bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors and clinical significance of prechoroidal cleft in eyes with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration in Caucasian patients
Authors: Kredi Gili , Iglicki Matias , Gomel Nir , Hilely Assaf , Loewenstein Anat , Habot‐Wilner Zohar , Zur Dinah
Published: October 2022

Objective

The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and clinical significance of prechoroidal cleft (PC) among neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients in a Caucasian population.

Design

A retrospective observational cohort study.

Methods

A total of 140 patients with naive nAMD were treated with anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections and a follow‐up of ≥24 months. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were graded for the presence of PC, central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT), maximal retinal thickness (MRT), pigment epithelial detachment (PED), presence of intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid (SRF) and subretinal hyper‐reflective material (SHRM) at baseline, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anti‐VEGF treatments were recorded.

Results

Out of 140, 21 eyes (15%) developed PC. BCVA improved significantly from 0.68 ± 0.56 to 0.62 ± 0.59 logMAR after 24 months (p = 0.008). The change in BCVA was not related to the presence of cleft (p = 0.208). Multivariate analysis confirmed that higher baseline CSFT (p = 0.011, OR = 1.004, 95%, CI 1.001–1.007) and the presence of multi‐layered PED (p < 0.001, OR = 21.153, 95%, CI 5.591–80.026) were both predictive for development of PC. Eyes with PC received more injections than eyes without PC.

Conclusion

Prechoroidal cleft was found in 15% of Caucasian nAMD patients treated with anti‐VEGF injections and was related to greater retinal and PED height, as well as presence of multi‐layered PED. Eyes with PC required more anti‐VEGF injections. The presence of PC correlates with disease activity, and intensive anti‐VEGF suppression can preserve vision.
The content, experiences and outcomes of interventions designed to increase early skin‐to‐skin contact in high‐income settings: A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Moran Chloe , Thomson Gill , Moran Victoria , Fallon Victoria
Published: October 2022

Aim

To explore the content, experiences and outcomes of interventions designed to increase early skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) in high‐income settings.

Methods

A mixed‐methods systematic review was undertaken across six bibliographic databases. References of all included studies were hand‐searched. All papers were quality appraised using a mixed‐method appraisal tool. A narrative synthesis was used to synthesise both quantitative and qualitative findings.

Results

Database searches generated 1221 hits, and two studies were identified via hand‐searching. Ten studies were included; most (n = 7) were designed to improve SSC following a caesarean section, and half were of low/poor quality. Outcomes related to SSC prevalence and/or duration (n = 7), breastfeeding prevalence, (n = 4) and six explored mothers' and/or health professionals' experiences of the intervention. While the interventions had ‘some’ impact on the prevalence of SSC, the duration was often limited and not in line with WHO recommendations. Breastfeeding rates (exclusive/any) were found to improve but generally not to a significant extent. Mother and healthcare professionals were positive about the interventions, with barriers to implementation noted. Most interventions targeted healthcare professionals, rather than mothers.

Conclusion

High‐quality interventions that increase SSC in line with WHO recommendations, and that target both health professionals and parents are needed.
Psychiatric disorders and Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization
Authors: Tao Haoran , Fan Shujin , Zhu Tianxin , You Lili , Zheng Dinghao , Yan Li , Ren Meng
Published: October 2022

Background

Extensive observational evidence put forward the association between psychiatric disorders and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, causal relationships between these two diseases required further research. Thus, we evaluated the bidirection casual effect between five psychiatric disorders and T2DM using two‐sample mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

By selecting single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with T2DM and five psychiatric disorders (attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia, anxiety disorder and panic disorder), a bidirectional two‐sample MR was applied to evaluate causality between these diseases. The inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analysing approach for estimating possible causal effects. MR‐Egger and weighted median were also conducted to verify the results. The funnel plot, Cochran's Q test and MR‐Egger intercept test were used for sensitivity analyses. In addition, potential mediators were investigated by risk factor analyses.

Results

Genetic susceptibilities of ADHD and MDD would increase the risk of T2DM (ADHD: OR = 1.14, 95%CI 1.08–1.20; ; MDD: OR = 1.22, 95%CI 1.09–1.36; ). In addition, genetic predisposition to T2DM was also associated with ADHD (OR = 1.09, 95%CI 1.04–1.14; p = 0.0004). Several risk factors of T2DM were implicated in the above causal associations, including smoking, high body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio and elevated serum triglycerides.

Conclusion

Our studies indicated a causal effect of ADHD and MDD on increasing the risk of T2DM, which was potentially mediated by smoking and obesity‐related phenotypes. Meanwhile, we found a causal effect of T2DM on ADHD. Thus, prevention strategies for T2DM should also include mental health and vice versa.
A latitudinal signal in the relationship between species geographic range size and climatic niche area
Authors: Dallas Tad A. , Kramer Andrew
Published: October 2022

