bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absence of changes in the milk microbiota during Escherichia coli endotoxin induced experimental bovine mastitis
Authors: Dahlberg Josef , Johnzon Carl-Fredrik , Sun Li , Pejler Gunnar , Östensson Karin , Dicksved Johan
Published: June 2023

Changes in the milk microbiota during the course of mastitis are due to the nature of a sporadic occurring disease difficult to study. In this study we experimentally induced mastitis by infusion ofEscherichia coliendotoxins in one udder quarter each of nine healthy lactating dairy cows and assessed the bacteriological dynamics and the milk microbiota at four time points before and eight time points after infusion. As control, saline was infused in one udder quarter each of additionally nine healthy cows that followed the same sampling protocol. The milk microbiota was assessed by sequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene and a range of positive and negative controls were included for methodological evaluation. Two different data filtration models were used to identify and cure data from contaminating taxa. Endotoxin infused quarters responded with transient clinical signs of inflammation and increased SCC while no response was observed in the control cows. In the milk microbiota data no response to inflammation was identified. The data analysis of the milk microbiota was largely hampered by laboratory and reagent contamination. Application of the filtration models caused a marked reduction in data but did not reveal any associations with the inflammatory reaction. Our results indicate that the microbiota in milk from healthy cows is unaffected by inflammation.
Laser treatment for Cafe-au-lait Macules: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Zi-Zhen , Wang Zhi-Chao , Wang Dun , Ge Ling-Ling , Li Yue-Hua , Gu Yi-Hui , Wang Wei , Wei Cheng-Jiang , Gu Bin , Yao Min , Dong Ji-Ying , Li Qing-Feng
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, laser is the mainstay treatment for cafe-au-lait macules (CALMs), but no systematic review has been published to demonstrate the overall efficacy and it’s still controversial which type of laser is optimal. Thus, we conduct the meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of various types of lasers in treating CALMs. Original articles reporting the efficacy and side effects for CALMs in laser treatment were identified in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science from 1983 to April 11, 2023. Using R software and the ‘meta’ package, meta-analysis was conducted for clearance and recurrence for evaluation of efficacy. And the occurrence of hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation rate was pooled for safety evaluation. We used RoB2 and ROBINS-I tools to assess the risks of bias in RCT studies and non-RCT studies, respectively. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to assess the quality of the evidence. Nineteen studies involving 991 patients were included, which had a very low to moderate quality of evidence. The pooled 75% clearance rate was 43.3% (95% CI 31.8–54.7%, I2 = 96%), 50% clearance rate was 75% (95% CI 62.2–85.9%, I2 = 89%) and the recurrence rate was 13% (95% CI 3.2–26.5%, I2 = 88%). The pooled hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation rates were 1.2% (95% CI 0.3–2.1%, I2 = 0%) and 1.2% (95% CI 0.3–2%, I2 = 0%), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that QS-1064-nm Nd:YAG laser treatment not only achieved more than 75% clearance rate in 50.9% of patients (95% CI 26.9–74.4%, I2 = 90%) but also resulted in the lowest hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation rate of 0.5% (95% CI 0.0–2.5%, I2 = 26%) and 0.4% (95% CI 0.0–2.5%, I2 = 0%). To draw a conclusion, the laser treatment could reach an overall clearance rate of 50% for 75% of the patients with CALMs, for 43.3% of the patients, the clearance rate could reach 75%. When looking at different wavelength subgroups, QS-1064-nm Nd:YAG laser exhibited the best treatment capability. Laser of all the wavelength subgroups presented acceptable safety regarding of the low occurrence of side effects, namely, hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation.
Risk factors for clinical progression in patients with pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease without culture-positive sputum: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Nonaka Mizu , Matsuyama Masashi , Sakai Chio , Matsumura Sosuke , Arai Naoki , Nakajima Masayuki , Saito Takefumi , Hizawa Nobuyuki
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Limited data are available on the progression of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease without culture-positive sputum. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with clinical progression of pulmonary MAC disease diagnosed by bronchoscopy.

Methods

A single-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted. Pulmonary MAC patients diagnosed by bronchoscopy without culture-positive sputum from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017 were analyzed. Clinical progression after diagnosis was defined as having culture-positive sputum at least once or initiation of guideline-based therapy. Then, clinical characteristics were compared between clinically progressed patients and stable patients.

Results

Ninety-three pulmonary MAC patients diagnosed by bronchoscopy were included in the analysis. During the 4-year period after diagnosis, 38 patients (40.9%) started treatment, and 35 patients (37.6%) had new culture-positive sputum. Consequently, 52 patients (55.9%) were classified into the progressed group, and 41 patients (44.1%) were classified into the stable group. There were no significant differences between the progressed and the stable groups in age, body mass index, smoking status, comorbidities, symptoms, or species isolated from bronchoscopy. On multivariate analysis, male sex, monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) ≥ 0.17, and the presence of combined lesions in the middle (lingula) and lower lobes were risk factors for clinical progression.

