambient temperature along forest edges remains unclear. This may be because most studies focus on local‐scale metrics of edge exposure, which only account for a single edge or habitat patch. We predicted that accounting for the combined effect of multiple habitat edges in a landscape would best explain herpetofaunal response to thermally mediated edge effects. We (1) surveyed herpetofauna at two lowland, fragmented forest sites in central Colombia, (2) measured the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of the species sampled, (3) measured their edge exposure at both local and landscape scales, and (4) created a thermal profile of the landscape itself. We found that species with low CTmax occurred both further from forest edges and in areas of denser vegetation, but were unaffected by the landscape‐scale configuration of habitat edges. Variation in the thermal landscape was driven primarily by changes in vegetation density. Our results suggest that amphibians and reptiles with low CTmax are limited by both canopy gaps and proximity to edge, making them especially vulnerable to human modification of tropical forest.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Making the most out of the innovation of meaning: The importance of inclusion for creativity in inside‐out envisioning
Authors: Goto Satoru , Makino Hikaru , Ando Takuo
Published: February 2023

Innovation of meaning (IoM) is one of the streams that has attracted attention in design thinking research. Inside‐out envisioning aims to assist non‐designer employees practice IoM in a similar manner to how visionary executives and designers perform. The process starts with exposing their intrinsic visions to innovate the dominant social or organizational meanings. This makes the employees' creativity that comes from intrinsic goals and values an important driving force of inside‐out envisioning. Thus, it is crucial to foster an organizational culture that encourages employees to engage in inside‐out envisioning and enhance their creativity. This study explores whether inclusion, as an organizational culture, is an antecedent of creativity in inside‐out envisioning. Inclusion refers to a state in which an individual's uniqueness is valued by other group members and externalized to improve group performance. Based on data from a survey conducted with 1104 Japanese employees, this study reveals that inclusion significantly impacts creativity in inside‐out envisioning. A multigroup analysis demonstrates differences in the effects of the mediating variables of this relationship based on the successful experience of inside‐out envisioning. This study concludes that it is important for design thinking researchers to study inclusion more deeply as a way to implement inside‐out envisioning.
Age‐dependent changes in the prognostic advantage of papillary thyroid cancer in women: A SEER‐based study
Authors: Liu Qi , Ma Bing , Song Mingyuan , Sun Wei , Zhang Hao
Published: February 2023

Background

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is more prevalent in women, and women show a better prognosis than men; however, the factors contributing to this prognostic difference are confounding. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of the interaction between sex and age on the prognosis of PTC.

Methods

A total of 108,459 patients with PTC were retrospectively analysed, and Cox‐regression models were used to assess differences in disease specific survival (DSS) by sex, with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to control for between‐group differences in prognosis by sex due to age change. Restricted cubic splines were used to analyse prognostic differences between sexes for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and PTC. Multiple mediation analyses were used to assess the direct or indirect effect of sex on DSS.

Results

The DSS was higher for women than men (98.6% vs. 95.4%, χ2 = 458.57, p < .001). After IPTW adjustment, the DSS of women was better than that of men (HR = 0.67, 0.60−0.76). In the subgroup analysis, women had an advantage in DSS across most age intervals (crude HR = 0.166 [0.082−0.337], p < .001, IPTW‐adjusted HR = 0.331 [0.161−0.681], p < .001). The difference between the two gradually narrowed with increasing age, and the prognosis of women was better than that of men in PTMC, while this advantage was not obvious in PTC.

Conclusions

The overall PTC prognosis of women is better than that of men, but the prognostic advantage of women diminishes with age and tumour growth. These differences in prognosis may be due to some indirect factors caused by different sexes.
Epoxy allergy, investigation of a modern industry
Authors: Lejding Tina , Källberg Kajsa , Bergendorff Ola , Jacobsson Susanne , Svedman Cecilia , Bruze Magnus
Published: February 2023

Background

Five workers from an industry manufacturing various articles from carbon fibre reinforced epoxy plastics were referred to our department because of suspected occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD). When patch tested, four of them had positive reactions to components of epoxy resin systems (ERSs) that could explain their current skin problems. All of them had been working at the same workstation at a specially designed pressing machine, with operations including manually mixing epoxy resin with hardener. Multiple cases of OACD in the plant prompted an investigation including all workers with possible risk exposures at the plant.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of occupational dermatoses and contact allergies among the workers at the plant.

Materials and Methods

Totally 25 workers underwent investigation that included a brief consultation with a standardized anamnesis and clinical examination followed by patch testing.

Results

ERSs‐related reactions were found in 7 of the 25 investigated workers. None of the seven had a history of previous exposure to ERSs and they are regarded as sensitized through work.

