bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐volume patient‐controlled epidural vs. programmed intermittent epidural bolus for labour analgesia: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Roofthooft E. , Filetici N. , Van Houwe M. , Van Houwe P. , Barbé A. , Fieuws S. , Rex S. , Wong C. A. , Van de Velde M.
Published: June 2023

The aim of neuraxial analgesia is to achieve excellent pain relief with the fewest adverse effects. The most recently introduced technique for epidural analgesia maintenance is the programmed intermittent epidural bolus. In a recent study, we compared this with patient‐controlled epidural analgesia without a background infusion and found that a programmed intermittent epidural bolus was associated with less breakthrough pain, lower pain scores, higher local anaesthetic consumption and comparable motor block. However, we had compared 10 ml programmed intermittent epidural boluses with 5 ml patient‐controlled epidural analgesia boluses. To overcome this potential limitation, we designed a randomised, multicentre non‐inferiority trial using 10 ml boluses in each group. The primary outcome was the incidence of breakthrough pain and total analgesic intake. Secondary outcomes included motor block; pain scores; patient satisfaction; and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The trial was considered positive if two endpoints were met: non‐inferiority of patient‐controlled epidural analgesia with respect to breakthrough pain; and superiority of patient‐controlled epidural analgesia with respect to local anaesthetic consumption. A total of 360 nulliparous women were allocated randomly to patient‐controlled epidural analgesia‐only or programmed intermittent epidural bolus groups. The patient‐controlled group received 10 ml boluses of ropivacaine 0.12% with sufentanil 0.75 μg.ml‐1; the programmed intermittent group received 10 ml boluses supplemented by 5 ml patient‐controlled boluses. The lockout period was 30 min in each group and the maximum allowed hourly local anaesthetic/opioid consumption was identical between the groups. Breakthrough pain was similar between groups (11.2% patient controlled vs. 10.8% programmed intermittent, p = 0.003 for non‐inferiority). Total ropivacaine consumption was lower in the PCEA–group (mean difference 15.3 mg, p < 0.001). Motor block, patient satisfaction scores and maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar across both groups. In conclusion, patient‐controlled epidural analgesia is non‐inferior to programmed intermittent epidural bolus if equal volumes of patient‐controlled epidural analgesia are used to maintain labour analgesia and superior with respect to local anaesthetic consumption.
Hypotony in the early postoperative period after MicroShunt implantation versus trabeculectomy: A registry study
Authors: Bøhler Anders Djupesland , Traustadóttir Valgerdur Dora , Hagem Anne Marie , Tønset Turid Skei , Drolsum Liv , Kristianslund Olav
Published: June 2023

Purpose

A comparison of the safety and efficacy of the MicroShunt versus trabeculectomy in the early postoperative period, with a particular focus on hypotony.

Methods

In this registry study, we evaluated 200 eyes of 200 glaucoma patients who underwent filtration surgery at Oslo University Hospital between 2017 and 2021. Of these patients, 100 had a Preserflo MicroShunt (Santen) implantation and 100 had a trabeculectomy procedure. The patients were examined per standard hospital protocol after filtration surgery. Data were extracted from the 4‐ and 8‐week visits. We defined hypotony as intraocular pressure (IOP) < 6 mmHg.

Results

The mean preoperative IOP was 20.6 ± 7.1 mmHg in the MicroShunt group and 21.6 ± 7.1 mmHg in the trabeculectomy group, and the patients used a mean of 3.0 ± 0.9 and 3.1 ± 0.9 glaucoma medications, respectively. After 8 weeks, IOP was reduced to 10.4 ± 5.4 mmHg and 11.3 ± 4.6 mmHg, respectively (p = 0.23). During the early postoperative period, hypotony was registered in 63% of the MicroShunt patients and in 21% of the patients in the trabeculectomy group (p < 0.001); and 11% and 1%, respectively, of the patients developed choroidal detachments (p < 0.003). One patient in the MicroShunt group required reoperation due to hypotony.

Conclusions

In this registry study, we found that the Preserflo MicroShunt and trabeculectomy had equally satisfactory IOP‐lowering effects during the early postoperative period. In this same period, a high number of patients in the MicroShunt group developed hypotony.
Cost‐effectiveness of the ADVISE trial: An intraoperative OCT protocol in DMEK surgery
Authors: van der Zee Casper , Muijzer Marc B. , van den Biggelaar Frank J. H. M. , Nuijts Rudy M. M. A. , Delbeke Heleen , Dickman Mor. M. , Imhof Saskia M. , Wisse Robert P. L.
Published: June 2023

The intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) is recently introduced in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery, which aims to increase clinical performance and surgery safety. However, the acquisition of this modality is a substantial investment. The objective of this paper is to report on the cost‐effectiveness of an iOCT‐protocol in DMEK surgery with the Advanced Visualization in Corneal Surgery Evaluation (ADVISE) trial. This cost‐effectiveness analysis uses data 6 months postoperatively from the multicentre prospective randomized clinical ADVISE trial. Sixty‐five patients were randomized to usual care (n = 33) or the iOCT‐protocol (n = 32). Quality‐Adjusted Life Years (EQ‐5D‐5L), Vision‐related Quality of Life (NEI‐VFQ‐25) and self‐administered resources questionnaires were administered. Main outcome is the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) and sensitivity analyses. The iOCT protocol reports no statistical difference in ICER. For the usual care group compared with the iOCT protocol, respectively, the mean societal costs are €5027 compared with €4920 (Δ€107). The sensitivity analyses report the highest variability on time variables. This economic evaluation learned that there is no added value in quality of life or cost‐effectiveness in using the iOCT protocol in DMEK surgery. The variability of cost variables depends on the characteristics of an eye clinic. The added value of iOCT could gain incrementally by increasing surgical efficiency, and aiding in surgical decision‐making.
Very low birthweight infants receive less enteral feeding than what is prescribed
Authors: Immeli Lotta , Mäkelä Pauliina M. , Leskinen Markus , Sund Reijo , Andersson Sture , Luukkainen Päivi
Published: June 2023

Aim

Feeding a very low birthweight (VLBW, <1500 g) infant is challenging. Our aims were to study how prescribed enteral feeding is implemented in VLBW infants and to identify factors associating with slow enteral feeding progression.

Methods

Our retrospective cohort included 516 VLBW infants born before 32 weeks of gestation during 2005–2013 and admitted to Children's Hospital, Helsinki, Finland, for at least the two first weeks of life. Nutritional data were collected from birth until the age of 14–28 days, depending on the length of stay.

Results

We found that enteral feeding progressed slower than recommended and implementation differed from the prescriptions, especially during the parenteral nutrition phase (milk intake 10–20 mL/kg/day): 71% [40–100], median [IQR], of the prescribed enteral milk was administered. The full prescribed amount was less likely administered if a higher volume of gastric residual was aspirated or if the infant did not pass stool during the same day. Longer opiate use, patent ductus arteriosus, respiratory distress syndrome and slower passage of the first meconium associated with slower enteral feeding progression.

Conclusion

Enteral feeding of a VLBW infant is often not administered as prescribed, which possibly plays a significant role in the slow progression of enteral feeding.
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection for anal canal cancer associated with Crohn's disease: A case report
Authors: Yamashita Shinji , Okita Yoshiki , Kawamura Mikio , Uratani Ryo , Imaoka Hiroki , Shimura Tadanobu , Kitajima Takahito , Morimoto Yuhki , Yasuda Hiromi , Yoshiyama Shigeyuki , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Ohi Masaki , Toiyama Yuji
Published: June 2023

A 37‐year‐old man with Crohn's disease (CD) and a history of abdominal surgery was diagnosed with anal canal cancer. Robot‐assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection was performed and the patient was discharged without any postoperative complications. Recently, minimally invasive surgery for CD patients has grown in popularity. However, there have been few studies of robotic surgery for CD patients with anal canal cancer. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first report of a patient with CD‐associated anal canal cancer who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection.
KIOS: A smartphone app for self‐monitoring for patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Pahwa Mehak , McElroy Susan L. , Priesmeyer Richard , Siegel Gregg , Siegel Phyllis , Nuss Sharon , Bowden Charles L. , El‐Mallakh Rif S.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This study examined the use of a self‐monitoring/self‐management smartphone application (app) for patients with bipolar disorder. The app was specifically designed with patient‐centered computational software system based on concepts from nonlinear systems (chaos) theory.

Methods

This was a randomized, active comparator study of use of the KIOS app compared to an existing free app that has high utilization rates known as eMoods, over 52 weeks, and performed in three academic centers. Patients were evaluated monthly utilizing the Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Schedule (BISS). The primary outcome measure was the persistence of using the app over the year of the study.

Results

Patients assigned to KIOS persisted in the study longer than those assigned to eMoods; 57 patients (87.70%) in the KIOS group versus 42 (73.69%) in the eMoods group completed the study (p = 0.03). By 52 weeks, significantly more of KIOS group (84.4%) versus eMoods group (54%) entered data into their programs (χ2 = 14.2, df = 1, p = 0.0002). Patient satisfaction for KIOS was greater (F = 5.21, df = 1, 108, p = 0.025) with a standardized effect size (Cohen's d) of 0.41. There was no difference in clinical outcome at the end of the study between the two groups.