Species with broader niches may have the opportunity to occupy larger geographic areas, assuming no limitations on dispersal and a relatively homogeneous environmental space. Here, we use data on a large set of mammal (n = 1225), bird (n = 1829) and tree (n = 341) species to examine the 1) relationship between geographic range size and climatic niche area, 2) influence of species traits on species departures from this relationship and 3) sensitivity of these relationships to how species range size and climatic niche area are estimated. We find positive geographic range size–climatic niche area relationships for all taxa, with residual variation dependent on latitude, and differing from a null model for mammals and birds, but not for trees. Together, we provide support for this general macroecological relationship which is dependent on space, weakly influenced by species traits, and different enough from a null model to suggest that geographic and demographic processes are important.
Sociocultural and Clinical Aspects of Recovery from First Episode Psychosis in Java, Indonesia: A Follow‐Up Case Study
Authors: Subandi M. A. , Ul Hasanat Nida , Praptomojati Ardian , Good Byron J.
Published: October 2022

Researchers have observed high rates of recovery from first episode psychosis in some cultural settings. This study explores the course and long‐term outcome of a small set of cases of first episode psychoses, focusing on clinical predictors of outcome and local cultural processes supporting recovery in Javanese society in Indonesia. Researchers followed nine individuals with a first episode of psychosis intensively during one year of ethnographic research and measured clinical markers of the outcome at onset and at two‐ and 14‐year follow‐ups. Despite some relapses, a majority of individuals substantially recovered at one year and continued to function near‐normal at 14 years; two cases represent long‐term illness. Clinical factors associated with recovery included the acute onset of illness and short duration of untreated psychosis. Ethnographic research identified cultural models, linked to Javanese folk stories and local Islamic ideas, and social and cultural processes supportive of recovery from psychosis.
Range and extinction dynamics of the steppe bison in Siberia: A pattern‐oriented modelling approach
Authors: Pilowsky July A. , Haythorne Sean , Brown Stuart C. , Krapp Mario , Armstrong Edward , Brook Barry W. , Rahbek Carsten , Fordham Damien A.
Published: October 2022

Aim

To determine the ecological processes and drivers of range collapse, population decline and eventual extinction of the steppe bison in Eurasia.

Location

Siberia.

Time period

Pleistocene and Holocene.

Major taxa studied

Steppe bison (Bison priscus).

Methods

We configured 110,000 spatially explicit population models (SEPMs) of climate–human–steppe bison interactions in Siberia, which we ran at generational time steps from 50,000 years before present. We used pattern‐oriented modelling (POM) and fossil‐based inferences of distribution and demographic change of steppe bison to identify which SEPMs adequately simulated important interactions between ecological processes and biological threats. These “best models” were then used to disentangle the mechanisms that were integral in the population decline and later extinction of the steppe bison in its last stronghold in Eurasia.

Results

Our continuous reconstructions of the range and extinction dynamics of steppe bison were able to reconcile inferences of spatio‐temporal occurrence and the timing and location of extinction in Siberia based on hundreds of radiocarbon‐dated steppe bison fossils. We showed that simulating the ecological pathway to extinction for steppe bison in Siberia in the early Holocene required very specific ecological niche constraints, demographic processes and a constrained synergy of climate and human hunting dynamics during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition.

Main conclusions

Ecological processes and drivers that caused ancient population declines of species can be reconstructed at high spatio‐temporal resolutions using SEPMs and POM. Using this approach, we found that climatic change and hunting by humans are likely to have interacted with key ecological processes to cause the extinction of the steppe bison in its last refuge in Eurasia.
Sympatry of genetically distinct Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica) in the High Arctic
Authors: Leigh Deborah M. , Kersten Oliver , Star Bastiaan , Anker‐Nilssen Tycho , Burnham Kurt , Johnson Jeff , Provencher Jennifer , Boessenkool Sanne
Published: October 2022

Across its range, the Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica is divided into four separate genetic clusters that correspond with geography and/or size differences. However, in the Western Atlantic High Arctic, there is a Puffin colony (Thule) that comprises two discrete size phenotypes. Using whole genome sequencing data of six Thule individuals from these two phenotypes, we found that Thule consists of three distinct genetic clusters, with no signs of recent interbreeding. Our results suggest the beginnings of a potential northward shift of boreal Atlantic Puffins in the West Atlantic, consistent with responses to a warming High Arctic climate.
Path algorithms for fused lasso signal approximator with application to COVID‐19 spread in Korea
Authors: Son Won , Lim Johan , Yu Donghyeon
Published: October 2022

The fused lasso signal approximator (FLSA) is a smoothing procedure for noisy observations that uses fused lasso penalty on unobserved mean levels to find sparse signal blocks. Several path algorithms have been developed to obtain the whole solution path of the FLSA. However, it is known that the FLSA has model selection inconsistency when the underlying signals have a stair‐case block, where three consecutive signal blocks are either strictly increasing or decreasing. Modified path algorithms for the FLSA have been proposed to guarantee model selection consistency regardless of the stair‐case block. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the path algorithms for the FLSA and prove the properties of the recently modified path algorithms' hitting times. Specifically, we reinterpret the modified path algorithm as the path algorithm for local FLSA problems and reveal the condition that the hitting time for the fusion of the modified path algorithm is not monotone in a tuning parameter. To recover the monotonicity of the solution path, we propose a pathwise adaptive FLSA having monotonicity with similar performance as the modified solution path algorithm. Finally, we apply the proposed method to the number of daily‐confirmed cases of COVID‐19 in Korea to identify the change points of its spread.
Transitioning to a market economy in the Baltic States: Challenges and later developments in business regulation
Authors: Bitė Virginijus , Mulevičienė Salvija , Moisejevas Raimundas , Mantrov Vadim , Vutt Andres , Vutt Margit
Published: October 2022