Conclusions

Twenty‐eight percent of investigated workers showed reactions to ERSs. Of these the majority would have been missed if supplementary testing would not have been added to testing with the Swedish base line series.
Retrospective quantitative risk assessment of skin sensitization caused by an antimicrobial agent used in a consumer product: 2,3,5,6‐Tetrachloro‐4‐(methylsulfonyl) pyridine
Authors: Fukushima Asako , Morioka Hisako , Kobayashi Toshio , Katagiri Ritsuko , Tanabe Aiko , Sakunaga Mayumi , Takeyoshi Masahiro
Published: February 2023

Background

Serious cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by exposure to 3,5,6‐tetrachloro‐4‐(methylsulfonyl)pyridine (TCMSP; CAS no. 13108‐52‐6) used as an antimicrobial agent for desk mats have been reported in Japan.

Objective

A quantitative risk assessment (QRA) of TCMSP contained in desk mats was performed retrospectively.

Materials and Methods

A local lymph node assay (LLNA): BrdU‐ELISA was conducted to determine a reliable EC1.6 value for TCMSP. The acceptable exposure level (AEL) for TCMSP was derived from the EC1.6 value by applying sensitization assessment factors (SAFs). The exposure level was estimated based on the assumption referring to the use conditions of thiabendazole in the same purpose. Then, the estimated exposure level was compared with the AEL to evaluate the skin sensitization risk.

Results

The AEL was calculated as 0.00458 μg/cm2 based on the EC1.6 value (0.011%, 2.75 μg/cm2) by applying a composite SAF of 600. The estimated TCMSP exposure level from the desk mat was 500 times greater than the AEL, indicating a serious skin sensitization risk.

Conclusions

Assessments of skin sensitization potencies of chemicals to be used in consumer products are strongly recommended, and QRAs should be performed at the pre‐marketing stage to avoid the skin sensitization risk in consumers.
Tetrahedral framework nucleic acid nanomaterials reduce the inflammatory damage in sepsis by inhibiting pyroptosis
Authors: Chen Xingyu , He Jiajun , Xie Yu , Zhang Tianxu , Li Songhang , Zhao Yuxuan , Hu Nan , Cai Xiaoxiao
Published: February 2023

Sepsis is a highly lethal condition and is caused by the dysregulation of the body's immune response to infection. Indeed, sepsis remains the leading cause of death in severely ill patients, and currently, no effective treatment is available. Pyroptosis, which is mainly activated by cytoplasmic danger signals and eventually promote the release of the pro‐inflammatory factors, is a newly discovered programmed cell death procedure that clears infected cells while simultaneously triggering an inflammatory response. Increasing evidence indicates that pyroptosis participates in the development of sepsis. As a novel DNA nanomaterial, tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) characterized by its unique spatial structure, possess an excellent biosafety profile and can quickly enter the cell to impart anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidation effects. In this study, the roles of tFNAs in the in vitro model of macrophage cell pyroptosis and in the in vivo model of septic mice were examined, and it was found that tFNAs could mitigate organ inflammatory damage in septic mice, wherein they reduced inflammatory factor levels by inhibiting pyroptosis. These results provide possible new strategies for the future treatment of sepsis.
Clinical features of asthma with connective tissue diseases
Authors: Watanabe Keisuke , Horita Nobuyuki , Hara Yu , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: February 2023

Background

The clinical features of asthma with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are not well‐known. This study therefore aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of asthma with CTDs.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the records of adults (≥18 years old) with asthma followed up between January 2010 and December 2019. We then compared the clinical features of asthma with and without CTDs.

Results

Among 568 subjects with asthma, 42 subjects (7.4%) had CTDs. The most frequent concomitant CTD was rheumatoid arthritis (n = 23, 54.8%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 6, 14.3%). The proportion of women (with vs. without CTDs, 85.7% vs. 56.5%, p < 0.001) and Global Initiative for Asthma step were higher (Step 4 or 5, with vs. without CTDs, 81.0% vs. 62.0%, p = 0.01) in asthma with CTDs, whereas frequency of allergic rhinitis was higher in asthma without CTDs (with vs. without CTDs, 7.1% vs. 26.1%, p = 0.005). Eosinophil ratio (with vs. without CTDs, 2.1% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.009) and total immunoglobulin E level (with vs. without CTDs, 43 IU/mL vs. 237 IU/mL, p = 0.002) were lower in asthma with CTDs. In terms of lung function, percentage predicted forced vital capacity (with vs. without CTDs, 86.7% vs. 99.7%, p = 0.008) and percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%FEV1) (with vs. without CTDs, 77.2% vs. 88.4%, p = 0.02) were all lower in asthma with CTDs. With multivariable analysis, CTDs (odds ratio [OR] 2.8, 95%CI 1.3–6.0; p = 0.008), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 3.8, 95%CI 2.1–6.7; p < 0.001) and asthma onset at <20 years old (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.1–3.2; p = 0.03) were associated with low FEV1 (defined as %FEV1 < 80%) in asthma.

