bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earlier and more frequent occupation of breeding sites during the non‐breeding season increases breeding success in a colonial seabird
Authors: Bennett Sophie , Harris Mike P. , Wanless Sarah , Green Jonathan A. , Newell Mark A. , Searle Kate R. , Daunt Francis
Published: September 2022

Competition for high‐quality breeding sites in colonial species is often intense, such that individuals may invest considerable time in site occupancy even outside the breeding season. The site defense hypothesis predicts that high‐quality sites will be occupied earlier and more frequently, consequently those sites will benefit from earlier and more successful breeding. However, few studies relate non‐breeding season occupancy to subsequent breeding performance limiting our understanding of the potential life‐history benefits of this behavior. Here, we test how site occupancy in the non‐breeding season related to site quality, breeding timing, and breeding success in a population of common guillemots Uria aalge, an abundant and well‐studied colonially breeding seabird. Using time‐lapse photography, we recorded occupancy at breeding sites from October to March over three consecutive non‐breeding seasons. We then monitored the successive breeding timing (lay date) and breeding success at each site. On average, sites were first occupied on the 27th October ± 11.7 days (mean ± SD), subsequently occupied on 46 ± 18% of survey days and for 55 ± 15% of the time when at least one site was occupied. Higher‐quality sites, sites with higher average historic breeding success, were occupied earlier, more frequently and for longer daily durations thereafter. Laying was earlier at sites that were occupied more frequently and sites occupied earlier were more successful, supporting the site defense hypothesis. A path analysis showed that the return date had a greater or equal effect on breeding success as lay date. Pair level occupancy had no effect on breeding timing or success. The clear effect of non‐breeding occupancy of breeding sites on breeding timing and success highlights the benefits of this behavior on demography in this population and the importance of access to breeding sites outside the breeding season in systems where competition for high‐quality sites is intense.
Dietary niche breadth influences the effects of urbanization on the gut microbiota of sympatric rodents
Authors: Anders Jason L. , Mychajliw Alexis M. , Moustafa Mohamed Abdallah Mohamed , Mohamed Wessam Mohamed Ahmed , Hayakawa Takashi , Nakao Ryo , Koizumi Itsuro
Published: September 2022

Cities are among the most extreme forms of anthropogenic ecosystem modification, and urbanization processes exert profound effects on animal populations through multiple ecological pathways. Increased access to human‐associated food items may alter species' foraging behavior and diet, in turn modifying the normal microbial community of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), ultimately impacting their health. It is crucial we understand the role of dietary niche breadth and the resulting shift in the gut microbiota as urban animals navigate novel dietary resources. We combined stable isotope analysis of hair and microbiome analysis of four gut regions across the GIT to investigate the effects of urbanization on the diet and gut microbiota of two sympatric species of rodents with different dietary niches: the omnivorous large Japanese field mouse (Apodemus speciosus) and the relatively more herbivorous gray red‐backed vole (Myodes rufocanus). Both species exhibited an expanded dietary niche width within the urban areas potentially attributable to novel anthropogenic foods and altered resource availability. We detected a dietary shift in which urban A. speciosus consumed more terrestrial animal protein and M. rufocanus more plant leaves and stems. Such changes in resource use may be associated with an altered gut microbial community structure. There was an increased abundance of the presumably probiotic Lactobacillus in the small intestine of urban A. speciosus and potentially pathogenic Helicobacter in the colon of M. rufocanus. Together, these results suggest that even taxonomically similar species may exhibit divergent responses to urbanization with consequences for the gut microbiota and broader ecological interactions.
Circadian rhythms mediate infection risk inDaphnia dentifera
Authors: Pfenning‐Butterworth Alaina C. , Nguyen David T. , Hite Jessica L. , Cressler Clayton E.
Published: September 2022

Biological rhythms mediate important within‐host processes such as metabolism, immunity, and behavior which are often linked to combating disease exposure. For many hosts, exposure to pathogens occurs while feeding. However, the link between feeding rhythms and infection risk is unclear because feeding behavior is tightly coupled with immune and metabolic processes which may decrease susceptibility to infection. Here, we use theDaphnia dentifera–Metschnikowia bicuspidatahost–pathogen system to determine how rhythms in feeding rate and immune function mediate infection risk. The host is known to have a nocturnal circadian rhythm in feeding rate, yet we found that they do not exhibit a circadian rhythm in phenoloxidase activity. We found that the time of day when individuals are exposed to pathogens affects the probability of infection with higher infection prevalence at night, indicating that infection risk is driven by a host's circadian rhythm in feeding behavior. These results suggest that the natural circadian rhythm of the host should be considered when addressing epidemiological dynamics.
Grazing lawns and overgrazing in frequently grazed grass communities
Authors: Hempson Gareth P. , Parr Catherine L. , Lehmann Caroline E. R. , Archibald Sally
Published: September 2022