Conclusions

This is the first randomized comparison study comparing two apps for the self‐monitoring/self‐management of bipolar disorder. The study revealed greater patient satisfaction and greater adherence to a patient‐centered software program (KIOS) than a monitoring program that does not provide feedback (eMoods).
Coral recruitment: patterns and processes determining the dynamics of coral populations
Authors: Edmunds Peter J.
Published: June 2023

Coral recruitment describes the addition of new individuals to populations, and it is one of the most fundamental demographic processes contributing to population size. As many coral reefs around the world have experienced large declines in coral cover and abundance, there has been great interest in understanding the factors causing coral recruitment to vary and the conditions under which it can support community resilience. While progress in these areas is being facilitated by technological and scientific advances, one of the best tools to quantify recruitment remains the humble settlement tile, variants of which have been in use for over a century. Here I review the biology and ecology of coral recruits and the recruitment process, largely as resolved through the use of settlement tiles, by: (i) defining how the terms ‘recruit’ and ‘recruitment’ have been used, and explaining why loose terminology has impeded scientific advancement; (ii) describing how coral recruitment is measured and why settlement tiles have value for this purpose; (iii) summarizing previous efforts to review quantitative analyses of coral recruitment; (iv) describing advances from hypothesis‐driven studies in determining how refuges, seawater flow, and grazers can modulate coral recruitment; (v) reviewing the biology of small corals (i.e. recruits) to understand better how they respond to environmental conditions; and (vi) updating a quantitative compilation of coral recruitment studies extending from 1974 to present, thus revealing long‐term global declines in density of recruits, juxtaposed with apparent resilience to coral bleaching. Finally, I review future directions in the study of coral recruitment, and highlight the need to expand studies to deliver taxonomic resolution, and explain why time series of settlement tile deployments are likely to remain pivotal in quantifying coral recruitment.
Effects of heterologous human tau protein expression in yeast models of proteotoxic stress response
Authors: Zubčić Klara , Franić Dina , Pravica Mihaela , Hof Patrick R. , Šimić Goran , Boban Mirta
Published: June 2023

Background

The primary histological characteristic of Alzheimer's disease is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles, which are large aggregates of tau protein. Aging is the primary risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease, however, the underlying causes of tau protein aggregation and toxicity are unclear.

Aims

Here we investigated tau aggregation and toxicity under the conditions of compromised protein homeostasis.

Methods

We used heterologous expression of human tau protein in the unicellular eukaryote yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with evolutionarily conserved protein quality control pathways and examined tau‐dependent toxicity and aggregation using growth assays, fluorescence microscopy, and a split luciferase‐based reporter NanoBiT.

Results

Tau protein expressed in yeast under mild proteotoxic stress, or in mutants with impaired pathways for proteotoxic stress response, did not lead to synthetic toxicity or the formation of obvious aggregates. Chronologically old cells also did not develop observable tau aggregates. Our examination of tau oligomerization in living cells using NanoBiT reporter suggests that tau does not form significant levels of oligomers under basal conditions or under mild proteotoxic stress.

Conclusion

Together our data suggest that human tau protein does not represent a major burden to the protein quality control system in yeast cells.
Expression analysis of MMP14: Key enzyme action in modulating visceral adipose tissue plasticity in patients with obesity
Authors: Sachan Astha , Aggarwal Sandeep , Pol Manjunath Maruti , Singh Archna , Yadav Rakhee
Published: June 2023

Compromised adipose tissue plasticity is a hallmark finding of obesity orchestrated by the intricate interplay between various extracellular matrix components. Collagen6 (COL6) is well characterized in obese visceral adipose tissue (VAT), not much is known about MMP14 which is hypothesized to be the key player in matrix reorganization. Subjects with obesity (BMI ≥40; n = 50) aged 18–60 years undergoing bariatric surgery and their age‐matched controls (BMI < 25; n = 30) were included. MMP14, Col6A3 and Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) mRNA expression was assessed in VAT and their serum levels along with endotrophin were estimated in both groups preoperatively and post‐operatively in the obese group. The results were analysed statistically and correlated with anthropometric and glycaemic parameters, namely fasting glucose and insulin, HbA1c, HOMA‐IR, HOMA‐β and QUICKI. Circulating levels as well as mRNA expression profiling revealed significant differences between the individuals with and without obesity (p < .05), more so in individuals with diabetes and obesity (p < .05). Follow‐up serum analysis revealed significantly raised MMP14 (p < .001), with decreased Col6A3, endotrophin and TIMP2 levels (p < .01, p < .001 and p < .01, respectively). A rise in serum MMP14 protein, simultaneous with post‐surgical weight loss and decreased serum levels of associated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodellers, suggests its crucial role in modulating obesity‐associated ECM fibrosis and pliability of VAT.
Liquid biopsy: A promising tool for driving strategies and predicting failures in patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Pepe Francesco , Giordano Claudia , Russo Gianluca , Palumbo Lucia , Vincenzi Annamaria , Acanfora Gennaro , Lisi Dario , Picardi Marco , Pane Fabrizio , Troncone Giancarlo , Vigliar Elena
Published: June 2023

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) consists of a heterogeneous group of haematological disorders that covers undifferentiated B cell neoplasms originating from germinal centre B cells. The HL molecular characterization still represents an ongoing challenge due to the low fraction of tumour Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg cells mixed with a plethora of non‐tumour haematological cells. In this scenario, next generation sequencing of liquid biopsy samples is emerging as a useful tool in HL patients' management. In this review, we aimed to overview the clinical and methodological topics regarding the implementation of molecular analysis in cHL, focusing on the role of liquid biopsy in diagnosis, follow‐up, and response prediction.
Usefulness of texture and color enhancement imaging in the endoscopic management of duodenal ampullary tumors
Authors: Toyonaga Haruka , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Katanuma Akio
Published: June 2023