Conclusions

Asthma with CTDs was related to lower lung function and low‐T2 inflammation asthma.
First Wave Collecting – Christchurch Terror Attacks, 15 March 2019
Authors: Gibson Stephanie , Blaymires Shannon
Published: February 2023

This paper explores how the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Alexander Turnbull Library (a division of the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa) responded to the outpouring of grief in the wake of the Christchurch terror attacks on 15 March 2019. This case study highlights how both institutions, at the invitation of the Wellington Islamic Centre (through the International Muslim Association of New Zealand) collected the hundreds of tributes left at Kilbirnie Mosque in Wellington. This particular acquisition required a shift from a museological object‐centred approach to an archival approach, enabling us to privilege the integrity of the whole. The authors consider the meanings and impacts of such spontaneous memorials; and discuss both the benefits and limitations of collecting material culture generated by ‘first wave’ responses to mass trauma. This case study also demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, drawing on aspects of professional practice and theory from across the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) sector.
COVID‐19 post‐vaccination lymphadenopathy: A review of the use of fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Caputo Alessandro , Caleo Alessia , Cozzolino Immacolata , Zeppa Pio , Ciancia Giuseppe , Ciliberti Valeria
Published: February 2023

COVID‐19 vaccine‐associated clinical lymphadenopathy (C19‐LAP) and subclinical lymphadenopathy (SLDI), which are mainly detected by 18F‐FDG PET‐CT, have been observed after the introduction of RNA‐based vaccines during the pandemic. Lymph node (LN) fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been used to diagnose single cases or small series of SLDI and C19‐LAP. In this review, clinical and LN‐FNAC features of SLDI and C19‐LAP are reported and compared to non‐Covid (NC)‐LAP. A search for studies on C19‐LAP and SLDI histopathology and cytopathology was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar, on 11 January 2023. Reports on LN‐FNAC of C19‐LAP were retrieved. A total of 14 reports, plus one unpublished case of C19‐LAP observed in our institution, diagnosed by LN‐FNAC were included in a pooled analysis and compared to the corresponding histopathological reports. In total, 26 cases were included in this review, with a mean age of 50.5 years. Twenty‐one lymphadenopathies assessed by LN‐FNAC were diagnosed as benign, and three cases as atypical lymphoid hyperplasia; the latter were subsequently confirmed as benign (one by repetition of LN‐FNAC, two by histological control). One case of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in a patient suffering from melanoma was reported as reactive granulomatous inflammation, while one unsuspected case was diagnosed as metastasis from melanoma. In all cases, the cytological diagnoses were confirmed by follow‐up or excisional biopsy. The high diagnostic value of LN‐FNAC in excluding malignant processes was extremely useful in this context and may be particularly valuable when CNB or histological excisions are difficult to perform, as was the case during Covid lockdowns.
Small area and low connectivity constrain the diversity of plant life strategies in temporary ponds
Authors: Herceg‐Szórádi Zsófia , Demeter László , Csergő Anna Mária
Published: February 2023

Aim

(i) To determine whether area and connectivity of temporary ponds can predict plant species diversity, and the diversity and abundance of different plant life histories; (ii) To explore whether pond connectivity with the river prior to river regulation predicts better plant diversity patterns than current pond connectivity, suggestive of possible effects of connectivity loss.

Location

Eastern Carpathian Mountains, Romania, Europe.

Methods

We fitted linear and generalized linear models (LM and GLM) to examine whether pond area and current distance from the Olt River predict plant species richness, Shannon diversity and relative cover of different social behaviour types and overall plant species richness and Shannon diversity. Using historical maps, we measured pond distance from the river ca. 60 years before the Olt River was regulated, and we refitted the LM and GLM models using pond area and past distance from the river as independent variables.

Results

Total plant species richness increased with pond area, and it decreased with the distance from the river, but total plant Shannon diversity index was affected, positively, only by pond area. The strength of responses to pond area and connectivity of species richness, Shannon diversity and relative cover varied across the different social behaviour types. Past and current distances between ponds and riverbeds had similar effects on plant diversity, with some evidence for stronger effect of the present connectivity on specialist species Shannon diversity and a weaker effect on disturbance tolerants, generalists and competitors.

Main Conclusions

Pond area and connectivity with the landscape are important predictors of the diversity of plant life history strategies, and therefore, useful tools in pond conservation. Consistent species richness and Shannon diversity responses of wetland specialists to pond area and connectivity make this life history type well suited for monitoring pond condition.
Blue light imaging and linked color imaging as a screening mode for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in high‐risk patients: Multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Ogata Yohei , Hatta Waku , Koike Tomoyuki , Takahashi So , Matsuhashi Tamotsu , Oikawa Tomoyuki , Iwai Wataru , Asonuma Sho , Okata Hideki , Ohyauchi Motoki , Ito Hirotaka , Abe Yasuhiko , Sasaki Yu , Kawamura Masashi , Saito Masahiro , Uno Kaname , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Nakamura Tomohiro , Nakaya Naoki , Iijima Katsunori , Masamune Atsushi
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Blue light imaging (BLI) and linked color imaging (LCI) are superior to conventional white light imaging for detecting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Hence, we compared their diagnostic performances in ESCC screening.