Conclusions

Some patients with pulmonary MAC disease without culture-positive sputum progress within 4 years. Therefore, pulmonary MAC patients, especially male patients, having higher MLR or lesions in the middle (lingula) and lower lobes might need careful follow-up for a longer time.
Predictors of current suicidal ideation in a multi-diagnostic sample of individuals with eating disorders
Authors: Izquierdo Alyssa M. , Nelson Jillian D. , Daza Alyssa , Gasbarro Alexandra , Hardin Rebecca , Marino Joanna , Fischer Sarah
Published: June 2023

Background

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) have high rates of suicidal ideation (SI) and attempts (SA). Fasting, body dissatisfaction, binge eating and purging have been associated with SI in non-clinical samples, individuals with anorexia nervosa or low-weight EDs, and a multi-diagnostic sample. However, few studies have examined how ED symptoms contribute to risk for SI in conjunction with other well-established risk factors, such as nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and past SA. The aim of this study was to examine which ED symptoms contribute unique risk for current SI in a multi-diagnostic, clinical sample when statistically adjusting for gender, NSSI, past SA, and past SI.

Methods

We conducted a chart review of 166 individuals who presented for ED treatment at an outpatient facility and signed informed consent. Initial intake interviews were coded for the presence versus absence of fasting, fear of weight gain, binge eating, purging, excessive exercise, restriction, body checking, self-weighing, and body dissatisfaction, as well as NSSI, past SA, past SI, and current SI.

Results

A total of 26.5% of the sample endorsed current SI. In a logistic regression analysis, identifying as male (n = 17) or having a non-binary gender identity (n = 1), the presence of fasting, and past SI were all significantly associated with increased odds of current SI, whereas excessive exercise significantly decreased odds of current SI. Fasting was equally common across all diagnostic groups.

Conclusions

Future research should establish the temporal relationship between fasting and SI to better inform intervention.
What ethical requirements should be considered in language classroom assessment? insights from high school students
Authors: Azizi Zeinab , Ismail Sayed M.
Published: June 2023

There has been a growing call for listening to test-takers’ voices across diverse assessment contexts. Within classroom assessment (CA), however, test-takers’ voices on ethics are under-researched in the high school context of Iran. Hence, this study purported to disclose Iranian high school test-takers’ (n = 15) perceptions of the ethical requirements in CA. For this purpose, a systematic thematic coding approach (constant-comparative method) was used to analyze the participants’ perceptions. Findings yielded two overarching categories, including do no harm (e.g., establishing a supervision group, considering test-takers’ individual differences, keeping test results confidential, and turning back test sheets with feedback) and avoid score pollution (e.g., using additional knowledge sources, using alternative assessment methods, clarifying grading criteria, avoiding unfamiliar contents and surprise items). The findings refer to a local gloss on global principles of ethics, which is hoped to map out specific dimensions of this important notion for diverse assessment contexts (e.g., high-stakes language testing and CA) and stakeholder groups (e.g., high school teachers, assessment developers, and education officials).
Laboratory experiments on the effects of corrosion inhibitor on the mechanical properties of reservoir rock
Authors: Kortram Jon-Danilo , Barnhoorn Auke , Pluymakers Anne
Published: June 2023

Geothermal energy production often involves use of corrosion inhibitors. We performed rock mechanical experiments (room temperature; confining pressure of 10/20/30 MPa) on typical reservoir rocks (Bentheim sandstone and Treuchtlinger limestone) in contact with two different inhibitor solutions or with demineralized water. The sandstone experiments show no discernible difference in rock strength between inhibitors or water, attributed to low quartz reactivity. The limestone experiments show a significant difference in rock strength (and Mohr–Coulomb envelope), dependent on inhibitor type, attributed to high carbonate reactivity. This implies that, depending on the reactivity of the rocks and local stress conditions, inhibitor leakage may lead to unpredicted reservoir failure.
Surgeon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction volume and rates of concomitant meniscus repair
Authors: Dadoo Sahil , Meredith Sean J. , Keeling Laura E. , Hughes Jonathan D. , Keenan Christopher , Viecelli Mark , Irrgang James J. , Lesniak Bryson P. , Musahl Volker
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of surgeon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) volume on rates of ACLR with concomitant meniscus repair versus meniscectomy and subsequent meniscus surgeries.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted from a database of all ACLR performed between 2015 and 2020 at a large integrated health care system. Surgeon volume was categorized as < 35 ACLR per year (low‐volume), and ≥ 35 ACLR per year (high‐volume). Rates of concomitant meniscus repair and meniscectomy were compared between low‐volume and high‐volume surgeons. Subgroup analyses compared the rates of subsequent meniscus surgery and procedure time based on surgeon volume and meniscus procedure type.

Results

A total of 3,911 patients undergoing ACLR were included. High‐volume surgeons performed concomitant meniscus repair statistically significantly more often than low‐volume surgeons (32.0% vs 10.7%, p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression indicated 4.15 times higher odds of meniscus repair among high‐volume surgeons. Subsequent meniscus surgery occurred more commonly following ACLR with meniscus repair among low‐volume surgeons (6.7% vs 3.4%, p = 0.047), but not high‐volume surgeons (7.0% vs 4.3%, p = 0.079). Low‐volume surgeons also had longer procedure times for concomitant meniscus repair (129.9 vs 118.3 min, p = 0.003) and meniscectomy (100.6 vs 95.9 min, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Data from this study shows that surgeons with lower volume of ACLR select meniscus resection statistically significantly more often than higher‐volume surgeons. However, an abundance of literature is available to show that meniscus loss negatively affects the development of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis in patients Therefore, as demonstrated in this study by high‐volume surgeons, the meniscus should be repaired and protected whenever possible.