Frequent grazing can establish high forage value grazing lawns supporting high grazer densities, but can also produce overgrazed grass communities with unpalatable or low grass basal cover, supporting few grazers. Attempts to create grazing lawns via concentrated grazing, with a goal to increase grazer numbers, are thus risky without knowing how environmental conditions influence the likelihood of each outcome. We collected grass species and trait data from 33 frequently grazed grass communities across eastern South Africa (28 sites) and the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (five sites), covering wide rainfall (336–987 mm year−1) and soil (e.g., 44%–93% sand) gradients. We identified four grass growth forms using hierarchical clustering on principal components analyses of trait data and assessed trait–environment and growth form–environment relationships using fourth corner and principal components analyses. We distinguished two palatable grass growth forms that both attract yet resist grazers and comprise grazing lawns: (1) “lateral attractors” that spread vegetatively via stolons and rhizomes, and (2) “tufted attractors” that form isolated tufts and may have alternate tall growth forms. By contrast, (3) tough, upright, tufted “resisters,” and (4) “avoiders” with sparse architectures or that grow appressed to the soil surface, are of little forage value and avoided by grazers. Grazing lawns occurred across a wide range of conditions, typically comprising lateral attractor grasses in drier, sandy environments, and tufted attractor grasses in wetter, low‐sand environments. Resisters occurred on clay‐rich soils in mesic areas, while avoiders were widespread but scarce. While grazing lawns can be established under most conditions, monitoring their composition and cover is important, as the potential for overgrazing seems as widely relevant. Tufted attractor‐dominated lawns appear somewhat more vulnerable to degradation than lateral attractor‐dominated lawns. Increased avoider and resister abundance both reduce forage value, although resisters may provide better soil protection.
Population structure and demographic history of the gastropod Thaisella chocolata (Duclos, 1832) from the Southeast Pacific inferred from mitochondrial DNA analyses
Authors: Zelada‐Mázmela Eliana , Reyes‐Flores Lorenzo E. , Sánchez‐Velásquez Julissa J. , Ingar Claudia , Santos‐Rojas Luis E.
Published: September 2022

The present‐day population structure of a species reflects the combination of oceanographic currents, life‐history traits, and historical events. However, little is known about the mechanisms that have shaped the gene lineage distribution of marine species inhabiting the Southeast Pacific. Here, we provide a comprehensive phylogeographical study of a species distributed along the Southeast Pacific coastal region by analyzing the endemic gastropod Thaisella chocolata (Duclos, 1832). Sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and 16S rRNA revealed strikingly high haplotypic nucleotide and genetic diversity but a lack of significant population differentiation within the survey area. In addition, a star‐shaped phylogeny and significantly negative Tajima's D and Fu's Fs tests of neutrality suggested historical occurrence of rapid demographic expansion. Mismatch distributions and Bayesian inference analyses also confirmed T. chocolata to have undergone two ancestral demographic expansions. Calculations suggested that these expansions began in the lower and middle Pleistocene epoch, likely due to continental shelf development and climatic conditions. These findings could help establish a genetic baseline for T. chocolata as the first step toward sustainable spatial management of this species, as well as understand this species’ response to future climate change.
Low‐Enthalpy and High‐Entropy Polymer Electrolytes for Li‐Metal Battery
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Wang Yuchen , Huang Junfeng , Li Wen , Zeng Xiankan , Jia Aili , Peng Hongzhi , Zhang Xiong , Yang Weiqing
Published: September 2022

Ionic‐conductive solid‐state polymer electrolytes are promising for the development of advanced lithium batteries yet a deeper understanding of their underlying ion‐transfer mechanism is needed to improve performance. Here we demonstrate the low‐enthalpy and high‐entropy (LEHE) electrolytes can intrinsically generate remarkably free ions and high mobility, enabling them to efficiently drive lithium‐ion storage. The LEHE electrolytes are constructed on the basis of introducing CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) to strengthen PEO@LiTFSI complexes. An extremely stable cycling >1000 h at 0.3 mA cm−2 can be delivered by LEHE electrolytes. Also, the as‐developed Li ¦ LEHE ¦ LiFePO4 cell retains 92.3% of the initial capacity (160.7 mAh g−1) after 200 cycles. This cycling stability is ascribed to the suppressed charge concentration gradient leading to free lithium dendrites. It is realized by a dramatic increment in lithium‐ion transference number (0.57 vs 0.19) and a significant decline in ion‐transfer activation energy (0.14 eV vs 0.22 eV) for LEHE electrolytes comparing with PEO@LiTFSI counterpart. The CsPbI3 PQDs promote highly structural disorder by inhibiting crystallization and hence endow polymer electrolytes with low melting enthalpy and high structural entropy, which in turn facilitate long‐term cycling stability and excellent rate‐capability of lithium‐metal batteries.
“Win‐Win” Scenario of High Energy Density and Long Cycling Life in a Novel Na3.9MnCr0.9Zr0.1(PO4)3 Cathode
Authors: Wang Yao , Liu Yukun , He Pingge , Jin Junteng , Zhao Xudong , Shen Qiuyu , Li Jie , Qu Xuanhui , Liu Yongchang , Jiao Lifang
Published: September 2022