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Developmental shift in testosterone influence on prefrontal emotion control
Authors: Tyborowska Anna , Volman Inge , Niermann Hannah C. M. , Dapprich Anna L. , Smeekens Sanny , Cillessen Antonius H. N. , Toni Ivan , Roelofs Karin
Published: June 2023

A paradox of testosterone effects is seen in adolescents versus adults in social emotional approach‐avoidance behavior. During adolescence, high testosterone levels are associated with increased anterior prefrontal (aPFC) involvement in emotion control, whereas during adulthood this neuro‐endocrine relation is reversed. Rodent work shows that, during puberty, testosterone transitions from a neuro‐developmental to a social‐sexual activating hormone. In this study, we explored whether this functional transition is also present in human adolescents and young adults. Using a prospective longitudinal design, we investigated the role of testosterone on neural control of social emotional behavior during the transitions from middle to late adolescence and into young adulthood. Seventy‐one individuals (tested at ages 14, 17, and 20 years) performed an fMRI‐adapted approach‐avoidance (AA) task involving automatic and controlled actions in response to social emotional stimuli. In line with predictions from animal models, the effect of testosterone on aPFC engagement decreased between middle and late adolescence, and shifted into an activational role by young adulthood—impeding neural control of emotions. This change in testosterone function was accompanied by increased testosterone‐modulated amygdala reactivity. These findings qualify the testosterone‐dependent maturation of the prefrontal‐amygdala circuit supporting emotion control during the transition from middle adolescence into young adulthood.
Copenhagen Diabetes Consensus (CODIAC) 2021: User involvement in diabetes care, prevention and research
Authors: Bloch Paul , Dadaczynski Kevin , Grabowski Dan , Lomborg Kirsten , Olesen Kasper , Rasmussen Lauge Neimann , Rossing Peter , Varming Annemarie , Willaing Ingrid , Harris Janet , Holt Richard I. G. , Jensen Bjarne Bruun
Published: June 2023

Aims

User involvement is pivotal for health development, but there are significant gaps in our understanding of the concept. The Copenhagen Diabetes Consensus on User Involvement in Diabetes Care, Prevention and Research (CODIAC) was established to address these gaps, share knowledge and develop best practices.

Methods

A literature review of user involvement was undertaken in diabetes care, prevention and research. Moreover, a Group Concept Mapping (GCM) survey synthesized the knowledge and opinions of researchers, healthcare professionals and people with diabetes and their carers to identify gaps between what is important for user involvement and what is being done in practice. Finally, a consensus conference discussed the main gaps in knowledge and practice while developing plans to address the shortcomings.

Results

The literature review demonstrated that user involvement is an effective strategy for diabetes care, prevention and research, given the right support and conditions, but gaps and key challenges regarding the value and impact of user involvement approaches were found. The GCM process identified 11 major gaps, where important issues were not being sufficiently practised. The conference considered these gaps and opportunities to develop new collaborative initiatives under eight overall themes.

Conclusions

User involvement is effective and adds value to diabetes care, prevention and research when used under the right circumstances. CODIAC developed new learning about the way in which academic and research knowledge can be transferred to more practice‐oriented knowledge and concrete collaborative initiatives. This approach may be a potential new framework for initiatives in which coherence of process can lead to coherent outputs.
Association between spirometry pattern, left ventricular diastolic function, and mortality
Authors: Huang Wei‐Ming , Chang Hao‐Chih , Lee Ching‐Wei , Huang Chi‐Jung , Yu Wen‐Chung , Cheng Hao‐Min , Guo Chao‐Yu , Chiang Chern‐En , Chen Chen‐Huan , Sung Shih‐Hsien
Published: June 2023

Background

Spirometric abnormalities have been related to incident heart failure in general population, who generally have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We aimed to investigate the association between spirometric indices, cardiac functions and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Subjects presenting with exertional dyspnoea and received spirometry and echocardiography were eligible for this study. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/FVC ratio were measured to define the spirometry patterns: normal (FEV1/FVC ≥ 70%, FVC ≥ 80%), obstructive (FEV1/FVC < 70%, FVC ≥ 80%), restrictive pattern (FEV1/FVC ≥ 70%, FVC < 80%) and mixed (FEV1/FVC < 70%, FVC < 80%). The diastolic dysfunction index (DDi) was the counts of the indicators, including septal e′ velocity <7 cm/s, septal E/e′ > 15, pulmonary artery systolic pressure > 35 mmHg and left atrial dimension >40 mm.