This article offers a comparative assessment of significant factors of influence, major developments, national specifics, and the challenges confronting the Baltic States since independence in transitioning their economies from a central planning model to that of a market economy. The investigation took into consideration company law, competition law, and insolvency law of the respective countries and three stages of legal development – creation, the main reforms, and current developments. Further, the article asserts that the Baltic States have managed to create a sufficiently diverse palette of business forms that are properly constituted under law, are flexible, and convenient for all business types, especially small and medium business. Competition and insolvency laws of the Baltic States align closely with laws of the European Union and are being further developed. Stories of the success of Baltic States could serve as an example for other post‐socialist countries.
MSO4 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) microwave dielectric ceramics with low dielectric constant
Authors: Jia Ying Qiang , Luo Wei Kun , Li Lei , Wu Shu Ya , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: October 2022

MSO4 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) ceramics with relative densities exceeding 96% were prepared by solid‐state sintering at low sintering temperatures of 625–875°C, and their structures and microwave dielectric properties at 10–19 GHz were characterized. MSO4 ceramics crystallized in orthorhombic symmetry with the space groups of Amma for CaSO4 and Pnma for SrSO4 and BaSO4. The optimal microwave dielectric properties were obtained with εr = 5.85, Qf = 57 000 GHz, τf,W = −98.8 ppm/°C for CaSO4, εr = 10.95, Qf = 15 500 GHz, τf,W = 101.6 ppm/°C for SrSO4, and εr = 9.42, Qf = 38 200 GHz, τf,W = −4.7 ppm/°C for BaSO4. The increased εr and τf,W while decreased Qf value in the order of CaSO4, BaSO4, and SrSO4 were attributed to the enhanced rattling effect of M2+. Besides, the temperature dependence of τf was weak for CaSO4 and BaSO4, whereas much stronger for SrSO4. As most low‐εr microwave dielectric ceramics are of large negative τf, the near‐zero τf of BaSO4 and positive τf of SrSO4 are rare, indicating they are potential candidates for millimeter‐wave communication as a temperature‐stable dielectric ceramic and a compensator for tuning negative τf to near‐zero, respectively.
Beyond Downloading: Venues for Associated Neighbouring Countries to Influence EU Law and Policies
Authors: Gstöhl Sieglinde , Frommelt Christian
Published: October 2022

The European Union (EU) has over time developed close relations, typically taking the form of acquis‐based association agreements, with the countries in its Western and Eastern neighbourhood. This article examines when, where and how these non‐Member States can influence the terms of their association with the EU's law and policies via institutional venues. It expands on the literature of external Europeanization and governance, which has mainly focused on the downloading of EU rules by these countries. Yet, the associated neighbours have the opportunity to exert influence at different stages of the law or policy‐making process: first, before the downloading of relevant new rules by uploading or cross‐loading, that is, by attempting to initiate or shape these rules during the agenda‐setting and the formulation phases; and second, during or after the downloading by tweaking or rebuffing relevant new rules in the adoption and implementation phases. These mechanisms of influence at different points in time and in different bodies are illustrated by examples from the countries of the European Free Trade Association, of the Eastern Partnership and in the EU's customs union. The findings indicate that more uploading opportunities can generally be expected, the more downloading is required, and the better the associated countries' access to EU bodies in the early stage of the formulation of new rules. Weak uploading opportunities make joint bodies more important for tweaking and rebuffing. The proposed conceptual framework contributes to the study of external differentiated integration and opens new research avenues.
The effect of antiretroviral therapyon the periodontal conditions of patients with HIV infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ntolou Panagiota , Pani Pinelopi , Panis Vassileios , Madianos Phoebus , Vassilopoulos Spyridon
Published: October 2022

Aim

To assess any differences (1) in the prevalence of periodontitis and necrotizing periodontal diseases, specifically necrotizing gingivitis (NG) and necrotizing periodontitis (NP) between HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and those not receiving the therapy and (2) in the severity of periodontitis based on probing depths (PDs) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) between the two groups.

Materials and Methods

Systematic electronic search on five databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science and Scielo) was conducted to identify cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies reporting on prevalence of NG, NP and periodontitis among HIV patients who either receive or do not receive HAART treatment. The differences in clinical parameters of PDs and CAL among these patients were assessed.

Results

Eighteen articles were considered. The meta‐analysis for NG showed that the overall assessment for the relative frequency ratio in the two groups was 0.45 (n = 7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.21, 0.97]; p < .042). Regarding NP, the overall assessment for the relative frequency ratio in both groups was 0.60 (n = 5; 95% CI [0.22, 1.64]; p = .321). With regard to periodontitis, the overall assessment for the relative frequency ratio in the two groups was 1.17 (n = 9; 95% CI [0.90, 1.52]; p = .248). No significant differences in PD and CAL were found between the two groups 0.00 (n = 3; 95% CI [−0.52, –0.53]; p = .985) and 0.32 (n = 3; 95% CI [−0.19, 0.82]; p = .22), respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of NG appeared to be significantly reduced in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. No statistical significant difference was found in the prevalence of NP or periodontitis between the two groups.
Triple scan evaluation of internal and marginal adaptation of overlays using different restorative materials
Authors: Kassis Cynthia , Mehanna Carina , Khoury Pierre , Tohme Hani , Cuevas‐Suárez Carlos Enrique , Bourgi Rim , Lukomska‐Szymanska Monika , Hardan Louis
Published: October 2022

Objective

Problems in the confection of indirect restorations may increase the marginal and internal gap. This study aimed to quantify the marginal and the internal fit of overlays fabricated with three different materials.