The development of high‐energy and long‐lifespan NASICON‐type cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries has always been a research hotspot but a daunting challenge. Although Na4MnCr(PO4)3 has emerged as one of the most promising high‐energy‐density cathode materials owing to its three‐electron reactions, it still suffers from serious structural distortion upon repetitive charge/discharge processes caused by the Jahn‐Teller active Mn3+. Herein, the selective substitution of Cr by Zr in Na4MnCr(PO4)3 was explored to enhance the structural stability, due to the pinning effect of Zr ions and the ≈2.9‐electron reactions, as‐prepared Na3.9MnCr0.9Zr0.1(PO4)3/C delivers a high capacity retention of 85.94% over 500 cycles at 5 C and an ultrahigh capacity of 156.4 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, enabling the stable energy output as high as 555.2 Wh kg−1. Moreover, during the whole charge/discharge process, a small volume change of only 6.7% was verified by in situ X‐ray diffraction, and the reversible reactions of Cr3+/Cr4+, Mn3+/Mn4+, and Mn2+/Mn3+ redox couples were identified via ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique tests and density functional theory calculations further demonstrated the fast reaction kinetics of the Na3.9MnCr0.9Zr0.1(PO4)3/C electrode. This work offers new opportunities for designing high‐energy and high‐stability NASICON cathodes by ion doping.
Heart failure outcomes according to heart rate and effects of empagliflozin in patients of the EMPEROR‐Preserved trial
Authors: Böhm Michael , Butler Javed , Mahfoud Felix , Filippatos Gerasimos , Ferreira João Pedro , Pocock Stuart J. , Slawik Jonathan , Brueckmann Martina , Linetzky Bruno , Schüler Elke , Wanner Christoph , Zannad Faiez , Packer Milton , Anker Stefan D. ,   the EMPEROR‐Preserved Trial Committees and Investigators
Published: September 2022

Aims

Empagliflozin reduces cardiovascular death (CVD) or heart failure hospitalization (HHF) in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Treatment effects and safety in relation to resting heart rate (RHR) have not been studied.

Methods and results

The interplay of RHR and empagliflozin effects in EMPEROR‐Preserved was evaluated. We grouped patients (n = 5988) according to their baseline RHR (<70 bpm [n = 2650], 70–75 bpm [n = 967], >75 bpm [n = 1736]) and explored the influence of RHR on CVD or HHF (primary outcome) and its components in sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) and adverse events. We studied the efficacy of empagliflozin across the RHR spectrum. Compared to placebo, empagliflozin did not change heart rate over time. The primary outcome (p for trend = 0.0004) and its components CVD (p trend = 0.0002), first HHF (p for trend = 0.0099) and all‐cause death (p <  0.0001) increased with RHR only in sinus rhythm but not AF. The risk increase with RHR was similar in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 40–49%) and HFpEF (LVEF ≥50%). Baseline RHR had no influence on the effect of empagliflozin on the primary outcomes (p for trend = 0.20), first HHF (p for trend = 0.49). There were no clinically relevant differences in adverse events between empagliflozin and placebo across the RHR groups.

Conclusion

Resting heart rate associates with outcomes only in sinus rhythm but not in AF. Empagliflozin reduced outcomes over the entire RHR spectrum without increase of adverse events.
Pressure‐ and Temperature‐Dependent Interface Kinetics in Na3Zr2Si2PO12‐Based All‐Solid‐State Na Metal Battery
Authors: Pervez Syed Atif , Roberts Edward P. L. , Trifkovic Milana
Published: September 2022

Ceramic Na superionic conductor (NASICON)‐type Na3Zr2Si2PO12 solid‐state electrolyte is one of the prime candidates for Na metal solid‐state batteries due to its high room‐temperature ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability. However, a major challenge lies in integration of NASICONs with a Na anode due to the solid‐solid nature of the interface. Herein, the ductility of Na metal is capitalized and the impact of stack pressure and temperature in improving the interfacial properties of Na|NASICON symmetric cells is investigated. At 100 MPa stack pressure and 50 °C, the voltage polarization of the cells is approximately 10 times lower than those tested at 25 °C. The improved Na+‐ion kinetics result in a higher critical current density and a stable Na cycling response over long durations. Postmortem studies confirm the presence of Na dendrites in the pores and along the grain boundary of the NASICON ceramic structure. The results demonstrate the dependence of interface kinetics on pressure and temperature in a Na3Zr2Si2PO12‐based all‐solid state Na metal battery and presents a strategy for enabling stable operation of high‐energy, solid‐state Na batteries.
Guideline for measurement of condensed tannin
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Li Wei , Chen Fang , Xiao Jianbo , Liao Xiaojun , Hu XiaoSong , Ji Junfu , Ma Lingjun
Published: September 2022

Astringency is a major sensory property and plays an important role in the overall quality of juice and wines. A major contributor to astringency is condensed tannins, which can precipitate with salivary glycoproteins. And thus, it is vital to develop methods to measure the tannin accurately. Recently, the interest in the application of condensed tannin assays has been increasing in various fields. Condensed tannin assays broadly include the determination of concentration, activity, mean degree of polymerization and its derivative flavan‐3‐ol sulfonates content. In this guideline, the mechanisms and the practice of the most common condensed tannin assays applied in research labs are discussed in detail.
Dwelling in prolonged grief: Resting state functional connectivity during oxytocin and placebo administration
Authors: Seeley Saren H. , Andrews‐Hanna Jessica R. , Allen John J. B. , O'Connor Mary‐Frances
Published: September 2022