Level of Evidence

III.
Successful living-donor liver transplantation for sustained liver failure even after resolution of infiltrative massive hepatic invasion of stage 4S neuroblastoma: a case report
Authors: Jobara Kanta , Yamamori Ayako , Shizuku Masato , Kurata Nobuhiko , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Muramatsu Hideki , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Ogura Yasuhiro
Published: June 2023

Background

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. Stage 4S neuroblastoma is a unique subset of neuroblastoma characterized by a favorable course and potentially low malignancy with a high rate of spontaneous tumor regression. However, recent reports have shown that there is a subgroup of patients with stage 4S neuroblastoma characterized by MYCN amplification, chromosomal aberrations, age of < 2 months at diagnosis, and significantly poorer outcomes.

Case presentation

A 1-month-old male infant with a huge abdominal tumor was transferred to our hospital and diagnosed with stage 4S neuroblastoma. The patient showed respiratory distress due to abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to massive hepatic invasion, and he required a silo operation and mechanical ventilation. After chemotherapy using carboplatin and etoposide, the infiltrative massive hepatic invasion was resolved and the abdominal compartment syndrome gradually improved; however, liver dysfunction as evidenced by hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, and hyperammonemia continued. At the age of 3 months, living-donor liver transplantation was performed for treatment of sustained liver failure using a reduced lateral segment graft from the patient’s father. Post-transplant liver function recovered immediately. Examination of the explanted liver demonstrated that the majority of liver tissue had been replaced by fibroblastic cells after massive hepatocyte dropout. There were only small areas of residual neuroblastoma cells in the liver specimen. The patient was discharged from the hospital 5 months after transplantation with home intermittent respiratory support. At the time of this writing (23 months after liver transplantation), he was in good condition with no signs of recurrence of neuroblastoma.

Conclusions

We have herein presented a case of successful pediatric living-donor liver transplantation for sustained liver failure even after resolution of infiltrative massive hepatic invasion of stage 4S neuroblastoma. Our case clearly shows that liver transplantation can be added as an appropriate extended treatment option for liver failure after resolution of stage 4S neuroblastoma.
Comparative study of different formulae for prediction of best fit endotracheal tube size in children
Authors: Subramani Satheeskumar , Pandey Maitree , Gupta Anshu , Kohli Pramod , Varshney Preeti Goyal
Published: June 2023

Background

Various formulae have been used to predict appropriate endotracheal tube (ETT) size in children, but there is no consensus regarding the best predictor. Recent use of ultrasonography (USG) to predict the ETT size may not always be feasible leaving the physical parameters as most useful and practical option. The present study was planned to compare age-, height- and weight-based formulae for ETT size prediction in children.

Results

The accuracy in predicting ETT size was found to be 88.67%, 73.33% and 32.67% for height-based formula (HBF), age-based formula (ABF) and weight-based formula (WBF), respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient was best for HBF (0.968 with 95% CI of 0.937–0.999), followed by ABF (0.942 with 95% CI of 0.887–0.996) and WBF (0.874 with 95% CI of 0.794–0.953). HBF was found to be best suited for children 1–3 years, ≤ 90 cm and weight < 15 kg with accuracy of > 98%, while WBF was unsatisfactory across all age, height and weight groups.

Conclusions

HBF is the best predictor of ETT size across all age groups with marginal superiority over ABF, especially in age group < 3 years. WBF was least effective in predicting ideal ETT size. It is recommended that HBF should be preferred over ABF and WBF for selection of ETT size in paediatric patients. This practice assumes greater importance especially in emergency situations where exact age and weight cannot be ascertained while height is easily obtainable.
Portal Vein Recanalization–Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (PVR-TIPS) with superior mesenteric vein access and balloon-assisted shunt placement
Authors: Dewald Cornelia L. A. , Wacker Frank K. , Maasoumy Benjamin , Hinrichs Jan B.
Published: June 2023

Background

To report the technique and outcome of ultrasound-guided percutaneous access to the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) for balloon-assisted portal vein recanalization–transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PVR-TIPS) in a patient with chronic portal venous and splenic vein occlusion.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old, non-cirrhotic patient with severe portal hypertension was admitted for PVR-TIPS. Neither splenic nor hepatic access was feasible due to chronic portal and splenic vein occlusion. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided direct puncture of the SMV was performed to obtain access for balloon-assisted PVR-TIPS. The transmesenteric approach in combination with a balloon puncture technique for PVR-TIPS was successful, and no immediate complications were observed post-procedure. The subsequent follow-up exams showed patent TIPS and SMV without signs of intraabdominal hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided superior mesenteric vein access for balloon-assisted PVR-TIPS is a feasible option in cases where hepatic or splenic access is not.
Screen time and speech and language delay in children aged 12–48 months in UAE: a case–control study
Authors: Al Hosani Salwa Salem , Darwish Ebtihal Ahmed , Ayanikalath Sona , AlMazroei Ruqaya Saeed , AlMaashari Radwha Saeed , Wedyan Amer Tareq
Published: June 2023