Materials and methods

Standardized cavities were prepared on endodontically treated human third molars and digital impressions were done using an intraoral camera (Trios 3). Restorations were designed (n = 15) and fabricated with three materials: Hybrid ceramic (Cerasmart; GC Corp, EUROPE), high‐strength lithium disilicate (GC Initial® LiSi Press; GC Corp, Tokyo, Japan), and zirconia reinforced Lithium Silicate Glass Ceramic (Vita Suprinity; Vita, Germany). Axial, marginal, pulpal, and gingival gaps were calculated by measuring the distance between the restoration and the tooth at several reference points. Two‐Way analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. The significance level was set at α = 0.05.

Results

Mean gap was significantly influenced by the material (p < 0.001), gap localization (p < 0.001), and interaction between the factors (p = 0.002). For all materials, the highest gap was observed at gingival and pulpal surfaces (p ≤ 0.015). LiSi Press achieved the overall lowest values at axial values measurements (p ≤ 0.003).

Conclusions

The performance of a CAD/CAM system relative to marginal adaptation is influenced by the restorative material used. High‐strength lithium disilicate seems to be showed the best marginal adaptation.

Clinical significance

Marginal and internal adaptation of CAD/CAM restorations could be influenced by the type of material chosen.
Gabbroic eclogites formed during rapid and cold subduction of the Paleo‐Tethys oceanic lithosphere in the Changning–Menglian orogenic belt, southeastern Tibetan plateau
Authors: Wang Huining , Liu Fulai , Sun Zaibo , Ji Lei , Cai Jia , Zhu Jianjiang , Zhou Kun , Wang Wei
Published: October 2022

The Changning–Menglian orogenic belt (CMOB) in the southeastern Tibetan plateau separates Gondwana‐ from Eurasia‐derived continental blocks and marks the main suture of the Paleo‐Tethys, as evidenced by a variety of oceanic basalt‐derived eclogites. However, it is uncertain whether the belt contains high‐pressure rocks derived from gabbro, which is a key component of oceanic ophiolite. Here, we present a study of newly discovered gabbroic eclogites from the CMOB. These eclogites preserve relic gabbroic crystals (diopside, bytownite/anorthite and ilmenite) that survived metamorphism and occur in the form of inclusions within porphyroblasts. The eclogites have positive εNd(t) values of +1 to +8 and have an affinity to N‐MORB, with positive Eu anomalies and no depletions in high‐field‐strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf). Cumulate gabbros generated in a mid‐ocean ridge setting are possible protoliths for the studied samples. The eclogite facies mineralogy is defined by the assemblage of garnet + omphacite + kyanite + talc + phengite + rutile, which was followed by the post‐kinematic crystallization of winchite and clinozoisite, and a later symplectite assemblage (diopside + sodic plagioclase + calcic amphibole + clinozoisite). Phase equilibrium modelling, average P–T thermobarometry and conventional mineral geothermobarometry constrain the P–T conditions for the peak‐stage and initial post‐peak‐stage metamorphism and symplectite formation to 25.6–27.1 kbar/595–637°C, 15.3–17.9 kbar/563–605°C and 5.5–7.3 kbar/470–500°C, respectively, consistent with a subduction depth of 75–85 km. Metamorphic zircons yielded a Triassic mean U–Pb age of 223.7 ± 2.9 Ma, which is interpreted to record the early‐stage decompressive overprinting. The similar paragenetic sequences, mineral evolution, peak P–T conditions and P–T–t paths for the gabbro‐ and basalt‐derived eclogites in the CMOB indicate that these rocks formed in the Paleo‐Tethys subduction regime. The lack of deformation, and the cold and rapid subduction history, contributed to the local preservation of gabbroic minerals and igneous textures under high‐pressure conditions in the studied rocks. The gabbroic eclogites provide insights into the detailed metamorphic evolution during the burial–exhumation cycle of ophiolites in the Paleo‐Tethyan regime.
Comparison of the neurobehavioural profile of early‐preterm infants against term and late‐preterm infants using the Hammersmith neonatal neurological examination
Authors: Ong Wei J , Baral Vijayendra R , L Ereno Imelda , Sultana Rehena , Yeo Cheo L
Published: October 2022

Aim

To compare the neurobehavioural profile of early‐preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation) at term‐corrected age (39+0–41+6 weeks) versus late‐preterm and full‐term infants at similar term gestational ages.