Clinical theories of adaptation in bereavement highlight a need for flexible shifting between mental states. However, prolonged motivational salience of the deceased partner may be a complicating factor, particularly when coupled with perseverative thinking about the loss. We investigated how prolonged grief symptoms might relate to resting state functional brain network connectivity in a sample of older adults (n = 38) who experienced the death of a partner 6–36 months prior, and whether intranasal oxytocin (as a neuropeptide involved in pair‐bonding) had differential effects in participants with higher prolonged grief symptoms. Higher scores on the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) were associated with lower anticorrelation (i.e., higher functional connectivity) between the defaultretrosplenial – cingulo‐operculardACC network pair. Intranasal oxytocin increased functional connectivity in the same defaultretrosplenial – cingulo‐operculardACC circuit but ICG scores did not moderate effects of oxytocin, contrary to our prediction. Higher ICG scores were associated with longer dwell time in a dynamic functional connectivity state featuring positive correlations among default, frontoparietal, and cingulo‐opercular networks, across both placebo and oxytocin sessions. Dwell time was not significantly affected by oxytocin, and higher prolonged grief symptoms were not associated with more variability in dynamic functional connectivity states over the scan. Results offer preliminary evidence that prolonged grief symptoms in older adults are associated with patterns of static and time‐varying functional network connectivity and may specifically involve a default network‐salience‐related circuit that is sensitive to oxytocin.
The cost of academic dismissal and attrition from students on academic probation
Authors: Gonzalez Vanessa
Published: September 2022

Policies on academic probation and dismissal have existed in the American higher education system for decades to maintain academic quality and encourage students to improve their performance. Research has aimed to clarify the relationship between academic probation, dismissal, and retention, yet differing results emerge. Furthermore, the literature is sparse on the financial implications incurred as a result of academic dismissal or student attrition once on academic probation. The aim of this study explores financial implications experienced by one college as a result of academic dismissal or dropout from 136 academic probation students among 5 years of student cohorts. Findings show a loss of $842,650 in revenue to be earned due to these 136 students not completing their baccalaureate degrees after being on academic probation. The author provides recommendations to support students on academic probation to avoid further attrition and thus loss of revenue.
Anticipated cancer burden of low individual fruit and vegetable consumption under climate change: A modelling study in China
Authors: Zeng Yiping , Rao Yu , Xu Zeshui
Published: September 2022

Background

Dietary patterns with a high intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) are associated with a reduced risk of various cancers. It is not yet clear where and to what extent a decline in crop productivity caused by climate change may modify the distribution of related cancer burdens through reducing FV consumption in China. To design policies and interventions aimed at improving FV intake, regional monitoring is required on how consumption‐changing factors might impact the associated cancer burdens by socio‐demographic subpopulations.

Methods

A microsimulation study was conducted from a societal perspective to project the effects of cancers associated with inadequate FV intake attributable to climate change. We linked the International Model for Policy Analysis of Agricultural Commodities and Trade to a health modelling framework for obesity, gastric cancer, lung cancer, and oesophageal cancer in a close‐to‐reality synthetic population.

Results

In the presence of climate constantly change, the relative reduction in FV consumption would induce an additional 9.73 million disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) nationally over the period 2010–2050 ([CrI]: 7.83–12.13). The climate change‐induced cancer burden is projected to disproportionately affect socio‐demographic index regions from 0.65 to 5.06 million DALYs.

Conclusions

Effects of climate change on FV consumption are anticipated to exacerbate intra‐regional inequalities in the associated cancer burdens of China by 2050. By quantitatively analysing the impact of such dietary changes on regional health in light of climate change, our research can inform the design of public health interventions for heterogeneous populations, as health impact assessments based solely on the population as a whole cannot reflect significant differences across subpopulations.
Predictors and occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in children undergoing noncardiac surgery: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Han Fang‐Fang , Wang Xiu‐Mei , Zhang Hai‐Jun , Wang Jun‐Ze , Bao Zhen‐Xing , Li Yu‐Lan
Published: September 2022

In children after cardiac surgery, alterations in cognitive ability and behavior are increasingly common, but whether postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) occurs in children undergoing noncardiac surgery is not known. The present study was performed to investigate the incidence rate and potential risk factors of early neurocognitive dysfunction in children after noncardiac surgery. Two hundred patients aged between 4 and 14 years old underwent elective noncardiac surgery and 100 healthy age‐matched controls were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence or Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐Revised were conducted 1 day before and 3 days after surgery. POCD was calculated and diagnosed as a combined Z score. Any factors that differed between POCD and non‐POCD group (p < 0.10) were tested together by multivariate logistic regression analysis against the cognitive outcome of patients, to find out the independent risk factors of POCD. The general incidence of POCD was 15.6%. The univariate analysis revealed that POCD was associated with general anesthesia, surgical and anesthesia duration, early postoperative fever (EPF), and surgical history. However, only the history of surgery (p = 0.029), anesthesia duration (p = 0.010), and EPF (p < 0.001) were demonstrated to be independent risk factors for POCD. The occurrence rate of early POCD after noncardiac surgery in children is 15.6%. Children who had surgical history, longer anesthesia duration, or EPF are more prone to develop POCD.
Research methodology for industry‐academic collaboration – a case study
Authors: Ali Haytham B. , Langen Tommy , Falk Kristin
Published: September 2022