Background

To identify impact of screen time on speech and language development in preschool children. There has been an alarming increase in the use of electronic devices among preschool children despite their potential adverse effects on childhood development during this crucial time of rapid brain development. Prior research has identified the potential risk and benefits of traditional screen media such as television and video. Our findings will help your readers understand the potential impact of screen time between traditional and new technologies. The case–control study included 227 new patients with language delay and 227 normal children, aged 12–48 months male and female. Language delay was diagnosed by reviewing language milestones and Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Test (RELT). Television viewing variables and child/parental characteristics between both groups were interviewed. Odds ratio was used to establish whether screen time using either electronic devices (smartphones and tablets) or TV viewing has an effect on speech and language development. Chi-square test was used to establish the association between categorical variable 95%. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Result

A total of 90.3% of those who have speech and language developmental delay use electronic devices. Odd ratio is found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

The factors that predict language delays include use of and early onset of using an electronic device at 12–24 months of age. The factors that were less likely associated with language delays are watching TV and the mother’s education level.
Projected Savings for Generic Oncology Drugs Purchased via Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company Versus in Medicare
Authors: Cortese Brian D. , Dusetzina Stacie B. , Luckenbaugh Amy N. , Al Hussein Al Awamlh Bashir , Stimson C.J. , Barocas Daniel A. , Penson David F. , Chang Sam S. , Talwar Ruchika
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE

Self-administered oncology drugs contribute disproportionately to Medicare Part D spending; prices often remain high even after generic entry. Outlets for low-cost drugs such as Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) offer opportunities for decreased Medicare, Part D, and beneficiary spending. We estimate potential savings if Part D plans obtained prices such as those offered under the MCCPDC for seven generic oncology drugs.

METHODS

Using the 2020 Medicare Part D Spending dashboard, Q3-2022 Part D formulary prices, and Q3-2022 MCCPDC prices for seven self-administered generic oncology drugs, we estimated Medicare savings by replacing Q3-2022 Part D unit costs with costs under the MCCPDC plan.

RESULTS

We estimate potential savings of $661.8 million (M) US dollars (USD; 78.8%) for the seven oncology drugs studied. Total savings ranged from $228.1M USD (56.1%) to $2,154.5M USD (92.4%) compared with 25th and 75th percentiles of Part D plan unit prices. The median savings replacing Part D plan prices were abiraterone $338.0M USD, anastrozole $1.2M USD, imatinib 100 mg $15.6M USD, imatinib 400 mg $212.0M USD, letrozole $1.9M USD, methotrexate $26.7M USD, raloxifene $63.8M USD, and tamoxifen $2.6M USD. All 30-day prescription drug prices offered by MCCPDC generated cost savings except for three drugs offered at the 25th percentile Part D formulary pricing: anastrozole, letrozole, and tamoxifen.

CONCLUSION

Replacing current Part D median formulary prices with MCCPDC pricing could yield significant savings for seven generic oncology drugs. Individual beneficiaries could save nearly $25,200 USD per year for abiraterone or between $17,500 USD and $20,500 USD for imatinib. Notably, Part D cash-pay prices for abiraterone and imatinib under the catastrophic phase of coverage were still more expensive than baseline MCCPDC prices.
Differentiated Thyroid Cancers in Young Adults Versus Children: Clinical Characteristics and 10-year Follow-up Outcomes
Authors: Satapathy Swayamjeet , Majeed Althaf K , Ballal Sanjana , Bal Chandrasekhar
Published: June 2023

Background

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in young adults has been steadily rising in incidence over the decades. However, data on long-term outcomes in this specific cohort remain limited. In this study, we intended to evaluate young adults with DTC with regard to their clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes and compare the same vis-à-vis pediatric patients with DTC.

Methods

Data of pediatric (≤18 years) and young adult (19-39 years) patients with DTC, from 1971 to 2016, were sequentially extracted and analyzed for clinical characteristics, treatment responses, rates of recurrent/persistent disease, and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

A total of 1803 patients with DTC were included (pediatric cohort: n = 176; young adult cohort: n = 1627). Pediatric patients with DTC had more frequent adverse baseline features including extrathyroidal extension (P = .040), nodal and distant metastases, and American Thyroid Association high-risk disease (P < .001 each). At 2 years posttreatment, young adult patients with DTC had significantly lower incomplete responses compared with pediatric patients with DTC (223/1627; 13.7% vs 94/176, 53.4%, respectively; P < .001). Over a median follow-up of 10.7 years, 120/1627 (7.4%) young adult patients with DTC had recurrent/persistent disease vs 23/176 (13.1%) pediatric patients with DTC (P = .012). The 10-year DFS probability was 93.6% for the young adult patients with DTC vs 88.7% for the pediatric patients with DTC (P = .007). American Thyroid Association high-risk disease and incomplete response at 2 years were independent predictors of significantly worse DFS in the young adult cohort (P < .001 each).

