bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of a multigene genomic classifier and clinical parameters in predicting malignancy in a Southeast Asian cohort of patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules
Authors: Yang Samantha Peiling , Nga Min En , Bundele Manish Mahadeorao , Chiosea Simion I. , Tan Sze Hwa , Lum Jeffrey H. Y. , Parameswaran Rajeev , Lim Ming Yann , Li Hao , Cheah Wei Keat , Sek Kathleen Su‐Yen , Tan Andre Teck Huat , Loh Thomas Kwok Seng , Ngiam Kee Yuan , Tan Wee Boon , Huang Xinyong , Ho Thomas Wai Thong , Lim Keng Hua , Lim Chwee Ming , Singaporewalla Reyaz M. , Rao Anil Dinkar , Rao Nandini C. L. , Chua Dennis Yu Kim , Chin David Chao‐Wu , Wald Abigail I. , LiVolsi Virginia A. , Nikiforov Yuri E. , Tai E. Shyong
Published: February 2024

Background

Most thyroid nodules are benign. It is important to determine the likelihood of malignancy in such nodules to avoid unnecessary surgery. The primary objective of this study was to characterize the genetic landscape and the performance of a multigene genomic classifier in fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules in a Southeast Asian cohort. The secondary objective was to assess the predictive contribution of clinical characteristics to thyroid malignancy.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, blinded study included 132 patients with 134 nodules. Molecular testing (MT) with ThyroSeq v3 was performed on clinical or ex‐vivo FNA samples. Centralized pathology review also was performed.

Results

Of 134 nodules, consisting of 61% Bethesda category III, 20% category IV, and 19% category V cytology, and 56% were histologically malignant. ThyroSeq yielded negative results in 37.3% of all FNA samples and in 42% of Bethesda category III–IV cytology nodules. Most positive samples had RAS‐like (41.7%), followed by BRAF‐like (22.6%), and high‐risk (17.9%) alterations. Compared with North American patients, the authors observed a higher proportion of RAS‐like mutations, specifically NRAS, in Bethesda categories III and IV and more BRAF‐like mutations in Bethesda category III. The test had sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 89.6%, 73.7%, 84.0%, and 82.1%, respectively. The risk of malignancy was predicted by positive MT and high‐suspicion ultrasound characteristics according to American Thyroid Association criteria.

Conclusions

Even in the current Southeast Asian cohort with nodules that had a high pretest cancer probability, MT could lead to potential avoidance of diagnostic surgery in 42% of patients with Bethesda category III–IV nodules. MT positivity was a stronger predictor of malignancy than clinical parameters.
Understanding Cooperativity in Homo‐ and Heterometallic Complexes: From Basic Concepts to Design
Authors: Becker Sabine
Published: February 2024

Cooperative effects have attracted considerable attention in recent years. These effects are ubiquitous in chemistry and biology and can govern interactions of proteins with other biomolecules, mechanisms of supramolecular recognition and polymerization, catalysis, assembly of compounds on surfaces, and physical properties such as magnetic, electronic or optical properties, e. g. Consequently, the understanding of cooperative effects can lead to a structure‐property relation that can pave the way to future applications in various research areas; however, with regard to cooperative effects in homo‐ and heterometallic complexes, we still are at the beginning of understanding. Nevertheless, concepts to describe cooperativity of metal centers as well as methodologies to investigate and model these effects have emerged over the last years. This concept article gives an overview of these existing concepts, approaches, and strategies to understand cooperative effects in homo‐ and heterometallic complexes. Special emphasis is put on concepts to define cooperative effects, their quantification, as well as methods to investigate cooperative effects.
Electrochemical Nanobiosensor of Ionic Liquid Functionalized MoO3‐rGO for Sensitive Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen
Authors: Ranjan Pushpesh , Abubakar Sadique Mohd , Yadav Shalu , Khan Raju , Kumar Srivastava Avanish
Published: February 2024

Early diagnosis of cancer can be achieved by detecting associated biomarkers before the appearance of symptoms. Herein, we have developed an electrochemical immunosensor of ionic liquid tailored to molybdenum trioxide‐reduced graphene oxide (MoO3‐rGO‐IL) nanocomposite to detect carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a cancer biomarker. The MoO3‐rGO‐IL nanocomposite has been synthesized in situ via the hydrothermal method. The functionalization of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate IL with MoO3‐rGO synergistically improves the electrochemical and surface properties of the nanocomposite. The characterization studies revealed that the MoO3‐rGO‐IL nanocomposite is a highly appropriate material for the construction of immunosensors. The material exhibits exceptional electrical conductivity, surface properties, stability, and a large electrochemical effective surface area (13.77×10−2 cm2) making it ideal for fabricating immunosensors. The quantitative outcome showed that the developed immunosensor (BSA/anti‐CEA/MoO3‐rGO‐IL/GCE) possesses excellent sensitivity, broad linearity from 25 fg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1, and a low detection limit of 1.19 fg mL−1. Moreover, the remarkable selectivity, repeatability, and efficiency of detecting CEA in serum specimens demonstrated the feasibility of the immunosensor. Thus, the projected electrochemical immunosensor can potentially be utilized for the quantification of CEA in clinical specimens.
Gender‐related institutional environments, gender pay gap/equality and prosocial behaviors: A cross‐national meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Ji , Liu Tao , Dong Linping , Li Guoxin , Cai Zhenyao
Published: February 2024