When industry and academia collaborate within an applied sociotechnical research project, it generates a complex context due to different means, goals, languages, and emergent practices. The industry is interested in developing projects, maximizing profit, and satisfying its clients and customers. Academia is oriented towards performing research to understand, explore, optimize, and verify meaningful statements. Different goals, timelines, ways of working, languages, and resources create too many emergent practices and friction in the research execution. In this paper, we perform a retrospective analysis on a research project conducted over a year that focused on the current and future state in nine companies and evaluated its use of research methodologies. A finding is the need to have well‐defined industry cases, and we suggest criteria for achieving this. Additionally, we see emergent practices and dynamic environments influencing the research process in industry and academic research context.
A Conceptual Model‐Based Systems Engineering Method for Creating Secure Cyber‐Physical Systems
Authors: Larsen Martin H. , Muller Gerrit , Kokkula Satyanarayana
Published: September 2022

The Air Traffic Control industry is being increasingly exposed to rising levels of risk, as criminals and cyber‐attackers look to exploit system vulnerabilities. Air Navigation Service Providers become more demanding regarding cybersecurity concerns in the products they acquire. Consequently, systems engineers need to consider cyber security concerns early in their system's development life cycle. Model‐Based Systems Engineering methodologies are widely used to manage complex engineering projects in terms of system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities, leaving cyber security aspects aside. This paper presents a conceptual solution of a model‐based security method that aims to enable systems engineers to perform threat modeling analysis of cyber‐physical systems early and incorporate mitigation strategies into the system design, thereby reducing the cyber‐physical system's overall security‐related risks. Based on a real‐life case study the method will be validated later during execution period from Jan. – May 2022.
Maternal age and body mass index as risk factors for rectovaginal colonization with group B streptococci
Authors: Khalil Mohammed R. , Hartvigsen Camilla M. , Thorsen Poul B. , Møller Jens K. , Uldbjerg Niels
Published: September 2022

Objective

To examine the effect of including maternal age and body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) as additional risk factors in the traditional risk‐based strategy at term pregnancies consisting of previous early‐onset group B streptococcus (GBS) disease, GBS bacteriuria during pregnancy, maternal temperature of 38.0°C or more intrapartum, and rupture of membranes of 18 h or longer.

Methods

A secondary analysis of a Danish cohort including 902 pregnant women. Exposures were maternal age and pre‐pregnancy BMI. Outcome was rectovaginal GBS colonization at the time of labor. The logistic regression analysis adjusted for parity, gestational age, vaginal delivery, and smoking.

Results

The GBS prevalence was 17% in the entire population, 35% among participants older than 40 years, and 23% among those with a BMI of 25 or greater. Including maternal “age > 40” as an additional risk factor increased the sensitivity of the risk‐based strategy from 21% to 26% and decreased the specificity from 90% to 87%. Inclusion of “BMI ≥ 25” increased the sensitivity from 21% to 57% and decreased the specificity from 90% to 59%.

Conclusions

Maternal age and BMI might be included as additional risk factors in risk‐based programs for identification of GBS‐positive laboring women to receive intrapartum antibiotics prophylaxis.
Determinants of menstrual cup use among undergraduate medical students: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Czekalski Lobascz Brenda , Reis Maria Beatriz de França , Mendes Gabriella de Perez Monteiro e Tiburcio , Cruz Danillo Christian de Oliveira , Damaceno Maria Jose Caetano Ferreira , Sartorao Filho Carlos Izaias
Published: September 2022

Objective

To identify the determinants of menstrual cup use among medical students in Brazil.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study with an online survey regularly applied to matriculate women from Medical School in January 2021.

Results

Of 277 women, 164 participated. The mean age was 22.26 ± 3.21 years. In all 136 women preferred external pads, 60 internal pads, 28 menstrual cups, and 11 did not use. Using a 1–10 scale, price, efficacy, sustainability, practice, vaginal health status, hygiene, and importance of internal genital integrity were investigated. Thirty‐seven (22.56%) women related the use of menstrual cups in the last year. Using any method to reduce menstruation had an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.310 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.122–0.787). Concern about the environmental biodegradation had an aOR of 6.369 (95% CI 1.372–29.562); concern about intimal health had an aOR 1.996 (95% CI 1.183–3.368); and concern about internal genital integrity had an aOR of 0.824 (95% CI 0.682–0.995) for menstrual cup use.

Conclusion

The significant independent factors for the use or adherence to menstrual cups were: women using a method to reduce their menstrual flow; concerning biodegradation; concerning vaginal health; with no concerns about manipulating their genitalia. The menstrual cup was used by 22.56% of a medical school in Brazil among undergraduate women.
Surgical complications and their impact for gynecological surgeons
Authors: Chauvet Pauline , Figuier Claire , Lambert Céline , Bourdel Nicolas , Canis Michel
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Major clinical incidents can impact the healthcare professionals involved. This is of particular relevance in surgery, with the operating room being a high‐risk zone for complications; however, there is few available data on how surgeons may be affected. The current study examined the impact of surgical complications on surgeon traumatic stress levels, emotional state, job performance, and coping strategies.

Methods

A questionnaire to evaluate the impact of surgical complications on surgeon traumatic stress levels, emotional state, and job performance was developed by our team and communicated via an online link to gynecological surgeons.