Results

Among a total of 8669 participants (65.8 ± 16.3 years, 56% men), 3739 (43.1%), 829 (9.6%), 3050 (35.2%) and 1051 (12.1%) had normal, obstructive, restrictive and mixed spirometry pattern, respectively. Subjects with restrictive or mixed spirometry pattern had higher DDi and worse long‐term survival than those with obstructive or normal ventilation. FVC but not FEV1/FVC was predictive of 5‐year mortality, independent of age, sex, renal function, LVEF, DDi, body mass index, and comorbidities (hazard ratio, 95% confidence intervals: .981, .977–.985). Furthermore, there was an inverse nonlinear relationship between FVC and DDi, suggesting the declined FVC may mediate 43% of the prognostic hazard of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusions

The restrictive spirometry pattern or the declined FVC was associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, which aggravated the long‐term mortality in the ambulatory dyspnoeic subjects.
Systematic review of cuckoo bumblebee research reveals data gaps and understudied species
Authors: Dozier Amy Elizabeth , Straw Edward Alexander , Stanley Dara Anne
Published: June 2023

Cuckoo bumblebees (Bombus subgenus Psithyrus) are social parasites that have lost the ability to establish their own nests, and instead usurp the nest of a bumblebee host to reproduce. Accordingly, they are entirely dependent upon a host species to complete their life cycle, and are therefore vulnerable to co–extinction. Despite this, the current consensus is that there remains much we do not know about the fundamental ecology of many cuckoo bumblebee species, which is crucial for conservation.

To investigate data gaps for cuckoo bumblebees, we conducted a systematic review to quantify the peer‐reviewed literature that has been produced, including which species have been most studied and which disciplines have been explored.

Over half of all Psithyrus species were represented in fewer than 10 publications each, including 2 species listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

Research on cuckoo bumblebees is heavily weighted towards Europe and European species, while Asian species were under‐represented.

Key research areas such as ecology and behaviour have received little attention for the majority of cuckoo bumblebees, which may hamper conservation efforts

Our results quantitatively support observations made in other publications on the scarcity of data on cuckoo bumblebees, and highlight the need for further research on many species for whom fundamental knowledge is missing—particularly in light of the vulnerability of this subgenus to extinction.
Cued motor processing in autism and typical development: A high‐density electrical mapping study of response‐locked neural activity in children and adolescents
Authors: Wakim Kathryn‐Mary , Foxe John J. , Molholm Sophie
Published: June 2023

Motor atypicalities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are often evident prior to classical ASD symptoms. Despite evidence of differences in neural processing during imitation in autistic individuals, research on the integrity and spatiotemporal dynamics of basic motor processing is surprisingly sparse. To address this need, we analysed electroencephalography (EEG) data recorded from a large sample of autistic (n = 84) and neurotypical (n = 84) children and adolescents while they performed an audiovisual speeded reaction time (RT) task. Analyses focused on RTs and response‐locked motor‐related electrical brain responses over frontoparietal scalp regions: the late Bereitschaftspotential, the motor potential and the reafferent potential. Evaluation of behavioural task performance indicated greater RT variability and lower hit rates in autistic participants compared to typically developing age‐matched neurotypical participants. Overall, the data revealed clear motor‐related neural responses in ASD, but with subtle differences relative to typically developing participants evident over fronto‐central and bilateral parietal scalp sites prior to response onset. Group differences were further parsed as a function of age (6–9, 9–12 and 12–15 years), sensory cue preceding the response (auditory, visual and bi‐sensory audiovisual) and RT quartile. Group differences in motor‐related processing were most prominent in the youngest group of children (age 6–9), with attenuated cortical responses observed for young autistic participants. Future investigations assessing the integrity of such motor processes in younger children, where larger differences may be present, are warranted.
Nitrogen transfer between plant species with different temporal N‐demand
Authors: Montesinos‐Navarro A.
Published: June 2023

Phenological segregation among species in a community is assumed to promote coexistence, as using resources at different times reduces competition. However, other unexplored nonalternative mechanisms can also result in a similar outcome. This study first tests whether plants can redistribute nitrogen (N) among them based on their nutritional temporal demand (i.e. phenology). Field 15N labelling experiments showed that 15N is transferred between neighbour plants, mainly from low N‐demand (late flowering species, not reproducing yet) to high N‐demand plants (early flowering species, currently flowering‐fruiting). This can reduce species' dependence on pulses of water availability, and avoid soil N loss through leaching, having relevant implications in the structuring of plant communities and ecosystem functioning. Considering that species phenological segregation is a pervasive pattern in plant communities, this can be a so far unnoticed, but widely spread, ecological process that can predict N fluxes among species in natural communities, and therefore impact our current understanding of community ecology and ecosystem functioning.
Dispersive currents explain patterns of population connectivity in an ecologically and economically important fish
Authors: Schraidt Claire E. , Ackiss Amanda S. , Larson Wesley A. , Rowe Mark D. , Höök Tomas O. , Christie Mark R.
Published: June 2023