We adopt a meta‐analytic approach to study the relationship between gender‐related institutional environments/logics at both organizational level and societal level on the one hand and gender heterogeneities in individual prosocial behaviors on the other. Analyzing data from 138 empirical studies covering 35 countries, we obtain evidence of gender heterogeneity in prosocial behaviors under different gender‐related institutional environments/logics. Our meta‐analysis helps obtain several important findings. For instance, a gender gap in pro‐environmental behaviors is more likely to be observed in societies/countries with low gender egalitarianism with women showing less prosocial behavior than their men counterparts. Moreover, women under the same institutional environments also show significantly more anti‐corruption behaviors than do their men counterparts, while this difference is much smaller (i.e., with smaller effect size) given the institutions of high gender egalitarianism. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of the findings for academic research and managerial practice.
Combinatorial antibody titrations for high‐parameter flow cytometry
Authors: Burn Olivia K. , Mair Florian , Ferrer‐Font Laura
Published: February 2024

The objective of titrating fluorochrome‐labeled antibodies is to identify the optimal concentration for a given marker‐fluorochrome pair that results in the best possible separation between the positive and negative cell populations, while minimizing the background within the negative population. Best practices in flow cytometry dictate that each new lot of antibody should be titrated on the sample of interest. However, many researchers routinely use large (30+) color panels due to recent technical advancements in fluorescence‐based cytometry instrumentation which quickly leads to an unmanageable number of individual titrations. In this technical note, we provide evidence that antibodies can be effectively titrated in groups rather than individually, resulting in considerable time and cost savings. This approach streamlines the process, without compromising data quality, thereby enhancing the efficiency of setting up high‐parameter cytometry experiments.
Distribution of the Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) and variations in its coat morphology in China
Authors: Duan Fei , Zhu Shuyi , Wang Yuan , Song Dazhao , Shen Xiaoli , Li Sheng
Published: February 2024

Of the 12 wild felid species found in China, Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) is one of the least studied species. This medium‐sized cat with a prominently polymorphic coat was once distributed across much of southern China, but is believed to have experienced severe decline and range contraction during the past decades, primarily due to anthropogenic pressures. A lack of knowledge of its current distribution, ecology, and natural history has greatly hindered the implementation of conservation and management actions for this species. In this study, for the first time, we compiled the state‐wide occurrence records (N = 409), mainly from the camera‐trapping surveys, of Asiatic golden cats from 2008 to 2019, and predicted its distribution across the country through species distribution modeling using random forest algorithm. The results showed that the predicted habitats were mainly located in southwest China and suggested a rather low probability of possible current distribution across its vast historic range in central, eastern, and southern China. We divided its current range into four geographic regions (i.e., Qinling Mountains, Hengduan Mountains, East Himalayas, and southern Yunnan region) and considered the cats in each region as a regional population within the country. From the 287 camera‐trapping detections with photographs and/or videos collected across all populations, we identified six coat morphs and determined their occurrence percentages: common golden (47.4%), spotted (20.9%), red (13.6%), dark cinnamon (10.1%), melanistic (7.0%), and gray (1.0%). The complexity of coat morph composition within regional populations showed an increasing gradient from northeast to southwest. Among the four regional populations, the East Himalayas hosted the highest abundance and coat variation with all six morphs recorded. Our study results update the current distribution and coat morphology variations of this elusive cat in China and provide important knowledge to guide future research and conservation planning for this threatened species.
Variations in root architecture traits and their association with organ mass fraction of common annual ephemeral species in the desert of northern Xinjiang
Authors: Wang Taotao , Liu Bangyan , Zhang Xuan , Wang Mao , Tan Dunyan
Published: February 2024