Methods

This open‐labeled, randomized controlled trial was performed at seven hospitals. Patients with a high risk of ESCC were randomly assigned to the BLI group (BLI followed by LCI) and LCI group (LCI followed by BLI). The primary end‐point was the detection rate of ESCC in the primary mode. The main secondary end‐point was its miss rate in the primary mode.

Results

In total, 699 patients were enrolled. The detection rate of ESCC did not significantly differ between the BLI and LCI groups (4.0% [14/351] vs. 4.9% [17/348]; P = 0.565); however, the number of patients with ESCC tended to be smaller in the BLI group (19 vs. 30). Notably, the miss rate of ESCC was lower in the BLI group (26.3% [5/19] vs. 63.3% [19/30]; P = 0.012) and LCI detected no ESCCs missed by BLI. The sensitivity was higher in BLI (75.0% vs. 47.6%; P = 0.042); on the other hand, the positive predictive value in BLI tended to be lower (28.8% vs. 45.5%; P = 0.092).

Conclusions

The detection rates of ESCC did not significantly differ between BLI and LCI. Although BLI may have the potential to be advantageous over LCI for the diagnosis of ESCC, it is still unclear whether BLI is superior to LCI, and a further large‐scale study is needed.

Trial registration

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT1022190018‐1).
Exposure to endocrine‐disrupting chemicals and implications for neurodevelopment
Authors: Özel Fatih , Rüegg Joëlle
Published: February 2023

Human brain development is a complex multistep process that is partly coordinated by the endocrine system. Any interference with the endocrine system might affect this process and result in deleterious outcomes. Endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) represent a large group of exogenous chemicals with the capacity of interfering with endocrine functions. In different population‐based settings, associations between exposure to EDCs, particularly in prenatal life, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes have been demonstrated. These findings are strengthened by numerous experimental studies. Although mechanisms underlying these associations are not entirely delineated, disruption of thyroid hormone and, to a lesser extent, sex hormone signalling have been shown to be involved. Humans are constantly exposed to mixtures of EDCs, and further research combining epidemiological and experimental settings is required to improve our understanding of the link between real‐life exposures to these chemicals and their impact on neurodevelopment.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in children
Authors: Whitney Robyn , Sharma Suvasini , Ramachandrannair Rajesh
Published: February 2023

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of epilepsy‐related mortality in children and adults living with epilepsy. The incidence of SUDEP is comparable in both children and adults; it is approximately 1.2 per 1000 person years. The pathophysiology of SUDEP is not well understood but may involve mechanisms such as cerebral shutdown, autonomic dysfunction, altered brainstem function, and cardiorespiratory demise. Risk factors for SUDEP include the presence of generalized tonic–clonic seizures, nocturnal seizures, possible genetic predisposition, and non‐adherence to antiseizure medications. Pediatric‐specific risk factors are not fully elucidated. Despite recommendations from consensus guidelines, many clinicians still do not follow the practice of counseling their patients about SUDEP. SUDEP prevention has been an area of important research focus and includes several strategies, such as obtaining seizure control, optimizing treatment regimens, nocturnal supervision, and seizure detection devices. This review discusses what is currently known about SUDEP risk factors and reviews current and future preventive strategies for SUDEP.
Healthcare professionals' views about how pregnant women can benefit from using a closed‐loop system: Qualitative study
Authors: Lawton Julia , Rankin David , Hartnell Sara , Lee Tara , Dover Anna R. , Reynolds Rebecca M. , Hovorka Roman , Murphy Helen R. , Hart Ruth I. ,   the AiDAPT Collaborative Group
Published: February 2023

Background

Interest is growing in how closed‐loop systems can support attainment of within‐target glucose levels amongst pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. We explored healthcare professionals' views about how, and why, pregnant women benefitted from using the CamAPS FX system during the AiDAPT trial.

Methods

We interviewed 19 healthcare professionals who supported women using closed‐loop during the trial. Our analysis focused on identifying descriptive and analytical themes relevant to clinical practice.

Results

Healthcare professionals highlighted clinical and quality‐of‐life benefits to using closed‐loop in pregnancy; albeit, they attributed some of these to the continuous glucose monitoring component. They emphasised that the closed‐loop was not a panacea and that, to gain maximum benefit, an effective collaboration between themselves, the woman and the closed‐loop was needed. Optimal performance of the technology, as they further noted, also required women to interact with the system sufficiently, but not excessively; a requirement that they felt some women had found challenging. Even where healthcare professionals felt that this balance was not achieved, they suggested that women had still benefitted from using the system. Healthcare professionals reported difficulties predicting how specific women would engage with the technology. In light of their trial experiences, healthcare professionals favoured an inclusive approach to closed‐loop rollout in routine clinical care.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals recommended that closed‐loop systems be offered to all pregnant women with type 1 diabetes in the future. Presenting closed‐loop systems to pregnant women and healthcare teams as one pillar of a three‐party collaboration may help promote optimal use.
Exploring SME environmental behaviour and practice: The case of Malaysia
Authors: Baskaran Angathevar , Chandran V. G. R. , Rajaghantham Divyaasiny
Published: February 2023

Motivation

A better understanding of the dynamics of the factors that influence the environmental behaviour of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia is crucial for new policy experiments.