Results

A total of 72 gynecologic surgeons completed the questionnaire. Five percent had a Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) score of ≥15, revealing a high stress level, and 12% had an Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES‐R) score of ≥36, indicating acute traumatic stress. Our results show that following surgical incidents, surgeons receive support primarily from another surgical team member and that surgical practice may be impacted, leading in some cases to detrimental effects on patient care, notably reduced radicality in some surgical procedures.

Conclusion

Surgeons may experience acute traumatic stress after serious surgical complications. Increased awareness of the negative consequences on surgeon emotional well‐being is required, as well as improved access to support mechanisms.

The study was approved by local ethics committee (IRB00013412, “CHU de Clermont Ferrand IRB #1,” institutional review board number 2022‐CF004).
Single‐shot optical projection tomography for high‐speed volumetric imaging of dynamic biological samples
Authors: Darling Connor , Davis Samuel P. X. , Kumar Sunil , French Paul M. W. , McGinty James
Published: September 2022

A single‐shot adaptation of Optical Projection Tomography (OPT) for high‐speed volumetric snapshot imaging of dynamic mesoscopic biological samples is presented. Conventional OPT has been applied to in vivo imaging of animal models such as D. rerio, but the sequential acquisition of projection images typically requires samples to be immobilized during the acquisition. A proof‐of‐principle system capable of single‐shot tomography of a ~1 mm3 volume is presented, demonstrating camera‐limited rates of up to 62.5 volumes/s, which has been applied to 3D imaging of a freely swimming zebrafish embryo. This is achieved by recording eight projection views simultaneously on four low‐cost CMOS cameras. With no stage required to rotate the sample, this single‐shot OPT system can be implemented with a component cost of under £5000. The system design can be adapted to different sized fields of view and may be applied to a broad range of dynamic samples, including high throughput flow cytometry applied to model organisms and fluid dynamics studies.
miR‐208 inhibits myocardial tissues apoptosis in mice with acute myocardial infarction by targeting inhibition of PDCD4
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhou Huxiang , Zhu Xiaobo , Jiang Feng , Yu Qiuhua , Zhang Junjie , Ji Yaxiang
Published: September 2022

This article aimed to investigate the role of miR‐208 in the apoptosis of myocardial tissues in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mice. The AMI mouse model was constructed. Then, miR‐208 expression in AMI mice was regulated by transfection. The mouse myocardial tissues were subject to hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, TUNEL assay, and immunofluorescence analysis. H9c2 cell transfection and hypoxia induction were then completed, and cell apoptosis and cytokine levels were tested. Additionally, RNA pull‐down and dual luciferase reporter gene assays were conducted for exploring the relation of miR‐208 with programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4). Additionally, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was conducted for investigating miR‐208 and PDCD4 colocalization within H9c2 cells. AMI mice had severe damage, apoptosis, decreased miR‐208 expression, increased IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 levels, whereas reduced IL‐10 level within myocardial tissues. H9c2 cells under hypoxia induction exhibited decreased miR‐208 expression, promoted apoptosis, increased protein expression of Bax and cleaved‐caspase‐3, decreased protein expression of Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3, elevated IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 levels and decreased IL‐10 level. miR‐208 upregulation alleviated the damage and apoptosis of myocardial tissues in AMI mice. AMI mice with miR‐208 upregulation showed decreased expression of Bax and cleaved‐caspase‐3, increased expression of Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3, reduced levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, whereas an increased level of IL‐10. miR‐208 showed direct inhibition of PDCD4. PDCD4 and miR‐208 were mainly co‐expressed in the cytoplasm. The upregulated PDCD4 expression abolished miR‐208's suppression of H9c2 cell apoptosis induced by hypoxia. Besides this, miR‐208 inhibited myocardial tissue apoptosis in AMI mice by inhibiting PDCD4 expression.
Antiosteoporosis and bone protective effect of nimbolide in steroid‐induced osteoporosis rats
Authors: Huo Jiang , Ding Yu , Wei Xinyuan , Chen Qi , Zhao Bin
Published: September 2022

Background

Osteoporosis is a metabolic, hereditary, progressive disease characterized by unusual bone production across the skeleton and a loss the bone tissue microstructure and mass. In this experimental study, we scrutinized the antiosteoporosis effect of nimbolide against glucocorticoid (GCs) induced osteoporosis in rats.

Methods

Swiss albino female rats were employed for the current experiment study and the rats were divided into different groups. Dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg/day) was used for induction the osteoporosis and the rats were received the different doses of nimbolide (2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/kg) for the estimation of bone protective effects. The body weight was estimated (initially and finally). Hormones, bone metabolic markers, bone turnover markers, bone structure, biomechanical, histomorphometric dynamic, biochemical markers, and histomorphometric static parameters were analyzed.