Methods

Early‐preterm infants were assessed neurologically at term‐corrected age using the Hammersmith neonatal neurological examination. The raw scores of the 34 Hammersmith neonatal neurological examination items were converted to optimality scores. Pairwise comparison of neurobehavioural patterns between early‐preterm infants at term‐corrected age versus late‐preterm and full‐term infants at similar gestational ages were made using independent sample t tests. Differences in optimality scores between the three groups were evaluated using one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

Sixty‐eight early‐preterm infants assessed at term‐corrected age were compared against 75 late‐preterm infants and 133 full‐term infants. Mean total optimality scores (±standard deviation) of early‐preterm, late‐preterm and full‐term infants at term‐corrected age were 27.68 (±3.97), 29.09 (±2.45) and 31.58 (±1.39), respectively (P < 0.001). The mean optimality score of early‐preterm infants was significantly lower when compared pairwise with late‐preterm infants and full‐term infants with mean difference of −1.42 (P = 0.013) and −3.91 (P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

The neurobehavioural profile of early‐preterm infants lags significantly behind those of late‐preterm and full‐term infants at term‐corrected age. This study also provides reference raw and optimality scores for all items in the Hammersmith neonatal neurological examination for early‐preterm infants in a predominantly Asian population.
HpaP divergently regulates the expression of hrp genes in Xanthomonas oryzae pathovars oryzae and oryzicola
Authors: Li Rui‐Fang , Ren Pei‐Dong , Zhang Da‐Pei , Cui Ping , Zhu Gui‐Ning , Xian Xiao‐Yong , Tang Ji‐Liang , Lu Guang‐Tao
Published: October 2022

The bacterial pathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pathovars oryzae (Xoo) and oryzicola (Xoc) cause leaf blight and leaf streak diseases on rice, respectively. Pathogenesis is largely defined by the virulence genes harboured in the pathogen genome. Recently, we demonstrated that the protein HpaP of the crucifer pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris is an enzyme with both ATPase and phosphatase activities, and is involved in regulating the synthesis of virulence factors and the induction of the hypersensitive response (HR). In this study, we investigated the role of HpaP homologues in Xoo and Xoc. We showed that HpaP is required for full virulence of Xoo and Xoc. Deletion of hpaP in Xoo and Xoc led to a reduction in virulence and alteration in the production of virulence factors, including extracellular polysaccharide and cell motility. Comparative transcriptomics and reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR assays revealed that in XVM2 medium, a mimic medium of the plant environment, the expression levels of hrp genes (for HR and pathogenicity) were enhanced in the Xoo hpaP deletion mutant compared to the wild type. By contrast, in the same growth conditions, hrp gene expression was decreased in the Xoc hpaP deletion mutant compared to the wild type. However, an opposite expression pattern was observed when the pathogens grew in planta, where the expression of hrp genes was reduced in the Xoo hpaP mutant but increased in the Xoc hpaP mutant. These findings indicate that HpaP plays a divergent role in Xoo and Xoc, which may lead to the different infection strategies employed by these two pathogens.
Evolving policies for donors with diabetes: The Canadian experience
Authors: Miller Owen , Caffrey Niamh , O'Brien Sheila F. , Goldman Mindy
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Donor criteria for diabetes vary significantly. We describe our evolving policies for donors with diabetes, their contribution to the Canadian blood supply and their rate of syncopal reactions compared to other donors.

Materials and Methods

All donors are asked if they have diabetes and have taken medications in the last 3 days. We assessed donors with diabetes on various medications, the number deferred over time, and syncopal reactions in donors with diabetes and other donors in our donor reaction database.

Results

Policy changes allowing type 2 diabetic donors on oral hypoglycaemics alone, type 2 diabetic donors on oral medications and insulin and type 1 diabetic donors (all on insulin) to donate resulted in a decrease in deferrals from 450 to 22 donors annually. Of donors being treated with medication for diabetes, 11% are receiving insulin as part of their treatment. Syncopal reaction rates were low and not statistically different between diabetic and non‐diabetic donors, although confidence intervals (CIs) are large.

Conclusion

Policies decreased deferrals while maintaining safety. A longer observation period would strengthen these observations.
Learning to Problematize Disciplinary Practices: Strength and Conditioning Coaches’ Experiences Within a Foucauldian Learning Community
Authors: Kuklick Clayton R. , Gearity Brian T.
Published: October 2022

Poststructural, Foucauldian-informed scholarship has shown the invisible consequences of how coaches use knowledge through various disciplinary techniques, which has prompted a need for coach development to bring awareness of such effects. However, a lack of literature exists on how coaches come to understand Foucauldian-informed coaching. This study explored how three strength and conditioning coaches learned to problematize disciplinary practices, how they rationalize their (un)intended effects, and why specific less disciplinary practices are produced and implemented, whereas others are left unattended. The findings include how the coaches engaged epiphanic contradictions, contemplated new and creative practices, and interacted with catalytic mediators to understand Foucauldian-informed coaching. Facilitators and barriers to Foucauldian thinking provide further insight into how the coaches’ thinking was accelerated or halted in the learning process. The findings are discussed in relation to literature on coach learning and recent scholarship on coaches’ exposure to poststructural, Foucauldian-informed coaching.
Deep learning and social network analysis elucidate drivers of HIV transmission in a high-incidence cohort of people who inject drugs
Authors: Clipman Steven J. , Mehta Shruti H. , Mohapatra Shobha , Srikrishnan Aylur K. , Zook Katie J. C. , Duggal Priya , Saravanan Shanmugam , Nandagopal Paneerselvam , Kumar Muniratnam Suresh , Lucas Gregory M. , Latkin Carl A. , Solomon Sunil S.
Published: October 2022