The variation of plant traits is closely related to the trade‐offs between resource acquisition and conservation, as well as the accumulation of biomass. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive insights into the variation patterns, phylogenetic conservatism, and covariation with biomass allocation of root system architecture in desert areas. We examined the root systems of 47 annual ephemeral species and evaluated their biomass allocation and six key root system architecture traits. Our results indicated that the variation in root traits mainly originated from interspecific variation (48.78%–99.76%), but intraspecific variation should not be ignored as to why the contribution rate of root tissue density (RTD) reached 51.22%. The six root traits were mainly loaded on the first and second axes of the principal component analysis (PCA), these traits mainly vary along two dimensions. The highest interspecific variation is in RTD (51.63%) and the lowest in topological index (TI; 5.92%). The intraspecific variation value and range of specific root length (SRL), specific root area (SRA), and RTD were significantly higher than TI (p < .05), and they are not limited by phylogenetic relationships (0< K < 1, p > .05). The SRA is positively correlated with SRL (r = .72, p < .001) and negatively correlated with RTD (r = −.57, p < .05). The LMF is positively correlated with SRL, and SRA demonstrated the coordination between water consumption and acquisition. The positive correlation between RMF and MRD indicated the coordination of root carbon investment with exploring soil vertical space. The multi‐dimensional variation of root traits, divergence of RTDs, and convergence of TI are important ecological strategies for annual short‐lived plants to adapt to heterogeneous desert habitats. Meanwhile, these plants achieve optimal access to scarce resources through the high plasticity of resource acquisition (e.g., SRL and SRA) and conservation traits (e.g., RTD), as well as the trade‐offs between them and organ mass fraction.
Predator‐induced shape plasticity in Daphnia pulex
Authors: Paplauskas Sam , Morton Oscar , Hunt Mollie , Courage Ashleigh , Swanney Stephanie , Dennis Stuart R. , Becker Dörthe , Auld Stuart K. J. R. , Beckerman Andrew P.
Published: February 2024

All animals and plants respond to changes in the environment during their life cycle. This flexibility is known as phenotypic plasticity and allows organisms to cope with variable environments. A common source of environmental variation is predation risk, which describes the likelihood of being attacked and killed by a predator. Some species can respond to the level of predation risk by producing morphological defences against predation. A classic example is the production of so‐called ‘neckteeth’ in the water flea, Daphnia pulex, which defend against predation from Chaoborus midge larvae. Previous studies of this defence have focussed on changes in pedestal size and the number of spikes along a gradient of predation risk. Although these studies have provided a model for continuous phenotypic plasticity, they do not capture the whole‐organism shape response to predation risk. In contrast, studies in fish and amphibians focus on shape as a complex, multi‐faceted trait made up of different variables. In this study, we analyse how multiple aspects of shape change in D. pulex along a gradient of predation risk from Chaoborus flavicans. These changes are dominated by the neckteeth defence, but there are also changes in the size and shape of the head and the body. We detected change in specific modules of the body plan and a level of integration among modules. These results are indicative of a complex, multi‐faceted response to predation and provide insight into how predation risk drives variation in shape and size at the level of the whole organism.
Effects of river regulation on aquatic invertebrate community composition: A comparative analysis in two southern African rivers
Authors: de Necker Lizaan , van Rooyen Divan , Gerber Ruan , Brendonck Luc , Wepener Victor , Smit Nico J.
Published: February 2024

While natural floods play a crucial role in shaping the composition of aquatic communities, the most rivers worldwide are regulated or dammed for anthropogenic purposes, resulting in alterations to the biological and chemical composition of these ecosystems. Studies have demonstrated various negative effects of river regulation on aquatic invertebrate communities globally. However, there is a scarcity of research in Africa, despite its vulnerability to anthropogenic impacts. This study aimed to compare aquatic invertebrate communities in the Phongolo River, an impacted regulated river, and the Usuthu River, a less impacted unregulated river, in South Africa. It further aimed to ascertain whether Lake Nyamithi, a naturally saline lake receiving water from both of the aforementioned systems, exhibited a stronger similarity to one of the two rivers in terms of its aquatic invertebrate composition. Aquatic invertebrate and water samples were collected from 2012 to 2018 over several surveys. The Usuthu River demonstrated a diverse and sensitive aquatic invertebrate community, emphasising its high conservation value. The Phongolo River demonstrated effects of anthropogenic impact, with taxa more resilient to changes in water quality and flow compared to the Usuthu River. Mismanagement and excessive water use may lead to the loss of any remaining sensitive aquatic invertebrate communities in this river. The presence of invasive molluscan in the Phongolo River and Lake Nyamithi also poses a threat to the native aquatic invertebrate communities. These invasive species are currently absent from the Usuthu River although other invasive species, such as the Australian redclaw crayfish, are found in both river systems. Lake Nyamithi displayed a unique aquatic invertebrate community, distinct from both rivers and their floodplains. This study provides important baseline information on the Usuthu River's aquatic invertebrates and emphasises the need to maintain adequate water flow in rivers and floodplains to protect biodiversity and sensitive species.
PhIO Mediated One‐Pot Synthesis of Pyrroloquinolinediones from ortho‐Carbonyl Anilines and Maleimides
Authors: Alahmdi Mohammed Issa , Mukhtar Sayeed , Parveen Humaira , Alsharif Meshari A. , Waheed Mohd
Published: February 2024