Purpose

We examine the drivers, barriers, and incentives of SMEs in adopting environmental practices and reporting, as well as the dynamics driving SME decision‐making in Malaysia.

Methods and approach

This article uses multiple case studies and semi‐structured interviews as the qualitative methodology is best suited to gain an in‐depth understanding of SME experiences and perceptions.

Findings

SMEs have adopted several environmental practices, and few have already engaged in environmental reporting, albeit at varying levels. The perceived reputation‐enhancing and knowledge‐disseminating results are a strong incentive for SMEs. Interestingly, SMEs' decision to adopt environmental practices and reporting is driven by multiple factors, leaving more room for policy experimentation, as our dynamic interaction matrix shows.

Policy implications

Comprehensive environmental practices and reporting by SMEs is feasible if policy design considers the dynamics of regulatory pressures, key drivers, and perceived incentives.
The urotensin‐II receptor: A marker for staging and steroid outcome prediction in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Gravina Antonietta Gerarda , Dallio Marcello , Romeo Mario , Pellegrino Raffaele , Stiuso Paola , Lama Stefania , Grieco Paolo , Merlino Francesco , Panarese Iacopo , Marino Federica Zito , Sangineto Moris , Romano Marco , Federico Alessandro
Published: February 2023

Background

Urotensin‐II receptor‐ (UTR) related pathway exerts a key‐role in promoting inflammation. The aim was to assess the relationship between UTR expression and clinical, endoscopic and biochemical severity of ulcerative colitis (UC), exploring its predictivity of intravenous (iv) steroid administration therapeutic outcome.

Methods

One‐hundred patients with first diagnosis of UC and 44 healthy subjects were enrolled. UTR expression was assessed by qPCR, Western Blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Clinical, endoscopic and histological activity of UC were evaluated by using Truelove and Witts (T&W) severity index, Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES), and Truelove and Richards Index (TRI). The partial and full Mayo scores (PMS and FMS) were assessed to stage the disease.

Results

The UTR expression, resulted higher in the lesioned mucosa of UC patients in comparison to healthy subjects (p < .0001 all). Direct relationship between UTR (mRNA and protein) expression and disease severity assessment (T&W, PMS, MES and TRI) was highlighted (p < .0001 all). UTR expression resulted also higher in the 72 patients requiring iv steroids administration compared to those who underwent alternative medications, (p < .0001). The 32 steroid‐non‐responders showed an increased UTR expression (WB, IHC and qPCR from lesioned mucosa), compared to 40 steroid‐responders (p: .0002, .0001, p < .0001 respectively). The predictive role of UTR expression (p < .05) on the negative iv steroids administration therapeutic outcome was highlighted and ROC curves identified the thresholds expressing the better predictive performance.

Conclusions

UTR represents a promising inflammatory marker related to clinical, endoscopic, and histological disease activity as well as a predictive marker of steroid administration therapeutic outcome in the UC context.
Histological analysis for pulp mineralisation after severe intrusive luxation of immature molars in rats
Authors: Wang Nan , Gao Yike , Ren Huihui , He Linhai , Zhao Yuming
Published: February 2023

Background/Aim

Pulp mineralisation is a survival process that may occur in the pulp of immature teeth following trauma. However, the mechanism of this process remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological manifestations of pulp mineralisation after intrusion in immature molars of rats.

Materials and Methods

Three‐week‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to intrusive luxation of the right maxillary second molar by an impact force from a striking instrument through a metal force transfer rod. The left maxillary second molar of each rat was used as a control. The control and injured maxillae were collected at 3, 7, 10, 14, and 30 days after trauma (n = 15 per time group) and evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. Independent two‐tailed Student's t‐test was used for statistical comparison of the immunoreactive area.

Results

Pulp atrophy and mineralisation were observed in 30%–40% of the animals, and no pulp necrosis occurred. Ten days after trauma, pulp mineralisation, with osteoid tissue rather than reparative dentin, formed around the newly vascularised areas in the coronal pulp. CD90‐immunoreactive cells were observed in the sub‐odontoblastic multicellular layer in control molars, whereas the number of these cells was decreased in the traumatised teeth. CD105 localised in cells around the pulp osteoid tissue of the traumatised teeth, whereas in control teeth, it was only expressed in the vascular endothelial cells of capillaries in the odontoblastic or sub‐odontoblastic layers. In specimens with pulp atrophy at 3–10 days after trauma, hypoxia inducible factor expression and CD11b‐immunoreactive inflammatory cells increased.