Globally, people who inject drugs (PWID) experience some of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics. Network-based approaches represent a powerful tool for understanding and combating these epidemics; however, detailed social network studies are limited and pose analytical challenges. We collected longitudinal social (injection partners) and spatial (injection venues) network information from 2512 PWID in New Delhi, India. We leveraged network analysis and graph neural networks (GNNs) to uncover factors associated with HIV transmission and identify optimal intervention delivery points. Longitudinal HIV incidence was 21.3 per 100 person-years. Overlapping community detection using GNNs revealed seven communities, with HIV incidence concentrated within one community. The injection venue most strongly associated with incidence was found to overlap six of the seven communities, suggesting that an intervention deployed at this one location could reach the majority of the sample. These findings highlight the utility of network analysis and deep learning in HIV program design.
Numb regulates Tau levels and prevents neurodegeneration in tauopathy mouse models
Authors: Lacomme Marine , Hales Sarah C. , Brown Thomas W. , Stevanovic Katarina , Jolicoeur Christine , Cai Jenny , Bois Therence , Desrosiers Melissa , Dalkara Deniz , Cayouette Michel
Published: October 2022

Accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein Tau is linked to neuronal cell death in tauopathies, but how intraneuronal Tau levels are regulated in health and disease remains unclear. Here, we show that conditional inactivation of the trafficking adaptor protein Numb in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) increases Tau levels and leads to axonal blebbing, which is followed by neuronal cell loss in aged mice. In the TauP301S mouse model of tauopathy, conditional inactivation of Numb in RGCs and spinal motoneurons accelerates neurodegeneration, and loss of Numb in motoneurons also leads to precocious hindlimb paralysis. Conversely, overexpression of the long isoform of Numb (Numb-72) decreases intracellular Tau levels and reduces axonal blebbing in TauP301S RGCs, leading to improved electrical activity in cultured neurons and improved performance in a visually guided behavior test in vivo. These results uncover Numb as a key regulator of intracellular Tau levels and identify Numb-72 as a potential therapeutic factor for tauopathies.
Ocean currents break up a tabular iceberg
Authors: Huth Alex , Adcroft Alistair , Sergienko Olga , Khan Nuzhat
Published: October 2022

In December 2020, giant tabular iceberg A68a (surface area 3900 km
2
) broke up in open ocean much deeper than its keel, indicating that the breakage was not immediately caused by collision with the seafloor. Giant icebergs with lengths exceeding 18.5 km account for most of the calved ice mass from the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Upon calving, they drift away and transport freshwater into the Southern Ocean, modifying ocean circulation, disrupting sea ice and the marine biosphere, and potentially triggering changes in climate. Here, we demonstrate that the A68a breakup event may have been triggered by ocean-current shear, a new breakup mechanism not previously reported. We also introduce methods to represent giant icebergs within climate models that currently do not have any representation of them. These methods open opportunities to explore the interactions between icebergs and other components of the climate system and will improve the fidelity of global climate simulations.
Distinct forms of regret linked to resilience versus susceptibility to stress are regulated by region-specific CREB function in mice
Authors: Durand-de Cuttoli Romain , Martínez-Rivera Freddyson J. , Li Long , Minier-Toribio Angélica , Holt Leanne M. , Cathomas Flurin , Yasmin Farzana , Elhassa Salma O. , Shaikh Jasmine F. , Ahmed Sanjana , Russo Scott J. , Nestler Eric J. , Sweis Brian M.
Published: October 2022

Regret describes recognizing alternative actions could have led to better outcomes. It remains unclear whether regret derives from generalized mistake appraisal or instead comprises dissociable, action-specific processes. Using a neuroeconomic task, we found that mice were sensitive to fundamentally distinct types of regret following exposure to chronic social defeat stress or manipulations of CREB, a transcription factor implicated in stress action. Bias to make compensatory decisions after rejecting high-value offers (regret type I) was unique to stress-susceptible mice. Bias following the converse operation, accepting low-value offers (regret type II), was enhanced in stress-resilient mice and absent in stress-susceptible mice. CREB function in either the prefrontal cortex or nucleus accumbens was required to suppress regret type I but bidirectionally regulated regret type II. We provide insight into how maladaptive stress response traits relate to distinct forms of counterfactual thinking, which could steer therapy for mood disorders, such as depression, toward circuit-specific computations through a careful description of decision narrative.
Synaptogenic effect of
APP
-Swedish mutation in familial Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhou Bo , Lu Jacqueline G. , Siddu Alberto , Wernig Marius , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: October 2022

Mutations in β-amyloid (Aβ) precursor protein (
APP
) cause familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD) probably by enhancing Aβ peptides production from APP. An antibody targeting Aβ (aducanumab) was approved as an AD treatment; however, some Aβ antibodies have been reported to accelerate, instead of ameliorating, cognitive decline in individuals with AD. Using conditional APP mutations in human neurons for perfect isogenic controls and translational relevance, we found that the
APP
-Swedish mutation in familial AD increased synapse numbers and synaptic transmission, whereas the
APP
deletion decreased synapse numbers and synaptic transmission. Inhibition of BACE1, the protease that initiates Aβ production from APP, lowered synapse numbers, suppressed synaptic transmission in wild-type neurons, and occluded the phenotype of
APP
-Swedish–mutant neurons. Modest elevations of Aβ, conversely, elevated synapse numbers and synaptic transmission. Thus, the familial AD-linked
APP
-Swedish mutation under physiologically relevant conditions increased synaptic connectivity in human neurons via a modestly enhanced production of Aβ. These data are consistent with the relative inefficacy of BACE1 and anti-Aβ treatments in AD and the chronic nature of AD pathogenesis, suggesting that AD pathogenesis is not simply caused by overproduction of toxic Aβ but rather by a long-term effect of elevated Aβ concentrations.
Sex, lean body mass, and cardiac performance
Authors: Pandey Ambarish , Patel Kershaw V.
Published: October 2022