An effective, green, mild, and metal‐free hypervalent iodine‐mediated approach for the synthesis of pyrroloquinolinediones from ortho‐carbonyl anilines and maleimides in a one‐pot manner at room temperature has been developed. This proposed protocol can synthesize biologically active pyrroloquinolinediones in a one‐pot manner utilizing readily available starting materials. This protocol generates H2O as the only by‐product during the reaction and shows a high atom economy. Operational simplicity, moderate reaction conditions, high atom economy, and high yield are some key features of this protocol.
Sex‐based differences in track running distances of 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500m in the 8 and under and 9–10‐year‐old age groups
Authors: Brown Gregory A. , Shaw Brandon S. , Shaw Ina
Published: February 2024

There are contradictory claims regarding sex‐based differences in athletic performance before puberty, but there has been minimal evaluation of sex‐based differences in competitive running performance before puberty. The purpose of this project was to determine if there are prepubertal sex‐based differences in track running performance. Finalist times from the USA Track and Field National Youth Outdoor Championships and National Junior Olympic Championships during the years 2016–2023 for running distances of 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500m in the 8 and under and 9–10‐year‐old age groups were analyzed for sex‐based differences. In the 8 and under age group, the males were, on average, faster (p = 0.000, Hedges' g = 0.632–0.834) than females by 4.0% in the distance of 100m, 4.7% in 200m, 5.3% in 400m, 6.7% in 800m, and 6.1% in 1500m. In the 9–10‐year‐old age group, the males were, on average, faster (p = 0.000, Hedges' g = 0.584–1.089) than females by 2.9% in the distance of 100m, 4.6% in 200m, 4.0% in 400m, 4.0% in 800m, and 5.9% in 1500m. In each distance and age group between 2016 and 2023, the individual fastest male was faster than the individual fastest female by 3.7 ± 2.3%. The present data indicate that, in elite competition, males in the 8 and under and 9–10‐year‐old age groups typically run faster than females of the same age by 2.9%–6.7% for running distances of 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500m. These findings are of particular importance as government agencies and sports organizations consider policies regarding single sex sports competition for youth.
A pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry study of volatile compounds produced by wood‐based materials
Authors: Marchoubeh Mahsa Lotfi , Knight Holli , Horn Gavin P.
Published: February 2024

The pyrolysis by‐products of five common wood‐based construction materials (low‐density wood fiberboard, oriented strand board, pine, particle board, and plywood) were studied using pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Samples of wood‐based materials were pyrolyzed under helium from 300 to 800°C to further understand the production of compounds that may become airborne and available for respiratory and dermal exposure. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p‐xylene, styrene, and naphthalene were specifically targeted since these compounds are common by‐products of pyrolysis. These compounds have been measured in previous live fire scenarios and are associated with human health concerns. The generated pyrolysates were separated and identified with a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry instrument. The results from total ion chromatograms and selected ion monitoring chromatograms were analyzed to compare the abundance of chemicals of interest generated during pyrolysis. Oriented strand board and plywood generated the greatest total concentration of the targeted volatile organic compounds. Plywood and particle boards generated the largest variety in results. Samples from solid pine boards generated the smallest number of volatile compounds, followed by low‐density wood fiberboard that is manufactured with wood fibers, starch, and wax. Notably, pyrolysis by‐products are not the sole compounds generated during the combustion of biomass and these products evolve when they are exposed to the conditions of combustion. Our future work plans to study the combustion by‐products of these materials.
The estimation of wheat yield combined with UAV canopy spectral and volumetric data
Authors: Liu Tao , Wu Fei , Mou Nana , Zhu Shaolong , Yang Tianle , Zhang Weijun , Wang Hui , Wu Wei , Zhao Yuanyuan , Sun Chengming , Yao Zhaosheng
Published: February 2024

Estimating wheat yield accurately is crucial for efficient agricultural management. While canopy spectral information is widely used for this purpose, the incorporation of canopy volumetric features (CVFs) remains underexplored. This study bridges this gap by utilizing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral imaging to capture images and elevation data of wheat at key developmental stages—gestation and flowering stages. We innovatively leveraged the elevation differences between these stages to calculate canopy height, develop a novel CVF, and refine the wheat yield prediction model across various wheat varieties, nitrogen fertilizer levels, and planting densities. The integration of canopy volume information significantly enhanced the accuracy of our yield prediction model, as evidenced by an R2 of 0.8380, an RMSE of 313.3 kg/ha, and an nRMSE of 11.33%. This approach not only yielded more precise estimates than models relying solely on spectral data but also introduced a novel dimension to wheat yield estimation methodologies. Our findings suggest that incorporating canopy volume characteristics can substantially optimize wheat yield prediction models, presenting a groundbreaking perspective for agricultural yield estimation.
Gene‐based association tests in family samples using GWAS summary statistics
Authors: Wang Peng , Xu Xiao , Li Ming , Lou Xiang‐Yang , Xu Siqi , Wu Baolin , Gao Guimin , Yin Ping , Liu Nianjun
Published: February 2024