Results

The body weight of GCs group rats considerably suppressed and nimbolide treatment remarkably improved the body weight. Nimbolide treated group exhibited the enhancement of bone metabolic, bone structure markers, and histomophometric dynamic markers, which was suppressed during the GCs‐induced osteoporosis. GCs‐induced osteoporosis rats exhibited the enhancement of procollagen type 1 C‐terminal propeptide (P1CP), carboxy‐terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX‐1), Dickkopf‐1 (DKK1), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b), and suppressed the level of bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), which was reversed by the nimbolide treatment. Nimbolide treatment remarkably improved the level of estradiol and suppressed the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which was altered during the osteoporosis. Nimbolide treatment significantly (p < 0.001) improved the level of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in the serum and bone tissue. Nimbolide treatment also altered the level of bone metabolic markers and suppressed the level of inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, we may conclude that nimbolide has antiosteoporosis properties via balancing the bone mass and improving vitamin and hormone levels.
Bone marrow free immune checkpoints as a potential biomarker for differential diagnosis of acquired bone marrow failures
Authors: Zang Mengtong , Li Nianbin , Chen Qiulin , Ran NingYuan , Fu Rong , Shao Zonghong , Wang Ting
Published: September 2022

Objective

Clinically, to make a definite diagnosis of aplastic anemia (AA), idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance (ICUS) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), they should be distinguished from each other. AA and ICUS have some incidence to transform into MDS. Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) is effective in AA and partial ICUS patients, while other ICUSs are more likely to progress to MDS without response to IST. To date, we neither found a technical method that could easily identify AA from hypoproliferative MDS, nor a simple parameter that could indicate ICUS with a response to IST. Here, we detected the concentration of free immune checkpoints in bone marrow supernatant of AA, ICUS, and MDS patients, analyzed the differences of immune status among these three diseases, to try to find a way to predict the response to IST in ICUSs.

Methods

Seventy‐four novel patients were enrolled with newly diagnosed acquired bone marrow failure (including 29 AA patients, 11 ICUS patients, and 34 MDS patients), bone marrow supernatants were collected. Luminex liquid suspension array technology was used to measure the concentrations of 17 immune checkpoints to analyze the differences of immune status among these three diseases.

Results

The levels of 17 free immune checkpoints were elevated in MDS and showed a strong correlation with each other, followed by ICUS, and with the weakest in AA. By drawing the ROC curve, we found eight immune checkpoints, including sCD40, sCD86/B7‐2, sCTLA‐4, sGITR, sHVEM, sPD‐1, sTIM‐3, and sTLR‐2, could easily distinguish AA from hypoproliferative MDS. ICUSs with lower concentrations of these eight free immune checkpoints predicted a better IST response.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found that there were notable differences in the immune status of AA, ICUS, and MDS. The concentrations of sCD40, sCD86/B7‐2, sCTLA‐4, sGITR, sHVEM, sPD‐1, sTIM‐3, and sTLR‐2 could be used to identify AA and hypoproliferative MDS patients, as well as to distinguish ICUS patients who could benefit from IST.
The DNAm levels of CREB5 (cg11301281) were associated with clopidogrel resistance
Authors: Li Jiyi , Yang Jin , Yu Qinglin , Chen Lian , Shi Xiliang , Su Jia , Zhu Keqi
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Clopidogrel resistance (CR) is mostly caused by interindividual variability of the platelet inhibition of clopidogrel, which may induce cardiovascular events. The aim of this research was to evaluate whether DNAm levels of CREB5 (cg01534253) are involved in CR among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients treated with clopidogrel.

Methods

72 patients(36 CR and 36 non‐CR) who underwent ACS were included in this study. The VerifyNow P2Y12 assay was selected to evaluate residual platelet reactivity, and bisulfite pyrosequencing methods was used to examine DNA methylation levels on cg01534253. Secondly, CREB5 mRNA expression was analyzed via quantitative real‐time PCR. Last, we employed logistic regression to test the interaction between genetic factors of CREB5 methylation and multiple clinical variables in CR patients.

Results

Subunit analysis indicated that for patients whose HbA1c levels were ≥6.5% or whose GLU levels were ≥7 mmol/L, lower methylation of cg01534253 indicated a poorer clopidogrel response. In addition, CREB5 mRNA expression was increased in CR patients with GLU levels ≥7 mmol/L. Moreover, regression analysis indicated that the values of albumin and uric acid were correlated with the incidence of CR.

Conclusions

Our findings were likely to provide fresh understanding for the new mechanism of platelet inhibition failure and promote individualized antiplatelet therapy.
Sclerostin aggravates insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and hepatic steatosis via upregulation of ER stress by mTOR‐mediated inhibition of autophagy under hyperlipidemic conditions
Authors: Oh Heeseung , Park Seung Yeon , Cho Wonjun , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Hacimuftuoglu Ahmet , Kwon Chang Hyuk , Jeong Ji Hoon , Jung Tae Woo
Published: September 2022