How to identify the drivers of population connectivity remains a fundamental question in ecology and evolution. Answering this question can be challenging in aquatic environments where dynamic lake and ocean currents coupled with high levels of dispersal and gene flow can decrease the utility of modern population genetic tools. To address this challenge, we used RAD‐Seq to genotype 959 yellow perch (Perca flavescens), a species with an ~40‐day pelagic larval duration (PLD), collected from 20 sites circumscribing Lake Michigan. We also developed a novel, integrative approach that couples detailed biophysical models with eco‐genetic agent‐based models to generate “predictive” values of genetic differentiation. By comparing predictive and empirical values of genetic differentiation, we estimated the relative contributions for known drivers of population connectivity (e.g., currents, behavior, PLD). For the main basin populations (i.e., the largest contiguous portion of the lake), we found that high gene flow led to low overall levels of genetic differentiation among populations (FST = 0.003). By far the best predictors of genetic differentiation were connectivity matrices that were derived from periods of time when there were strong and highly dispersive currents. Thus, these highly dispersive currents are driving the patterns of population connectivity in the main basin. We also found that populations from the northern and southern main basin are slightly divergent from one another, while those from Green Bay and the main basin are highly divergent (FST = 0.11). By integrating biophysical and eco‐genetic models with genome‐wide data, we illustrate that the drivers of population connectivity can be identified in high gene flow systems.
A deep learning approach for the depression detection of social media data with hybrid feature selection and attention mechanism
Authors: Bhuvaneswari M. , Prabha V. Lakshmi
Published: June 2023

Depression is a severe mental health issue. The user‐generated content on social media (SM) is growing nowadays. Some computational approaches have been proposed for detecting depression based on users' SM data. However, because of the use of formal language, short range of words and misspellings in the SM data, depression detection (DD) is a challenging task. This paper proposes a novel deep learning (DL) technique for performing DD of the SM data with the help of the hybrid feature selection (FS) mechanism. Initially, two publicly available datasets containing user tweets are collected for implementing the proposed research model. Then the collected datasets are preprocessed for further processing. The preprocessing phase includes critical processes that contribute to creating a ready‐to‐use dataset for training and testing. After preprocessing, the preprocessed data is divided into prime and non‐prime words based on the dictionary approach. After that, the hybrid FS approach is implemented to select the most relevant features from the prime and non‐prime words for higher classification accuracy (AC). In the hybrid model, firstly Term Frequency Inverse Document Frequency integrated Modified Information Gain (TFIDF‐MIG) approach is proposed that assigns the score value of each prime and non‐prime word in the dataset. Secondly, optimal features are selected from the weighted features using the Improved Elephant Herding Algorithm (IEHA). Finally, the decided features from the hybrid model are fed into the DL model, namely attention included improved ReLU‐based Convolution Neural Network with Long Short‐Term Memory (AIRCNN‐LSTM) for DD. Experiments are performed on the collected datasets to assess the proposed model's performance efficiency. The results of the extensive experiments show that the presented work outperforms existing techniques regarding DD classification AC by locating the best solutions. At the same time, it reduces the number of features chosen.
Creep behavior and life prediction of a reactor pressure vessel steel above phase‐transformation temperature via a deformation mechanism‐based creep model
Authors: Lu Chuanyang , Wang Peng , Zheng Silu , Wu Xijia , Liu Rong , He Yanming , Yang Jianguo , Gao Zengliang , Tu Shan‐Tung
Published: June 2023

For nuclear power generation as a carbon‐neutral energy source, in‐vessel retention (IVR) must be implemented to maintain the structural integrity of nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for more than 72 h under severe accidental conditions. This technology requires accurate prediction of creep deformation and life of RPV material being operated under pressure and extremely high‐temperature gradient. The current work develops a simplified deformation‐mechanism‐based true‐stress (DMTS) model for creep behavior/life‐prediction of SA508 Gr.3 steel, a typical RPV material, above the phase transformation temperatures (800–1000°C). This model is used to evaluate the time to specific creep strain (t3% and t5%) and rupture (tr), in comparison with popular empirical methods such as Orr–Sherby–Dorn (OSD) and Larson–Miller (LM). The simplified DMTS model achieves an excellent agreement with the experimental observations. The controlling deformation mechanisms are also discussed by metallurgical examinations, which provide the physical premise for the model development and application.
Salinity‐induced limits to mangrove canopy height
Authors: Perri Saverio , Detto Matteo , Porporato Amilcare , Molini Annalisa
Published: June 2023

Aim

Mangrove canopy height is a key metric to assess tidal forests' resilience in the face of climate change. In terrestrial forests, tree height is primarily determined by water availability, plant hydraulic design, and disturbance regime. However, the role of water stress remains elusive in tidal environments, where saturated soils are prevalent, and salinity can substantially affect the soil water potential.

Location

Global.

Time Period

The canopy height dataset provides a global snapshot of the maximum mangrove height geographical distribution for the year 2000. Climate and environmental variables extend over the period 1970–2018.

Major Taxa Studied

Mangroves.

Methods

We use global observations of maximum canopy height, species richness, air temperature, and seawater salinity—a proxy of soil water salt concentration—to explore the causal link between salinity and mangrove stature.

Results

Our findings suggest that salt stress limits mangrove height. High salinity favours more salt‐tolerant species, narrowing the spectrum of viable traits. Highly salt‐tolerant mangroves have evolved to cope with high salt concentrations in the soil, but this adaptation comes at a cost. They typically have lower rates of photosynthesis and growth, resulting in reduced productivity and smaller stature compared to more salt‐sensitive mangrove species. This suggests a causal link between salinity, biodiversity, and tree height, where high salinity selects for more salt‐tolerant species that tend to be less productive and shorter.