Conclusions

Young adult DTCs behave less aggressively compared with their pediatric counterparts with excellent long-term outcomes. Appropriate initial and dynamic risk stratification can help optimize treatment decisions and follow-up strategies.
Associations of Macronutrients Intake With MRI-determined Hepatic Fat Content, Hepatic Fibroinflammation, and NAFLD
Authors: Chen Shen , Pang Juan , Huang Rong , You Yiran , Zhang Haoyang , Xue Hongliang , Chen Xu
Published: June 2023

Context

A healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone of management in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the associations between dietary macronutrient composition and different aspects of NAFLD pathology are unclear and dietary recommendations for NAFLD are lacking.

Objective

This work aimed to evaluate the associations of dietary macronutrient composition with hepatic steatosis, hepatic fibroinflammation, and NAFLD.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 12 620 UK Biobank participants who completed both the dietary questionnaire and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination were included in this study. Dietary consumption of macronutrient was self-reported and calculated. MRI-determined hepatic fat content, fibroinflammation, and NAFLD were estimated.

Results

First, we found that saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake was associated with higher hepatic steatosis, fibroinflammation, and NAFLD prevalence. In contrast, higher fiber or protein intake was reversely correlated with hepatic steatosis and fibroinflammation. Interestingly, starch or sugar intake was significantly associated with hepatic fibroinflammation, whereas monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intake was negatively correlated with hepatic fibroinflammation. Isocaloric analysis revealed that replacing SFA with sugar, fiber, or protein was significantly associated with a reduction in hepatic steatosis, while replacing starch, sugar, or SFA with protein or MUFA was significantly correlated with a decrease in hepatic fibroinflammation.

Conclusion

Overall, our results demonstrate that specific macronutrients are associated with different aspects of NAFLD, and specific dietary compositions should be recommended for distinct NAFLD-risk populations.
Warm Responsive Neurons in the Hypothalamic Preoptic Area are Potent Regulators of Glucose Homeostasis in Male Mice
Authors: Deem Jennifer D , Phan Bao Anh , Ogimoto Kayoko , Cheng Alice , Bryan Caeley L , Scarlett Jarrad M , Schwartz Michael W , Morton Gregory J
Published: June 2023

When mammals are exposed to a warm environment, overheating is prevented by activation of “warm-responsive” neurons (WRNs) in the hypothalamic preoptic area (POA) that reduce thermogenesis while promoting heat dissipation. Heat exposure also impairs glucose tolerance, but whether this also results from activation of POA WRNs is unknown. To address this question, we sought in the current work to determine if glucose intolerance induced by heat exposure can be attributed to activation of a specific subset of WRNs that express pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (ie, POAPacap neurons). We report that when mice are exposed to an ambient temperature sufficiently warm to activate POAPacap neurons, the expected reduction of energy expenditure is associated with glucose intolerance, and that these responses are recapitulated by chemogenetic POAPacap neuron activation. Because heat-induced glucose intolerance was not blocked by chemogenetic inhibition of POAPacap neurons, we conclude that POAPacap neuron activation is sufficient, but not required, to explain the impairment of glucose tolerance elicited by heat exposure.
Interplay of Cortisol, Testosterone, and Abdominal Fat Mass in Normal-weight Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Dumesic Daniel A , Turcu Adina F , Liu Haiping , Grogan Tristan R , Abbott David H , Lu Gwyneth , Dharanipragada Devyani , Chazenbalk Gregorio D
Published: June 2023

Context

Ovarian and adrenal steroidogenesis underlie endocrine-metabolic dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Adipocytes express aldo-keto reductase 1C3 and type 1 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which modulate peripheral androgen and cortisol production.

Objectives

To compare serum adrenal steroids, including 11-oxygenated androgens (11-oxyandrogens), cortisol, and cortisone between normal-weight women with PCOS and body mass index- and age-matched ovulatory women with normal-androgenic profiles (controls), and assess whether adrenal steroids associate with abdominal adipose deposition.

Design

Prospective, cross-sectional, cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Patients

Twenty normal-weight women with PCOS and 20 body mass index-/age-matched controls.

Intervention(s)

Blood sampling, IV glucose tolerance testing, and total-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Clinical characteristics, hormonal concentrations, and body fat distribution.

Results

Women with PCOS had higher serum total/free testosterone (T) and androstenedione (A4) levels and a greater android/gynoid fat mass than controls (androgens P < .001; android/gynoid fat mass ratio, P = .026). Serum total/free T and A4 levels correlated positively with android/gynoid fat mass ratio in all women combined (P < .025, all values). Serum 11ß-hydroxyA4, 11-ketoA4, 11ß-hydroxyT, 11-ketoT, cortisol, and cortisone levels were comparable between female types and unrelated to body fat distribution. Serum 11-oxyandrogens correlated negatively with % total body fat, but lost significance adjusting for cortisol. Serum cortisol levels, however, correlated inversely with android fat mass (P = .021), with a trend toward reduced serum cortisol to cortisone ratio in women with PCOS vs controls (P = .075), suggesting diminished 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity.