Recently, sclerostin (SCL), a circulating glycoprotein, was proposed to be a novel myokine involved in developing metabolic disorders. The association between SCL levels and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue was studied in individuals with aggravated glucose tolerance. Thus, we hypothesized that elevated circulating SCL might affect skeletal muscle insulin signaling and hepatic lipid metabolism, and aimed to investigate the effects of SCL on skeletal muscle insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in obesity using in vitro and in vivo experimental models under hyperlipidemic conditions. In the current study, we found elevated SCL messenger RNA expression levels in myocytes in obese patients. In addition to a higher blood level, SCL was expressed at an elevated level in the skeletal muscle of mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD). Higher SCL release levels and expression were also noticed in palmitate‐treated C2C12 myocytes. SCL suppression by in vivo transfection improves skeletal muscle insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in HFD‐fed mice. The treatment of C2C12 myocytes with recombinant SCL aggravated insulin signaling. Furthermore, treatment with SCL augmented lipogenic lipid deposition in human primary hepatocytes. Treatment with SCL upregulated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation and suppressed autophagy markers, thereby causing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. 4‐Phenylbutyric acid, a pharmacological ER stress inhibitor, abolished the effects of SCL on insulin signaling in C2C12 myocytes and lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes. In conclusion, SCL promotes skeletal muscle insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis by upregulating ER stress via the mTOR/autophagy‐mediated pathway. The present study suggests that antagonizing SCL might be a novel therapeutic strategy for simultaneously managing insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in obesity.
P‐Glycoprotein and Organic Anion Transporter Polypeptide 1B/Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Drug Transporter Activity in Pregnant Women Living With HIV
Authors: Moreira Fernanda de Lima , Melli Patrícia Pereira dos Santos , Marques Maria Paula , Rocha Adriana , Nardotto Glauco Henrique Balthazar , Duarte Geraldo , Lanchote Vera Lucia
Published: September 2022

This study evaluates the influence of pregnancy and HIV infection in conjunction with the use of raltegravir, lamivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (combined antiretroviral therapy [cART]) on intestinal P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and hepatic organic anion transporter polypeptide (OATP) 1B1/1B3 and/or breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) drug transporter activity using rosuvastatin (OATP1B/BCRP) and fexofenadine (P‐gp) probes. Single oral doses of 5‐mg rosuvastatin and 60‐mg fexofenadine were administered to women living with HIV under cART in the third trimester of gestation (n = 15) and postpartum period (n = 10). A control group of 12 healthy nonpregnant women also was investigated. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by using a noncompartmental method and evaluated by t test (P < .05). The rosuvastatin area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0‐last) value was higher in the third trimester of pregnancy (19.5 [95%CI, 16.8–22.3] ng • h/mL] when compared to postpartum (13.3 [95%CI, 9.3–17.5] ng • h/mL), while the fexofenadine AUC0‐last values did not differ between the third trimester of pregnancy (738.0 [95%CI, 611.4–864.6] ng • h/mL) and postpartum period (874.9 [95%CI, 408.2–1342.0] ng• h/mL). The rosuvastatin AUC0‐last values did not differ between healthy nonpregnant women (13.8 [95%CI, 10.0–17.6] ng • h/mL) and women living with HIV in the postpartum period (13.3 [95%CI, 9.3–17.5] ng • h/mL), and the fexofenadine AUC0‐last values did not differ between the 2 investigated groups (603.6 [95%CI, 467.5–739.7] ng • h/mL vs 874.9 [95%CI, 408.2–1342.0] ng • h/mL). It is suggested that gestation inhibits the hepatic OATP1B1/1B3 and/or BCRP activity but does not alter intestinal P‐gp activity. The influence of HIV infection in conjunction with use of cART on OATP1B/BCRP and intestinal P‐gp activity was not observed.
Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetic Drug Interaction of Capmatinib With Itraconazole and Rifampicin and Potential Impact on Renal Transporters in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Cui Xiaoming , Chen Xinhui , Pognan Nathalie , Sengupta Tirtha , Rahmanzadeh Gholamreza , Kornberger Ruediger , Giovannini Monica
Published: September 2022

Capmatinib is a highly specific, potent, and selective mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor inhibitor predominantly eliminated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and aldehyde oxidase. Here, we investigated the effects of a strong CYP3A inhibitor (itraconazole) and a strong CYP3A inducer (rifampicin) on single‐dose pharmacokinetics of capmatinib. In addition, serum creatinine and cystatin C were monitored to assess the potential inhibition of renal transporters by capmatinib. This was an open‐label, 2‐cohort (inhibition and induction), 2‐period (capmatinib alone and inhibition/induction periods) study in healthy subjects. In the inhibition cohort, capmatinib (400 mg/day) was given alone, then with itraconazole (200 mg/day for 10 days, 5‐day lead‐in before coadministration). In the induction cohort, capmatinib (400 mg/day) was given alone, then with rifampicin (600 mg/day for 9 days, 5‐day lead‐in before coadministration). Fifty‐three subjects (inhibition cohort, n = 27; induction cohort, n = 26) were enrolled. Coadministration of itraconazole resulted in an increase of capmatinib area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity by 42% (geometric mean ratio [GMR], 1.42; 90%CI, 1.33–1.52) with no change in maximum plasma concentration (GMR, 1.03; 90%CI, 0.866–1.22). Coadministration of rifampicin resulted in a reduction of capmatinib area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity by 66.5% (GMR, 0.335; 90%CI, 0.300–0.374) and a decrease in maximum plasma concentration by 55.9% (GMR, 0.441; 90%CI, 0.387–0.502). After a single dose of capmatinib, a transient increase in serum creatinine was observed with no change in serum cystatin C concentration during the 3‐day monitoring period. In conclusion, coadministration of itraconazole or rifampicin resulted in clinically relevant changes in systemic exposure to capmatinib. The transient increase in serum creatinine without any increase in cystatin C suggests inhibition of renal transport by capmatinib.