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have led to rapid growth in detecting genetic variants associated with various phenotypes. Owing to a great number of publicly accessible GWAS summary statistics, and the difficulty in obtaining individual‐level genotype data, many existing gene‐based association tests have been adapted to require only GWAS summary statistics rather than individual‐level data. However, these association tests are restricted to unrelated individuals and thus do not apply to family samples directly. Moreover, due to its flexibility and effectiveness, the linear mixed model has been increasingly utilized in GWAS to handle correlated data, such as family samples. However, it remains unknown how to perform gene‐based association tests in family samples using the GWAS summary statistics estimated from the linear mixed model. In this study, we show that, when family size is negligible compared to the total sample size, the diagonal block structure of the kinship matrix makes it possible to approximate the correlation matrix of marginal Z scores by linkage disequilibrium matrix. Based on this result, current methods utilizing summary statistics for unrelated individuals can be directly applied to family data without any modifications. Our simulation results demonstrate that this proposed strategy controls the type 1 error rate well in various situations. Finally, we exemplify the usefulness of the proposed approach with a dental caries GWAS data set.
Why do drinkers earn more? Job characteristics as a possible link
Authors: Bai Yihong , Grignon Michel
Published: February 2024

After some initial controversy, an inverted U‐shape relationship between the consumption of alcohol and earnings seems to be an established result, at least in North America. It has been dubbed a “drinking premium”, at least in the lower portion of the consumption curve. It is still unclear, perhaps even counter‐intuitive, why such a drinking premium exists and the literature suggests it is not causal but results rather from selection effects. We suggest here that part of the premium is linked to occupation: some occupations pay better, controlling for the usual human capital determinants, and also attract drinkers or induce workers to drink more. Using a sample of full‐time employed or self‐employed individuals aged 25–64 and not in poor health from the 2015‐16 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), we confirm the existence of a drinking premium and a positive return to the quantity or frequency of drinking up to high levels of consumption. Using information on jobs held by respondents, linked to a data set of job characteristics, we find that controlling for job characteristics reduces the premium or return to drinking by approximately 30% overall, and up to 50% for female workers.
Mapping trends and hotspots in research on global influenza vaccine hesitancy: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhengyu , Tang Songjia , Huang Zhihui , Tan Juntao , Wu Xiaoxin , Hong Qian , Yuan Yuan
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Influenza is one of the most widespread respiratory infections and poses a huge burden on health care worldwide. Vaccination is key to preventing and controlling influenza. Influenza vaccine hesitancy is an important reason for the low vaccination rate. In 2019, Vaccine hesitancy was identified as one of the top 10 threats to global health by the World Health Organization. However, there remains a glaring scarcity of bibliometric research in that regard. This study sought to identify research hotspots and future development trends on influenza vaccine hesitation and provide a new perspective and reference for future research.

Methods

We retrieved publications on global influenza vaccine hesitancy from the Web of Science Core Collection database, Scopus, and PubMed databases from inception to 2022. This study used VOSviewer and CiteSpace for visualization analysis.

Results

Influenza vaccine hesitancy‐related publications increased rapidly from 2012 and peaked in 2022. One hundred and nine countries contributed to influenza vaccine hesitation research, and the United States ranked first with 541 articles and 7161 citations. Vaccines‐Basel was the journal with the largest number of published studies on influenza vaccine hesitations. MacDonald was the most frequently cited author. The most popular research topics on influenza vaccine hesitancy were (1) determinants of influenza vaccination in specific populations, such as healthcare workers, children, pregnant women, and so on; (2) influenza and COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusions

The trend in the number of annual publications related to influenza vaccine hesitancy indicating the COVID‐19 pandemic will prompt researchers to increase their attention to influenza vaccine hesitancy. With healthcare workers as the key, reducing vaccine hesitancy and improving vaccine acceptance in high‐risk groups will be the research direction in the next few years.
Protein Glycosylation Patterns Shaped by the IRE1‐XBP1s Arm of the Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Chen Kenny , Shoulders Matthew D.
Published: February 2024

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a sensing and signaling pathway that surveys the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for protein folding challenges and responds whenever issues are detected. UPR activation leads to upregulation of secretory pathway chaperones and quality control factors, as well as reduces the nascent protein load on the ER, thereby restoring and maintaining proteostasis. This paradigm‐defining view of the role of the UPR is accurate, but it elides additional key functions of the UPR in cell biology. In particular, recent work has revealed that the UPR can shape the structure and function of N‐ and O‐glycans installed on ER client proteins. This crosstalk between the UPR's reaction to protein misfolding and the regulation of glycosylation remains insufficiently understood. Still, emerging evidence makes it clear that the UPR, and particularly the IRE1‐XBP1s arm of the UPR, may be a central regulator of protein glycosylation, with important biological consequences. In this review, we discuss the crosstalk between proteostasis, the UPR, and glycosylation, present progress towards understanding biological functions of this crosstalk, and examine potential roles in diseases such as cancer.
Efficacy, safety, and feasibility of the treatment of intrauterine pathologies with the mini‐resectoscope: A systematic review
Authors: Etrusco Andrea , Laganà Antonio Simone , Chiantera Vito , Gerli Sandro , Carugno Jose , Sorrentino Felice , Riemma Gaetano , Vitagliano Amerigo , Favilli Alessandro
Published: February 2024