Conclusion

Reduced cortisol may protect against preferential abdominal fat mass in normal-weight PCOS women with normal serum 11-oxyandrogens.
Queer Futures for an Aging Planet
Authors: Jewusiak Jacob
Published: June 2023

Associated with disaster metaphors such as floods, avalanches, tsunamis, and icebergs, older people have come to take the symbolic form of the environmental impacts they are imagined causing. Yet even as older people are posited as the cause and imaginatively take the shape of the disaster, they are also registered as especially vulnerable to the effects of rising temperatures and extreme weather. While the tendency toward blame and care are not logically incompatible, this tension has resulted in a cultural narrative that fuels a deep sense of unfairness across generations. This article reads the sterility dystopia—a subgenre of science fiction where a global inability to have children results in aging populations and societal collapse—as registering the anxiety that arises at the intersection of age and the environment. Taking The Children of Men as a case study, I suggest that P. D. James's novel expresses the demographic dread arising from the relative shift in younger and older populations—not of a world lacking children, as we might expect, but of one catastrophized by the overabundance of the old and aging. Pushing against the link between climate activism and generational futurity, I draw on queer theory to argue that intergenerational kinship in the present privileges the values of affiliation, contingency, and immediacy that can inspire a more sustainable future.
Direct fluorescent labeling of NF186 and NaV1.6 in living primary neurons using bioorthogonal click chemistry
Authors: Stajković Nevena , Liu Yuanyuan , Arsić Aleksandra , Meng Ning , Lyu Hang , Zhang Nan , Grimm Dirk , Lerche Holger , Nikić-Spiegel Ivana
Published: June 2023

The axon initial segment (AIS) is a highly specialized neuronal compartment that regulates the generation of action potentials and maintenance of neuronal polarity. Live imaging of the AIS is challenging due to the limited number of suitable labeling methods. To overcome this limitation, we established a novel approach for live labeling of the AIS using unnatural amino acids (UAAs) and click chemistry. The small size of UAAs and the possibility of introducing them virtually anywhere into target proteins make this method particularly suitable for labeling of complex and spatially restricted proteins. Using this approach, we labeled two large AIS components, the 186 kDa isoform of neurofascin (NF186; encoded by Nfasc) and the 260 kDa voltage-gated Na+ channel (NaV1.6, encoded by Scn8a) in primary neurons and performed conventional and super-resolution microscopy. We also studied the localization of epilepsy-causing NaV1.6 variants with a loss-of-function effect. Finally, to improve the efficiency of UAA incorporation, we developed adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for click labeling in neurons, an achievement that could be transferred to more complex systems such as organotypic slice cultures, organoids, and animal models.
The mechanistic basis and adaptive significance of cross-tolerance: a ‘pre-adaptation’ to a changing world?
Authors: Rodgers Essie M. , Gomez Isaza Daniel F.
Published: June 2023

Protective responses are pivotal in aiding organismal persistence in complex, multi-stressor environments. Multiple-stressor research has traditionally focused on the deleterious effects of exposure to concurrent stressors. However, encountering one stressor can sometimes confer heightened tolerance to a second stressor, a phenomenon termed ‘cross-protection’. Cross-protection has been documented in a wide diversity of taxa (spanning the bacteria, fungi, plant and animal kingdoms) and habitats (intertidal, freshwater, rainforests and polar zones) in response to many stressors (e.g. hypoxia, predation, desiccation, pathogens, crowding, salinity, food limitation). Remarkably, cross-protection benefits have also been shown among emerging, anthropogenic stressors, such as heatwaves and microplastics. In this Commentary, we discuss the mechanistic basis and adaptive significance of cross-protection, and put forth the idea that cross-protection will act as a ‘pre-adaptation’ to a changing world. We highlight the critical role that experimental biology has played in disentangling stressor interactions and provide advice for enhancing the ecological realism of laboratory studies. Moving forward, research will benefit from a greater focus on quantifying the longevity of cross-protection responses and the costs associated with this protective response. This approach will enable us to make robust predictions of species' responses to complex environments, without making the erroneous assumption that all stress is deleterious.
Infodemic in Public health a reemerging public health threat: a scoping review
Authors: Pai Mithun , Yellapurkar Shweta , Shodhan Shetty Aishwarya
Published: June 2023

Background: Infodemic is a neologism of ‘information’ and ‘epidemic’ coined in the year 2003. Evidence mapping is a technique to appraise the literature which enables the extent of research activity in a specific area to be discovered. The main objective of this evidence synthesis presents the outcomes of an evidence map that was directed to know the extent of Infodemics and its effects on public health. 

Methods: The following methods were used to construct this evidence synthesis: Phase I. Construct a Broad Question Referring to the Field of Analysis. Phase II; Defining Key Variables to Be Mapped, identifying the characters of each variable and Outline Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for the variables. Phase III: Literature search. Phase IV: Screening and Charting the Appropriate Evidence within the Synthesis. 

Results:  Authors identified 55 records through database searching, after screening for duplicates, 53 records screened at title/abstract level of which, 16 records were removed because of lack of complete article or articles were not in English. 37 articles were eligible for full text screening, 37 full-text articles were than assessed for eligibility and only 22 articles were included as per inclusion criteria with an interrater Outcome Kappa value: 0.91. The strength of agreement was considered to be 'excellent'. 