Lower lean body mass associated with reduced cardiovascular reserve at rest and peak exercise in women but not men may underlie sex differences in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (Diaz-Canestro
et al.
).
Answer to October 2022 Photo Quiz
Authors: Azad Marisa , Deslandes Vincent
Published: October 2022

Read the full article for the answer.
Navigating Environmental Transitions: the Role of Phenotypic Variation in Bacterial Responses
Authors: Spratt Madison R. , Lane Keara
Published: October 2022

The ability of bacteria to respond to changes in their environment is critical to their survival, allowing them to withstand stress, form complex communities, and induce virulence responses during host infection. A remarkable feature of many of these bacterial responses is that they are often variable across individual cells, despite occurring in an isogenic population exposed to a homogeneous environmental change, a phenomenon known as phenotypic heterogeneity.
ESKAPE Act Plus: Pathway Activation Analysis for Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Koeppen Katja , Hampton Thomas H. , Neff Samuel L. , Stanton Bruce A.
Published: October 2022

ESKAPE pathogens are bacteria of concern because they develop antibiotic resistance and can cause life-threatening infections, particularly in more susceptible immunocompromised people. ESKAPE Act PLUS is a user-friendly web application that will advance research on ESKAPE and other pathogens commonly studied by the biomedical community by allowing scientists to infer biological phenotypes from the results from high-throughput bacterial gene or protein expression experiments.
Optical Detection of the Cyclotron Resonance in Inhomogeneous Ferromagnetic Structures InGaAs/GaAs/δ-〈Mn〉
Authors: Zaitsev S. V. , Dremov V. V. , Stolyarov V. S.
Published: October 2022

Structures consisting of an InGaAs/GaAs quantum well and a ferromagnetic 〈Mn〉 δ layer separated by a narrow 3–10 nm spacer have been studied using the optically detected cyclotron resonance (ODCR). Despite strong disorder in these structures, the photoluminescence of charge carriers in the quantum well indicates ODCR upon absorption in the far infrared regions with the maximum in magnetic fields much lower than those expected for typical electron or hole cyclotron mass. The extraordinary manifestation of ODCR is due to dimensional magnetoplasma resonance of two-dimensional degenerate holes in submicron regions of the high-quality quantum well, which appear in the strong fluctuation Coulomb potential because of the mesoscopic separation of the high-density acceptor 〈Mn〉 δ layer. Magnetic force microscopy also indicates the inhomogeneity of the structure in the plane with a characteristic scale of ~100–200 nm below the Curie temperature of the 〈Mn〉 δ layer. At the same time, the resonance field of ODCR in a light-emitting diode structure on the n-GaAs substrate is noticeably lower than that in the structure on the insulating i-GaAs substrate, which is explained by resonance on donors in the doped substrate.
Predicting the likelihood of lower respiratory tractUreaplasmainfection in preterms
Authors: Viscardi Rose Marie , Magder Laurence S , Terrin Michael L , Davis Natalie L
Published: October 2022

Objective

To develop predictive models ofUreaplasmaspp lower airway tract infection in preterm infants.

Methods

A dataset was assembled from five cohorts of infants born <33 weeks gestational age (GA) enrolled over 17 years (1999–2016) with culture and/or PCR-confirmed tracheal aspirateUreaplasmastatus in the first week of life (n=415). Seventeen demographic, obstetric and neonatal factors were analysed including admission white blood cell (WBC) counts. Best subset regression was used to develop three risk scores for lower airwayUreaplasmainfection: (1) including admission laboratory values, (2) excluding admission laboratory values and (3) using only data known prenatally.

Results

GA and rupture of membranes >72 hours were significant predictors in all 3 models. When all variables including admission laboratory values were included in the regression, WBC count was also predictive in the resulting model. When laboratory values were excluded, delivery route was found to be an additional predictive factor. The area under the curve for the receiver operating characteristic indicated high predictive ability of each model to identify infants with lower airwayUreaplasmainfection (range 0.73–0.77).

Conclusion

We developed predictive models based on clinical and limited laboratory information available in the perinatal period that can distinguish between low risk (<10%) and high risk (>40%) of lower airwayUreaplasmainfection. These may be useful in the design of phase III trials of therapeutic interventions to preventUreaplasma-mediated lung disease in preterm infants and in clinical management of at-risk infants.
Cervical thoracic duct cyst: a conservative resolution
Authors: Amirtharaja Aimee , Quek Janine Zixuan , Battison Sobana , Srinivasan Badrinarayanan
Published: October 2022