Background

Hysteroscopy represents the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine pathologies. The advent of the mini‐resectoscope heralded a new era in intrauterine surgery, both in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of the mini‐resectoscope for the treatment of intrauterine pathologies.

Search Strategy

Electronic databases were searched for English‐language trials describing surgical procedures for uterine pathologies performed with a mini‐resectoscope until 30 April 2023.

Selection Criteria

Retrospective or prospective original studies reporting the treatment of uterine pathologies with mini‐resectoscope were deemed eligible for the inclusion.

Data Collection and Analysis

Data about study features, characteristics of included populations, surgical procedures, complications, and results/outcomes were collected.

Results

Seven papers that met the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. Quantitative analysis was not possible due to data heterogeneity. A descriptive synthesis of the results was provided accordingly to the pathology hysteroscopically removed/corrected: polyps and myomas, uterine septum, intrauterine synechiae, and isthmocele.

Conclusions

The mini‐resectoscope is poised to play a leading role in hysteroscopic surgery for many pathologies, both in inpatient and outpatient settings. Since some applications of the mini‐resectoscope have not yet been thoroughly investigated, future studies should address current knowledge gaps, designing high‐quality comparative trials on specific applications.
Open access transition in obstetrics and gynecology journals—The international impact
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Brezinov Yoav , Tzur Yossi , Meyer Raanan
Published: February 2024

Objective

To study the impact of converting from subscription‐based publishing to open access (“flipping”) in three obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) journals.

Methods

We compared original articles in three OBGYN journals during a matched subscription‐based and open access publishing period. We analyzed citation metrics and country of authorship.

Results

Overall, 1522 studies were included; of those, 869 (57.1%) were before flipping and 653 (42.9%) were after flipping. There was a decrease in publications by lower‐middle income countries from 7.7% in subscription‐based publishing to 1.8% in open access (P < 0.001). There was a decrease in the proportion of articles from South Asia (2.5% vs 0.5%), North America (14.4% vs 9.4%), and the Middle East (7.4% vs 2.5%), and an increase in publications from East Asia and Pacific (17.4% vs 30.9%; P < 0.001). The relative citation ratio was higher in the open access period (median 1.65 vs 0.95, P < 0.001). The number of citations per year was higher in the open access period (median 3.0 vs 2.0, P < 0.001). There was an increase in the proportion of funded studies (from 40.2% to 47.8%; P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Flipping to open access in OBGYN journals is associated with a citation advantage with major authorship changes, leading to inequity.
Experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta‐cognition, and body‐checking among women during pregnancy and postpartum: Buffering effect of self‐compassion
Authors: Ilyas Uzma , Tariq Zarmin , Asim Javeria , Arshad Zahra
Published: February 2024

Objective

The present study attempted to explore the psychological experiences of experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta‐cognition, self‐compassion and body‐checking during two stages of maternity (pregnancy and postpartum) among women embracing maternity for the first time.

Methods

The study used a cross sectional correlational design and enrolled 306 women participants who were in their third trimester of pregnancy or of postpartum (pregnant = 154 [50.3%]; postpartum = 152 [49.7%]) with ages ranging between 20 and 35 years (M = 26.62; SD = 2.19). The data was collected using the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ); Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ); Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ); Self‐Compassion Scale (SCS), and Body‐checking Questionnaire (BCQ). Data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21.

Results

A significant positive association was observed between experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta‐cognition, and body‐checking while self‐compassion showed reverse association with these variables. The body‐checking outcome was significantly negatively predicted by self‐compassionate attitude and positively by thought suppression in both groups (i.e., pregnant and postpartum). The experiential avoidance positively predicted body‐checking among women in post‐partum group only. Moreover, a mediating association of experiential avoidance and a moderating effect of self‐compassion (self‐kindness and common humanity) and meta‐cognition (positive beliefs about worry and need to control thought) were also observed to moderate between thought suppression and body‐checking outcomes.

Conclusion

The study concluded that experiential avoidance and thought suppression contribute in developing body‐checking behaviors among women who are pregnant or at postpartum stage of maternity. In addition, self‐compassion and meta‐cognition moderate this association with self‐compassion playing potential buffer.
An exploratory study of the factors associated with use of contraceptive methods in young Chilean women aged 17–29 years
Authors: Pérez Barrios Eva , Díaz‐Valdés Antonia
Published: February 2024

Objective

To explore factors related to the use of contraceptive methods in young Chilean women with higher education.