Conclusions: This synthesis focused majorly on the gaps in the research focused on infodemic. The two main gaps identified were lack of systematically conducted research and poor digital health literacy. As infodemic is a new phenomenon with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic it was an eye opener at different levels of public health, furthermore this evidence map points out areas for further research on the impact of infodemic.
The effect of green mussel (Perna viridis) shells’ hydroxyapatite application on alkaline phosphatase levels in rabbit femur bone defect
Authors: Tjandra Kevin Christian , Novriansyah Robin , Limijadi Edward Kurnia Setiawan , Kuntjoro Lydia , Hendrianingtyas Meita
Published: June 2023

Background: A non-union fracture is one of the most common complications arising from an untreated fracture. Bone grafts are able to fasten bone healing which can prevent and cure non-union fractures. Therefore, alternative hydroxyapatite bone grafts from waste resources are needed to increase the availability of bone grafts in the healthcare system. A bone substitute, hydroxyapatite (HA), has the ability to prevent non-union fractures. Green mussel shell contains 95.69 percent HA, allowing for an annual production of 133.97–287.07 tons per ha of HA, and is a potent alternative material in the manufacture of HA.

Methods: This research was conducted for four months using a true experimental research method with a post-test-only control group design. This study used 36 New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) which were divided into 9 groups: positive control, negative control, and intervention at weeks 2, 4 and 6 after the intervention. All groups were subjected to three general procedures: pre-surgery, surgery, and post-surgery.

Results: The findings demonstrated that green mussel shell HA has efficacy in accelerating bone healing, better than HA bovine, as compared to the 6-week negative control group and demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Green mussel hydroxyapatite is proven to be able to fasten and maximize the bone healing process as fast as bovine HA, and even has higher efficacy than bovine HA.
Modeling the spatio-temporal distribution of Karenia brevis blooms in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Guirhem Gency L. , Baker Laurie , Moraga Paula
Published: June 2023

Background: Harmful algal blooms (HABs) of the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis impact the overall ecosystem health.

Methods: K. brevis cell counts were extracted from Harmful Algal BloomS Observing System (HABSOS) in situ data and matched with 0.25º resolution environmental information from the Copernicus database to generate spatio-temporal maps of HABs in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) between 2010 and 2020. The data was used to analyze the relationship between spatial and temporal variability in the presence/absence of K. brevis blooms (≥100,000 cells/L) and biotic and abiotic variables using Generalized Additive Models (GAM).

Results: The variability of blooms was strongly linked to geographic location (latitude and salinity), and temporal variables (month and year). A higher probability of K. brevis blooms presence was predicted in areas with negative sea surface height (SSH) values, silicate concentration (0, 30-35 mmol. m-3), sea surface temperature of 22-28 oC, and water currents moving south-westward (225º). The smooth effect of each environmental variable shows a bimodal pattern common in semi-enclosed basins such as GoM. The spatial predictions from the model identified an important permanent area in (1) Southwest Florida (25.8-27.4o latitude), and four seasonally important areas, (2) North Central Florida (3) Central West Florida, (4) Alabama on Gulf Shores and (5) Mississippi with higher bloom probabilities during the fall to winter season (November-January). Results also suggest that HABs can extend until ≥ 300 km offshore; starting to form in March and reaching a peak in September, and were swept to the coastal area during fall and winter. This suggests the role of upwelling and water circulation in GoM for the accumulation of cells and HABs. Information on the spatio-temporal dynamics of K. brevis blooms and understanding the environmental drivers are crucial to support more holistic spatial management to decrease K. brevis blooms incidence in bodies of water.
The Value of Personal Data in Internet Commerce: A High-Stakes Field Experiment on Data Regulation Policy
Authors: Sun Tianshu , Yuan Zhe , Li Chunxiao , Zhang Kaifu , Xu Jun
Published: June 2023

Personal data have become a key input in internet commerce, facilitating the matching between millions of customers and merchants. Recent data regulations in China, Europe, and the United States restrict internet platforms’ ability to collect and use personal data for personalized recommendation and may fundamentally impact internet commerce. In collaboration with the largest e-commerce platform in China, we conduct a large-scale field experiment to measure the potential impact of data regulation policy and to understand the value of personal data in internet commerce. For a random subset of 555,800 customers on the Alibaba platform, we simulate the regulation by banning the use of personal data in the home page recommendation algorithm and record the matching process and outcomes between these customers and merchants. Compared with the control group with personal data, we observe a significantly higher concentration in the algorithmic recommendation of products in the treatment group and a very sharp decrease in the matching outcomes as measured by both customer engagement (click-through rate and product browsing) and market transaction (sales volume and amount). The negative effect is disproportionate and more pronounced for niche merchants and customers who would benefit more from e-commerce. We discuss the potential economic impact of data regulation on internet commerce as well as the role of personal data in generating value and fostering long-tail innovations.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information system.

Funding: Z. Yuan wants to acknowledge financial support from NSFC [Grants 72203202, 72192803 and 72141305].