Conclusions

Following intrusive luxation of immature teeth without crown fractures in rats, no pulp necrosis occurred. Instead, pulp atrophy and osteogenesis around neovascularisation with activated CD105‐immunoreactive cells were observed in the coronal pulp microenvironment characterised by hypoxia and inflammation.
Spatial–temporal distribution of maxillofacial injuries resulting from intimate partner violence against women
Authors: Bernardino Ítalo de Macedo , da Nóbrega Lorena Marques , de Souza Larissa Trajano , Ribeiro Monteiro de Figueiredo Tayná , Massoni Andreza Cristina de Lima Targino , d'Ávila Sérgio
Published: February 2023

Background/Aim

Maxillofacial trauma resulting from intimate partner violence (IPV) represents an important oral health problem. In this sense, the aim of this study was to investigate the spatial–temporal distribution of maxillofacial trauma resulting from IPV against women, using a geostatistical approach.

Materials and Methods

An ecological study was carried out including the analysis of confirmed IPV cases against women treated at a Center for Forensic Medicine and Dentistry over a four‐year observation period, as well as the evaluation of population data from the victims' places of residence extracted from the last demographic census of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Statistical analysis included: (i) finite mixture modeling to establish incidence trajectory patterns; (ii) Getis‐Ord indicator (Gi*) for spatial autocorrelation; (iii) spatial regression analysis (p < .05).

Results

Two distinct trajectory patterns (TP1 and TP2) related to IPV incidence were identified using finite mixture modeling, suggesting spatial–temporal disparities at the regional level. In TP1, it was observed that IPV incidence was relatively low and remained stable over time, covering almost two‐thirds (62.0%) of investigated spatial units. TP2 was characterized by higher IPV incidence with a tendency to increase in the last year, including more than one‐third of neighborhoods (38.0%). Autocorrelation analysis showed a predominance of hot areas (hotspots) in the Eastern zone (p < .05) and in the Western zone (p < .05); and cold areas (coldspots) in the Northern zone (p < .05). In addition, statistically significant association was observed among neighborhoods with higher percentage of households with family householder without income and higher incidence of maxillofacial trauma resulting from IPV against women (β = 5.305; SE = 1.741; p = .002).

Conclusions

The findings indicate an association between higher IPV incidence against women, maxillofacial trauma, and socio‐spatial vulnerability.
A role for the fornix in temporal sequence memory
Authors: Read Marie‐Lucie , Umla‐Runge Katja , Lawrence Andrew D. , Costigan Alison G. , Hsieh Liang‐Tien , Chamberland Maxime , Ranganath Charan , Graham Kim S.
Published: February 2023

Converging evidence from studies of human and nonhuman animals suggests that the hippocampus contributes to sequence learning by using temporal context to bind sequentially occurring items. The fornix is a white matter pathway containing the major input and output pathways of the hippocampus, including projections from medial septum and to diencephalon, striatum, lateral septum and prefrontal cortex. If the fornix meaningfully contributes to hippocampal function, then individual differences in fornix microstructure might predict sequence memory. Here, we tested this prediction by performing tractography in 51 healthy adults who had undertaken a sequence memory task. Microstructure properties of the fornix were compared with those of tracts connecting medial temporal lobe regions but not predominantly the hippocampus: the Parahippocampal Cingulum bundle (PHC) (conveying retrosplenial projections to parahippocampal cortex) and the Inferior Longitudinal Fasciculus (ILF) (conveying occipital projections to perirhinal cortex). Using principal components analysis, we combined Free‐Water Elimination Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging measures obtained from multi‐shell diffusion MRI into two informative indices: the first (PC1) capturing axonal packing/myelin and the second (PC2) capturing microstructural complexity. We found a significant correlation between fornix PC2 and implicit reaction‐time indices of sequence memory, indicating that greater fornix microstructural complexity is associated with better sequence memory. No such relationship was found with measures from the PHC and ILF. This study highlights the importance of the fornix in aiding memory for objects within a temporal context, potentially reflecting a role in mediating inter‐regional communication within an extended hippocampal system.
Parkinson disease following COVID‐19: Report of six cases
Authors: Calculli Alessandra , Bocci Tommaso , Porcino Mattia , Avenali Micol , Casellato Chiara , Arceri Sebastiano , Regalbuto Simone , Priori Alberto , Pisani Antonio
Published: February 2023

Background and purpose

Core clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 include influenza‐like and respiratory symptoms. However, it is now evident that neurological involvement may occur during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, covering an extensive spectrum of phenotypical manifestations. A major challenge arising from this pandemic is represented by detecting emerging neurological complications following recovery from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. To date, a few post‐COVID‐19‐infected subjects diagnosed with Parkinson disease (PD) have been described, raising the possibility of a connection between the infection and neurodegenerative processes. Here, we describe a case series of six subjects who developed PD after COVID‐19.