A woman in her 70s presented with an enlarging, asymptomatic palpable mass in the left supraclavicular fossa. The clinical impression was of a lipoma. Imaging showed a cystic lesion with continuity of a tubular structure leading to the carotid sheath. Cytology was consistent with thoracic duct sampling. A diagnosis of the rare entity of a thoracic duct cyst with supraclavicular extension was made. This was managed conservatively via repeated aspirations which reduced the size of the mass.
Epithelial presenilin-1 drives colorectal tumour growth by controlling EGFR-COX2 signalling
Authors: Gamez-Belmonte Reyes , Mahapatro Mousumi , Erkert Lena , Gonzalez-Acera Miguel , Naschberger Elisabeth , Yu Yuqiang , Tena-Garitaonaindia Mireia , Patankar Jay V , Wagner Yara , Podstawa Eva , Schödel Lena , Bubeck Marvin , Neurath Markus F , Stürzl Michael , Becker Christoph
Published: October 2022

Objective

Psen1 was previously characterised as a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Little, if any, is known about its function in the gut. Here, we uncovered an unexpected functional role of Psen1 in gut epithelial cells during intestinal tumourigenesis.

Design

Human colorectal cancer (CRC) and control samples were investigated for PSEN1 and proteins of theγ-secretase complex. Tumour formation was analysed in the AOM-DSS andApcmin/+mouse models using newly generated epithelial-specificPsen1deficient mice. Psen1 deficient human CRC cells were studied in a xenograft tumour model. Tumour-derived organoids were analysed for growth and RNA-Seq was performed to identify Psen1-regulated pathways. Tumouroids were generated to study EGFR activation and evaluation of the influence of prostanoids.

Results

PSEN1 is expressed in the intestinal epithelium and its level is increased in human CRC.Psen1-deficient mice developed only small tumours and human cancer cell lines deficient in Psen1 had a reduced tumourigenicity. Tumouroids derived fromPsen1-deficientApcmin/+mice exhibited stunted growth and reduced cell proliferation. On a molecular level, PSEN1 potentiated tumour cell proliferation via enhanced EGFR signalling and COX-2 production. Exogenous administration of PGE2reversed the slow growth of PSEN1 deficient tumour cells via PGE2receptor 4 (EP4) receptor signalling.

Conclusions

Psen1 drives tumour development by increasing EGFR signalling via NOTCH1 processing, and by activating the COX-2-PGE2pathway. PSEN1 inhibition could be a useful strategy in treatment of CRC.
Endovascular treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms using the Nautilus Intrasaccular System: initial case series of 41 patients at a single center
Authors: Sirakov Alexander , Bhogal Pervinder , Sirakova Kristina , Penkov Marin , Minkin Krasimir , Ninov Kristian , Hristov Hristo , Hadzhiyanev Asen , Karakostov Vasil , Sirakov Stanimir
Published: October 2022

Background

Endovascular treatment of intracranial wide-necked and bifurcation aneurysms (WNBA) is technically challenging. The Nautilus Intrasaccular System is designed to provide a mechanical barrier at the aneurysm neck to support coil embolization. We report the results of a single-center series of patients treated for intracranial aneurysms with the Nautilus.

Methods

Clinical and radiological data were retrospectively collected for all patients treated with the Nautilus for an unruptured or ruptured intracranial aneurysm at our center between March 2021 and March 2022. Clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores), Raymond–Roy angiographic occlusion, recanalization, and complications were measured immediately post-procedure and at 3–6-month follow-up.

Results

A total of 41 patients of mean age 56.7 years (range 37–83 years) were treated with the Nautilus, with 41 saccular aneurysms (18 (43.9%) unruptured and 23 (56.1%) ruptured). The majority of aneurysms (39/41 (95.1%)) were located in the anterior circulation. We experienced no technical complications. One patient had an asymptomatic post-procedural minor stroke related to the procedure. Immediate Class I occlusion was achieved in 30 (73.1%) patients. The rate of all-cause mortality was 7.3% (3/41). One patient was lost to follow-up. At follow-up, 94.5% (35/37) of patients achieved Class I occlusion and 94.5% (35/37) had an mRS score of 0. There were no procedural-related deaths or permanent morbidities at discharge or follow-up.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates good safety and effectiveness using the Nautilus Intrasaccular System to treat both ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Range expansion and establishment of a non-indigenous tunicate (Diplosoma listerianum)in thermal refugia is mediated by environmental variability in changing coastal environments
Authors: Lowen J.B. , DiBacco C.
Published: October 2022

Coastal marine non-indigenous species (NIS) have expanded their range into Atlantic Canada under more variable and anomalously warmer sea surface temperature (SST) conditions observed since 2012. In this study we apply species distribution modeling (SDM), in combination with empirical validation using annual field monitoring surveys, to assess the influence of anomalously warmer ocean conditions on the range expansion of NIS into coastal Nova Scotia using the recently established colonial tunicate Diplosoma listerianum as a test case. SDM accurately predicted D. listerianum’s introduction to Atlantic Canada, including its range expansion, contraction, and long-term persistence within thermal refugia as local environmental conditions generally warmed between 2012 and 2019. This tunicate’s ability to survive the winter was the primary constraint on its range expansion into Nova Scotia prior to 2012. The identification of local thermal refugia in which D. listerianum spread under anomalously warm winter conditions and persisted during colder winters provides new insights and a mechanism for range expansion and establishment of NIS. Ultimately, interannual modeling and long-term projections employed here can be applied to predict, monitor, and manage transient range expansion and long-term persistence of NIS within changing environments.