Conclusions

We hypothesize that the salinity‐induced limit to mangrove canopy height is the direct result of a reduction of primary productivity, an increment in the risk of xylem cavitation, and an indirect consequence of the decrease in biodiversity. As sea‐level rise enhances coastal salinisation, failure to account for these effects can lead to incorrect estimates of future carbon stocks in Tropical coastal ecosystems and endanger preservation efforts.
Development of angiogenic periglomerular microvessels after acute glomerular lesions in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Kamano Chisako , Mii Akiko , Osono Eiichi , Kunugi Shinobu , Igarashi Toru , Yanagihara Takeshi , Kaneko Tomohiro , Terasaki Mika , Shimizu Akira
Published: June 2023

Aim

To clarify the clinicopathological characteristics and role of periglomerular angiogenesis in IgA nephropathy.

Methods and Results

The renal biopsy specimens of 114 patients with IgA nephropathy were examined. Among them, 46 (40%) showed periglomerular angiogenesis around the glomeruli. CD34 and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) staining in serial sections revealed that these vessels contained CD34+ α‐SMA+ microarterioles along with CD34+ α‐SMA− capillaries. We termed these “periglomerular microvessels (PGMVs)”. Patients with PGMVs (PGMV group) had clinically and histologically more severe disease than those without PGMVs (non‐PGMV group) at the time of biopsy. Even after adjusting for age, there were significant differences in the degree of proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction between the PGMV and non‐PGMV groups. The PGMV group showed a higher incidence of segmental and global glomerulosclerosis and crescentic lesions than the non‐PGMV group (P < 0.01). Here, PGMVs were undetectable in the acute and active inflammation phase, but were observed in the acute to chronic or chronic glomerular remodelling phase. PGMVs mainly developed around glomerular adherent lesions to the Bowman's capsule with small or minimal glomerular sclerotic lesions. Conversely, they were rarely observed in segmental sclerosis areas.

Conclusion

The PGMV group is clinically and pathologically more severe than the non‐PGMV group; however, they were undetectable in segmental sclerosis with mesangial matrix accumulation. PGMVs might occur after acute/active glomerular lesions, suggesting that PGMVs may inhibit segmental glomerulosclerosis progression and could be a marker for good repair response after acute/active glomerular injury in severe IgA nephropathy cases.
Acne characteristics in Latin American patients and the potential role of trifarotene
Authors: da Rocha Marco A. D. , Fierro‐Arias Leonel , Cohen Sabban Emilia N. , Castillo Ricardo S. , Chavda Rajeev , Almeida Luiz M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Individualization of treatment based on acne type and severity, location, disease burden, and patient preference is required to maximize efficacy, safety, and adherence to therapy. Latin American populations have unique attributes that must be considered as part of this process to improve clinical success and achieve patient goals. Acne is more common among patients with darker skin phototypes, in whom it is often associated with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring—the most important acne sequelae—potentially due to more frequent and more severe underlying inflammatory processes in this population.

Discussion

These data argue for an early and proactive approach to managing acne in these patients with agents that target the inflammatory processes that underlie acne and its sequelae. As a class, retinoids offer a spectrum of activity that may be useful in addressing the unique needs of Latin American populations.

Conclusion

Trifarotene, a novel, selective retinoid, has been evaluated in relevant patient populations.
Efficacy of telemedicine applications in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A focus on mortality and major amputation rates
Authors: Demirkoparan Mesut , Vahabi Arman , Özbek Berker , Mert Merve , Yıldırım Şimşir Ilgın , Erdem Hüseyin Aytaç , Öztürk Anıl Murat , Çetinkalp Şevki
Published: June 2023

Amputations related to diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Glycaemic control and close follow‐up protocols are essential to prevent such ulcers. Coronavirus disease (COVID) related restrictions and regulations might have a negative impact on patients who are with DFU or candidates for DFU. We retrospectively analysed 126 cases that had DFU underwent amputation surgery. Comparative analyses were done between cases that were admitted before COVID restrictions (Group A) and cases admitted after COVID restrictions (Group B). Two groups were homogenic demographically. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of mortality (p = 0.239) and amputation rates (p = 0.461). The number of emergent cases in the pandemic period doubled the number in pre‐pandemic period even though this finding was not statistically significant (p = 0.112). Fastly adapted consulting practice and follow‐up protocols to compensate for the problems created by COVID‐related regulations seem to be effective in terms of mortality and amputation rates.
Large‐scale synthesis of centrifugally spun tantalum oxynitride fiber electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Mukkavilli Raghunath Sharma , Saxena Abhinav , Ji Seulgi , Thiyagarajan Ganesh Babu , Choi Heechae , Mathur Sanjay , Kumar Ravi
Published: June 2023