Methods

Patients were observed at Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care Mondino Foundation Hospital, Pavia (Italy), and San Paolo University Hospital of Milan (Italy) between March 2021 and June 2022. In all subjects, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was confirmed by means of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction from a nasopharyngeal swab. Subjects underwent an accurate neurological evaluation, and neuroimaging studies were performed.

Results

We describe six subjects who developed PD with an average time window after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of 4–7 weeks. Apparently, no relationship with COVID‐19 severity emerged, and no overt structural brain abnormalities were found. All subjects experienced unilateral resting tremor at onset and showed a satisfactory response to dopaminergic treatment.

Conclusions

Immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection have been shown to shape the individual susceptibility to develop long‐term consequences. We hypothesize that, in these subjects, COVID‐19 has unmasked a latent neurodegenerative process. Characterization of the neuroinflammatory signatures in larger cohorts is warranted, which might provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of PD.
Long COVID: Does SARS‐CoV‐2 induce lingering brain lesions?
Authors: Hugon Jacques
Published: February 2023

Hundreds of millions of COVID cases have been reported so far and long‐term lingering clinical symptoms are frequent and are called long COVID. Neurological signs including cognitive complaints are often described in long Covid. In COVID patients, the Sars‐Cov‐2 virus can reach the brain and could be responsible for cerebral anomalies observed in long COVID. Long‐term careful clinical follow‐up of these patients is necessary to detect early signs of neurodegeneration.
Animal models and human tissue compared to better understand and treat the epilepsies
Authors: Milior Giampaolo , Morin‐Brureau Mélanie , Pallud Johan , Miles Richard , Huberfeld Gilles
Published: February 2023

Animal models of human brain disorders permit researchers to explore disease mechanisms and to test potential therapies. However, therapeutic molecules derived from animal models often translate poorly to the clinic. Although human data may be more relevant, experiments on patients are constrained, and living tissue is unavailable for many disorders. Here, we compare work on animal models and on human tissue for three epileptic syndromes where human tissue is excised therapeutically: (1) acquired temporal lobe epilepsies, (2) inherited epilepsies associated with cortical malformations, and (3) peritumoral epilepsies. Animal models rest on assumed equivalencies between human brains and brains of mice, the most frequently used model animal. We ask how differences between mouse and human brains could influence models. General principles and compromises in model construction and validation are examined for a range of neurological diseases. Models may be judged on how well they predict novel therapeutic molecules or new mechanisms. The efficacy and safety of new molecules are evaluated in clinical trials. We judge new mechanisms by comparing data from work on animal models with data from work on patient tissue. In conclusion, we stress the need to cross‐verify findings from animal models and from living human tissue to avoid the assumption that mechanisms are identical.
Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy: Neurophysiological investigations
Authors: Dubbioso Raffaele , Suppa Antonio , Tijssen Marina A. J. , Ikeda Akio
Published: February 2023

Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy (FAME) also described as benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy (BAFME) is a high‐penetrant autosomal dominant condition featuring cortical myoclonus of varying frequency and occasional/rare convulsive seizures. In this update we provide a detailed overview of the main neurophysiological findings so far reported in patients with FAME/BAFME. After reviewing the diagnostic contribution of each neurophysiological technique, we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying cortical hyperexcitability and suggest the involvement of more complex circuits engaging cortical and subcortical structures, such as the cerebellum. We, thus, propose that FAME/BAFME clinical features should arise from an “abnormal neuronal network activity,” where the cerebellum represents a possible common denominator. In the last part of the article, we suggest that future neurophysiological studies using more advanced transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocols could be used to evaluate the functional connectivity between the cerebellum and cortical structures. Finally, non‐invasive brain stimulation techniques such as repetitive TMS or transcranial direct current stimulation could be assessed as potential therapeutic tools to ameliorate cortical excitability.
Attenuation of initial pilocarpine‐induced electrographic seizures by methionine sulfoximine pretreatment tightly correlates with the reduction of extracellular taurine in the hippocampus
Authors: Pawlik Marek , Czarnecka Anna Maria , Kołodziej Marcin , Skowrońska Katarzyna , Węgrzynowicz Michał , Podgajna Martyna , Czuczwar Stanisław Jerzy , Albrecht Jan
Published: February 2023

Objective

Initiation and development of early seizures by chemical stimuli is associated with brain cell swelling resulting in edema of seizure‐vulnerable brain regions. We previously reported that pretreatment with a nonconvulsive dose of glutamine (Gln) synthetase inhibitor methionine sulfoximine (MSO) mitigates the intensity of initial pilocarpine (Pilo)‐induced seizures in juvenile rats. We hypothesized that MSO exerts its protective effect by preventing the seizure‐initiating and seizure‐propagating increase of cell volume. Taurine (Tau) is an osmosensitive amino acid, whose release reflects increased cell volume. Therefore, we tested whether the poststimulus rise of amplitude of Pilo‐induced electrographic seizures and their attenuation by MSO are correlated with the release of Tau from seizure‐affected hippocampus.