Methods

Using the 9th Chilean National Youth Survey, multinomial models were conducted to predict contraceptive methods used during the last intercourse among sexually initiated female college students aged 17–29 years who had already completed high school (n = 1828).

Results

The results indicate that using contraceptive methods at onset sexual activity was positively associated with the use of all contraceptive methods (relative risk ratio [RRR]immediate = 3.97, RRRdaily = 2.95, RRRlong‐term = 1.82, P < 0.05). Having a previous unintended pregnancy increased the odds of using long‐term contraceptive methods (RRR = 2.13, P < 0.05). Increased age of sexual initiation was associated with increased odds of using immediate contraception methods (RRRadolescence = 2.57, RRRyoung adulthood = 3.75, P < 0.05). Substance use was not associated with contraception methods used. Medium socioeconomic status, compared with high, decreased the odds of using immediate and daily contraceptive methods (RRR = 0.26, P < 0.05 for both). Low socioeconomic status was associated with decreased odds of using daily contraception (RRR = 0.39, P < 0.05). Finally, incomplete (RRR = 2.21, P < 0.05) or complete (RRR = 2.38, P < 0.05) professional education increased the odds of immediate contraceptive methods.

Conclusions

To generate family planning policies aimed at university students, individual factors related to sexual behavior should be addressed in accordance with the local reality and with a gender focus.
Egg‐Protein‐Induced Villous Atrophy
Authors: Iyngkaran N. , Abidin Zainal , Meng Looi Lai , Yadav M.
Published: February 2024

The effect of egg protein on the small bowel mucosa of a 9‐month‐old infant with a history of intolerance to egg protein was studied. Within 24 h of ingestion of egg protein marked villous atrophy, depletion of mucosal oligosaccharidases, impaired absorption of xylose, and depressed serum complement levels were observed. The study demonstrates that egg protein is yet another cause of flat mucosa of the small intestine in infants.
Human Milk Calcium and Phosphate Levels of Mothers Delivering Term and Preterm Infants
Authors: Chan Gary M.
Published: February 2024

Human milk calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) content from mothers of 10 term and 15 preterm infants was evaluated during the first month of lactation. Ionized Ca of preterm milk was higher than term milk on day 14, 6, 70 ± 0.26 (mean ± SEM) vs. 5.47 ± 0.09 mg/dl, and on day 30, 6.35 ± 0.14 vs. 5.67 ± 0.13 mg/dl (t test, p < 0.05). Total Ca and P levels of term and preterm milk were not different, and decreased during the first month of lactation. Nursing preterm infants had higher serum P than term infants on day 14 and 30. Serum Ca and 25‐OH D values were not different between nursing preterm and term infants or between the lactating mothers.
The Incidence of Anemia, Hypoproteinemia, and Edema in Infants as Presenting Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Nielsen Ole Haagen , Larsen Birthe Furlie
Published: February 2024

Among the total number of patients treated at the Danish National Center for cystic fibrosis during the period 1949–1980, 130 had been hospitalized during infancy. Seven of them (approximately 5%) had developed edema, hypoproteinemia, and anemia between their first and fifth month of life. All seven patients had survived for more than 1 year after the onset of the symptom complex. This finding differs markedly from observations in studies from abroad; the prognosis in children with these presenting symptoms of cystic fibrosis is generally stated as being poor. Most of the sweat electrolyte tests performed during the edema period were within the limits of normality but became elevated after the edema resolved.
Effects of Intravenously Administered Safflower Oil Emulsion on Respiratory Gas Exchange of Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants
Authors: Bell Edward F. , Weinstein Marie R. , Oh William
Published: February 2024

Safflower oil emulsion (Liposyn® 10%) was infused intravenously to supplement energy intake in five low‐birth‐weight infants. Respiratory gas exchange was measured before and after the addition of fat emulsion in doses of 1‐2 g of fat/kg/day to an intravenous feeding regimen of dextrose and amino acids. The oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production rates were greater during fat infusion in all infants, but the mean respiratory quotient was not different. The increase in energy intake provided by the fat emulsion exceeded the increase in energy expenditure, allowing more energy to be stored for growth.
Effects of Long‐Term Dietary Modifications on Pancreatic Enzyme Activity
Authors: Houghton M. R. , Morgan R. G. H. , Gracey Michael
Published: February 2024