Tantalum oxynitride (TaOxN1−x) fibers were synthesized and evaluated for their electrocatalytic hydrogen activity using an in‐house developed centrifugal spinning setup. By tailoring the composition of the spinning solution and optimizing collector distance and rotation speed of the spinneret, bead‐free TaOxN1−x fibers with a diameter of 800 nm were obtained. The fibers were structurally characterized through phase and elemental analysis, confirming the formation of monoclinic TaOxN1−x with clear splitting of the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy peaks indicating Ta was in +5 oxidation state. The resulting oxynitride fibers exhibited superior electrocatalytic performance with low overpotentials (250 mV) to generate 10 mA/cm2 compared to Ta2O5 oxide fibers. Interestingly, the enhanced activity of oxynitride fibers was observed to be suppressed in basic medium due to the high oxophilicity of tantalum ions and a negative Gibbs adsorption‐free energy, leading to poisoning of the active sites. This work demonstrates a facile pathway for the fabrication of high‐performance electrocatalysts, based on TaOxN1−x fibers, from a cost‐effective and energy‐efficient centrifugal spinning technique.
First records of the Pacific sleeper shark Somniosus cf. pacificus in the western tropical Pacific
Authors: Claassens Louw , Phillips Brennan , Ebert David A. , Delaney Denley , Henning Brad , Nestor Victor , Ililau Adrian , Giddens Jonatha
Published: June 2023

Technological advances have enabled the expansion of ocean exploration to include the deep ocean, providing new species observations. Here, the authors present two new observations, captured by deep‐sea cameras, of the sleeper shark Somniosus cf. pacificus from the Solomon Islands and Palau. This presents the first observation of S. cf. pacificus in the western Pacific tropics and extends its range about 2000 nautical miles south. The observations presented here provide much‐needed information on the range of this species which can help guide future management and conservation actions.
Plasma neurofilament light chain concentrations are elevated in youth‐onset type 2 diabetes and associated with neuropathy
Authors: Fridman Vera , Sillau Stefan , Ritchie Alanna , Bockhorst Jacob , Coughlan Christina , Araya Paula , Espinosa Joaquin M. , Smith Keith , Lange Ethan M. , Lange Leslie A. , Ghormli Laure El , Drews Kimberly L. , Zeitler Philip , Reusch Jane E. B.
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

The lack of easily measurable biomarkers remains a challenge in executing clinical trials for diabetic neuropathy (DN). Plasma Neurofilament light chain (NFL) concentration is a promising biomarker in immune‐mediated neuropathies. Longitudinal studies evaluating NFL in DN have not been performed.

Methods

A nested case–control study was performed on participants with youth‐onset type 2 diabetes enrolled in the prospective Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study. Plasma NFL concentrations were measured at 4‐year intervals from 2008 to 2020 in 50 participants who developed DN and 50 participants with type 2 diabetes who did not develop DN.

Results

NFL concentrations were similar in the DN and no DN groups at the first assessment. Concentrations were higher in DN participants at all subsequent assessment periods (all p < .01). NFL concentrations increased over time in both groups, with higher degrees of change in DN participants (interaction p = .045). A doubling of the NFL value at Assessment 2 in those without DN increased the odds of ultimate DN outcome by an estimated ratio of 2.86 (95% CI: [1.30, 6.33], p = .0046). At the final study visit, positive Spearman correlations (controlled for age, sex, diabetes duration, and BMI) were observed between NFL and HbA1c (0.48, p < .0001), total cholesterol (0.25, p = .018), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL (0.30, p = .0037)). Negative correlations were observed with measures of heart rate variability (−0.42 to −0.46, p = <.0001).

Interpretation

The findings that NFL concentrations are elevated in individuals with youth‐onset type 2 diabetes, and increase more rapidly in those who develop DN, suggest that NFL could be a valuable biomarker for DN.
The role of family support in diabetes self‐management among rural adult patients
Authors: Tang Rongsong , Luo Dan , Li Baohua , Wang Jingpin , Li Mingzi
Published: June 2023

Aims and Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the role of the family in supporting diabetes self‐management and explore the possible mechanisms between family and diabetes self‐management among rural patients in China.

Background

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is growing rapidly in rural areas of China, where healthcare resources remain relatively poor and family members play an important role in chronic disease self‐management.

Design

This was a multicentre cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 276 adults with T2DM were recruited from nine county hospitals in China. Diabetes self‐management, family support, family function, and family self‐efficacy were evaluated using the mature scales. A theoretical model was built based on the social learning family model and previous studies and then verified using a structural equation model. The STROBE statement was used to standardise the study procedure.

Results

Family support and general family factors, including family function and self‐efficacy, were positively correlated with diabetes self‐management. Family support fully mediates the relationship between family function and diabetes self‐management and partially mediates the relationship between family self‐efficacy and diabetes self‐management. The model explained 41% of the variability in diabetes self‐management and had a good model fit.

Conclusion

General family factors can explain nearly half of the change in diabetes self‐management in rural areas of China, while family support is a mediator between general family factors and diabetes self‐management. Family self‐efficacy, a potential intervention point of family based diabetes self‐management education, can be improved by building special lessons for family members.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study emphasises the role of family in diabetes self‐management and proposes suggestions for diabetes self‐management intervention among patients with T2DM in rural areas of China.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and their family members completed the questionnaire which was used for data collection.