Methods

Lithium‐pretreated animals were administered MSO (75 mg/kg ip) 2.5 h before the induction of convulsions by Pilo (40 mg/kg ip). Electroencephalographic (EEG) power was analyzed during 60 min post‐Pilo, at 5‐min intervals. Extracellular accumulation of Tau (eTau) served as a marker of cell swelling. eTau, extracellular Gln (eGln), and extracellular glutamate (eGlu) were assayed in the microdialysates of the ventral hippocampal CA1 region collected at 15‐min intervals during the whole 3.5‐h observation period.

Results

The first EEG signal became apparent at ~10 min post‐Pilo. The EEG amplitude across most frequency bands peaked at ~40 min post‐Pilo, and showed strong (r ~ .72–.96) temporal correlation with eTau, but no correlation with eGln or eGlu. MSO pretreatment delayed the first EEG signal in Pilo‐treated rats by ~10 min, and depressed the EEG amplitude across most frequency bands, to values that remained strongly correlated with eTau (r > .92) and moderately correlated (r ~ −.59) with eGln, but not with eGlu.

Significance

Strong correlation between attenuation of Pilo‐induced seizures and Tau release indicates that the beneficial effect of MSO is due to the prevention of cell volume increase concurrent with the onset of seizures.
A novel approach to detect fraud in Ethereum transactions using stacking
Authors: Md Abdul Quadir , Narayanan S. M. Satya Sree , Sabireen H. , Sivaraman Arun Kumar , Tee Kong Fah
Published: February 2023

Ever since Ether is launched as a digital currency, its rise has been rapid. It is currently the second most valuable digital currency in the world. There are more than 1 million transactions happening on the Ethereum network every day, and this number is expected to continue to increase. Due to the increasing number of transactions, fraudulent transactions have also increased, which has resulted in a large amount of money being lost and has also destroyed the livelihoods of many individuals. Due to their similarity to valid transactions, it is extremely difficult to distinguish between them. Additionally, Ethereum's pseudo‐anonymity adds to the difficulty of identifying the parties involved. Since there are millions of transactions every day, it would be difficult to manually verify each one. Therefore, a mechanism for validating these transactions is needed. In this context, this paper proposes a novel approach to detecting fraudulent accounts associated with these transactions by implementing machine learning algorithms among the given set of transactions. We propose a framework for creating a stacking classifier by combining several standalone classification algorithms and creating a meta‐learner based on the output of each base algorithm. The algorithms include Logistic Regression, Naive Bayes, Decision Trees, Random Forests, AdaBoosts, KNNs, SVMs, and Gradient Boosts. As a result of combining these algorithms, a powerful classifier with the ability to detect fraudulent transactions. A variety of machine learning models were trained and evaluated on the test set using various metrics. Based on the results of the individual algorithm the Random Forest algorithm achieved the highest accuracy of 95.47%, followed by Gradient Boosting at 94.61% which is an ensemble algorithm using the boosting technique. The Stacking classifier that combines Multinomial Naive Bayes and Random Forest as the base learners and logistic regression as the Meta learner achieved the highest accuracy of 97.18% with an F1 score of 97.02%. Based on the results of all the stacking models developed, it is concluded that algorithms tend to perform better when combined properly. When compared to the other approaches, the proposed approach has outperformed the others, making it feasible in the real world to detect fraudulent transactions.
Do couples who play together stay together? A longitudinal dyadic examination of shared leisure, financial distress, and relationship outcomes
Authors: Totenhagen Casey J. , Li Xiaomin , Wilmarth Melissa J. , Archuleta Kristy L. , Yorgason Jeremy B.
Published: February 2023

We examined whether shared leisure offers protection against negative associations between financial distress and relationship quality (satisfaction and commitment) for lower‐ and higher‐income couples. We expected husbands' and wives' reports of shared leisure would be protective of the effects of financial distress (Time 2) on relationship satisfaction (Time 3) and commitment (Time 4) for higher‐income couples (but not lower‐income couples). Participants were drawn from a nationally representative, longitudinal study of US newly married couples. The analytic sample included both members of 1382 different‐gender couples with data across the three sampled waves of data collection. Shared leisure was largely protective of the effects of financial distress on husbands' commitment for higher‐income couples. For lower‐income couples, higher shared leisure exacerbated this effect. These effects were only found at extreme levels of household income and shared leisure. When considering if couples who play together stay together, our findings suggest that it can, but it is critical to understand the financial situation of the couple and the resources they may have to support shared leisure activities. Professionals working with couples should consider their financial situation when making recommendation to engage in shared leisure, such as going out for recreation.