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4828 .
Physical Quality of Cow's Milk by Exposure to Magnetic Fields Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) 300 μT and 500 μT by inhibiting Salmonella and Escherichia Coli Growth
Authors: Sudarti Sudarti , Permatasari Elok , Ratnasari Indri , Laili Sherly Nur
Published: June 2023

Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) magnetic field, high intensity (more than 100 µT), can suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria, but the impact of low intensity (≤ 500 µT) needs to be proven. This study aimed to analyze the physical resistance of cow's milk exposed to a magnetic field of 300 µT and 500 µT ELF by inhibiting the proliferation of Salmonella and Escherichia Coli bacteria. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) research design. Samples were 210 bottles of cow's milk (@ 50 ml) divided into seven groups. Exposure to the ELF magnetic field intensity of 300 μT and 500 μT with exposure variations of 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Result: Exposure to an ELF magnetic field with an intensity of 500 µT for 60 minutes significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the Salmonella sp. population but not Escherichia coli. Even though the physical condition showed the color and smell of fresh milk, lumps did not appear until the 10th hour. Conclusion: exposure to the ELF magnetic field intensity of 300 μT and 500 μT has not been able to maintain the quality of cow's milk.
Estudis i recerca sobre edició i hàbits lectors a Catalunya (2020-2021)
Authors: Villarroya Anna
Published: June 2023

La pandèmia de la covid-19 no ha aturat la producció científica en l’àmbit de l’edició i els hàbits lectors a Catalunya, que ha seguit l’evolució positiva dels anys anteriors. Les estadístiques que regularment elaboren o encarreguen les administracions públiques i agents rellevants del sector han intentat en aquests dos anys copsar els efectes de la pandèmia tant en els hàbits lectors de la població catalana com en l’economia del sector. És especialment destacable la ràpida adaptació a l’entorn virtual que moltes de les activitats de difusió van fer al llarg de l’any 2020, fet que va derivar l’any 2021 en l’adopció de models híbrids. Com en edicions anteriors d’aquest anuari, cal fer esment de la importància que tenen aquests estudis en la presa de decisions informades per part dels agents tant públics com privats.
Simple algorithm for the design of accelerating Bessel-like beams with adjustable features along their propagation
Authors: Zhalenchuck Keren , Bahabad Alon
Published: June 2023

We present an extremely simple method for designing self-accelerating non-diffracting beams having arbitrary trajectories while their intensity, width and orbital angular momentum are modulated in a prescribed way along their propagation. Different beams constructed with this method are demonstrated experimentally in the paraxial regime and numerically in the non-paraxial regime.
Barcode-structured YAG:Ce/YAG:Ce,Mn ceramic phosphors for variable CCT and high CRI LED/LD lighting
Authors: Liu Zitong , Zhang Le , Kang Jian , Zhou Tianyuan , Chen Shiwei , Yang Peng , Sun Bingheng , Li Yang , Chen Hao
Published: June 2023

Ceramic phosphors are widely considered the next-generation phosphor material for white LED/LD lighting, and a wide spectrum is a key factor in improving the CRI of lighting sources. In this paper, a novel, to our knowledge, barcode-structured YAG:Ce/YAG:Ce,Mn ceramic phosphor was designed and fabricated. The lighting sources with the CRI value of 73.5 and 68.9 were obtained under the excitation of blue LEDs and blue LDs, respectively. Simultaneously, thanks to the effective supplementary emission from a red LD, the CRI of the ceramic-based lighting source reached 81.8 under blue LD excitation. Specifically, the microstructure and luminescent property of ceramic phosphors with different thicknesses and ion doping concentrations were systematically studied. Besides, by changing the blue power from 0.52 W to 2.60 W, the CCT of the laser lighting source with the encapsulation of optimized YAG:Ce/YAG:Ce,Mn ceramic phosphors ranged from 3928 K to 5895 K, while the CRI always maintained above 80. The above results indicate that barcode-structured Ce:YAG/Ce,MnYAG ceramic phosphor is a candidate to achieve a high CRI and ican be applied to various lighting occasions.
Fiber liquid-pressure sensor with high sensitivity and a wide measurement range using photopolymer
Authors: Zhang Yu , Su Wenjie , Qin Yifan , Mou Jinhua , Li Shixiong , Jin Wei , Zhang Yaxun , Liu Zhihai , Yuan Libo
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a novel fiber liquid-pressure sensor that uses photopolymer glue to generate Fabry–Perot (F-P) interference, resulting in high sensitivity and a wide measurement range. The sensor comprises a single-mode fiber and photopolymer glue; the latter adheres to the fiber’s end face and is decomposed by a 405-nm laser to create an air channel with a diameter of 5.9 µm and a length of 50 µm. When the air channel is placed underwater, a 17.5-µm air cavity forms between the fiber core and the air–liquid boundary due to the pressure balance, creating an F-P interferometer. Based on experimental results, the sensor has an average pressure sensitivity of 5.68 nm/kPa over 0.49–2.94 kPa. The sensitivity can be maintained at this level across different pressure measurement ranges (up to about 500 kPa) by using a 980-nm laser’s radiation pressure to reset the air–liquid boundary. Besides its high sensitivity and wide measurement range, the sensor's straightforward structure, durability, affordability, compactness, and simple construction make it an appealing choice for liquid pressure measurement applications in various fields.