The effect of long‐term dietary modification on pancreatic exocrine function in rats has been investigated by examining responses to cholecystokinin‐pan‐creozymin stimulation, using a method of direct pan‐creatic duct cannulation. Residual pancreatic enzyme activity remaining in the whole pancreas following stimulation was also measured. After 6 months of dietary modification, changes in the pancreatic secretions of high‐protein‐or high‐fat‐fed animals were similar to those reported in short‐term studies in which elevation of trypsin and lipase activity occurred in the pancreas. However, between 6 and 9 months, both volume and amylase activity of pancreatic secretions decreased in animals fed a high‐protein diet. At 6 and 9 months, animals fed a high‐carbohydrate diet had increased amounts of amylase and decreased trypsin in both pancreatic secretion and homogenate, similar to short‐term changes previously reported. High‐carbohydrate‐fed animals had decreased lipase activity in pancreatic secretions, but lipase activity in pancreatic homogenates was increased, similar to levels found in animals fed a high‐fat diet.
Peripheral Circulatory Response to Feeding in Newborn Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants
Authors: Raziuddin K. , Kim M. H. , Yao A. C.
Published: February 2024

The effect of feeding on calf blood flow (CBF) was investigated in 27 preterm and 10 term small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates using the venous occlusion plethysmographic method pre‐ and postprandially. Blood pressure and heart rate were simultaneously monitored. Feeding consisted of commercially prepared formula with average amounts of 20 ml/kg for preterm and 30 ml/kg for term SGA infants. As a group, the preterm neonates showed no significant CBF changes 1/2 h postprandially from the control value of 8.4 ± 2.6 ml/min/100 ml (mean ± SD). Although the difference was not statistically significant, 10 of the 27 preterm infants showed a mean CBF decrease of 9% and 17 showed no change to a slight in‐crease immediately postprandially. These changes were followed by a 35% mean increment in CBF of all preterm infants at 2–21/2 h postprandially. CBF decreased in term SGA infants by 40% at 1/2 h postprandially from a control flow of 8.6 ± 2.9 ml/min/100 ml (p < 0.01). CBF returned to the control level 1–1 1/2 h postprandially and superseded the control value by 16% at 2–2 1/2 h. Peripheral vascular resistance varied inversely with CBF. Blood pressure and heart rate showed no significant changes. These observations indicated that unlike term infants, most preterm infants manifest no significant immediate peripheral vascular response to feeding before the onset of a hyperdynamic circulatory state. This difference was related to gestational age rather than to birth weight as term SGA infants responded like term appropriate‐forgestational‐age infants. The possible mechanisms involved in these CBF changes with feeding are discussed.
The Bacterial Content of Breast Milk After the Early Initiation of Expression Using a Standard Technique
Authors: Asquith Maria Teresa , Pedrotti Peter W. , Harrod James R. , Stevenson David K. , Sunshine Philip
Published: February 2024

This study was initiated to evaluate the effect of early expression on the bacterial colony count of human milk. Significant bacterial contamination ($10,000 colony‐forming units/ml milk) was more common in 11 mothers who delayed the onset of expression of their milk compared with mothers who began to express their milk in the immediate postpartum period (n = 15) or who began to nurse their own full‐term infants soon after delivery (n = 9). These data suggest that mothers who are separated from their prematurely born or sick infants should begin to express milk for their own infants as soon after birth as possible to provide milk with low bacterial contamination for frozen storage and later use.
Lipids in Human Milk
Authors: Ferris Ann M. , Jensen Robert G.
Published: February 2024

A protocol for selection of donors of milk samples is presented. Various methods for the sampling of milk are critically reviewed and a tested procedure is described. The measurement of milk volume is reviewed. Analyses for milk lipids are presented and discussed. Results of the analyses relative to various factors affecting fat content are given. Depending upon the type of study, sampling of milk by the Egnell or similar pump is recommended. For field studies, the creamatocrit procedure for estimation of fat content is acceptable if calibrated. Satisfactory research methods are the Roese‐Gottlieb, modified Folch, and dry column extractions followed by gravimetry.
Gastrointestinal Occult Hemorrhage and Gastroduodenitis in Cow's Milk Protein Intolerance
Authors: Coello‐Ramirez Pedro , Larrosa‐Haro Alfredo
Published: February 2024

We are reporting on four infants with cow's milk protein intolerance who presented with hypochromic anemia and occult gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed erosive gastritis or gastroduodenitis in all cases. Management with a cow's milk‐free diet led to a favorable clinical and hematological outcome; the endoscopic inflammatory image disappeared after the cow's milk‐free diet trial. Challenge with cow's milk led to gastrointestinal symptoms and to impaired D‐xylose absorption. The data presented suggest that some patients with cow's milk intolerance may have gastroduodenitis resulting in occult gastrointestinal hemorrhage and hypochromic anemia.
Calcium Absorption and Acceptance of Low‐Lactose Milk Among Children with Primary Lactase Deficiency
Authors: Nielsen Ole Haagen , Schiotz R O. , Rasmussen S. N. , Krasilnikoff P. A.
Published: February 2024

A calcium absorption investigation was carried out with the purpose of determining whether lactose‐hydrolyzed milk facilitates calcium absorption in subjects with lactose malabsorption. Nine children participated in the study, which was divided into two investigation periods separated by at least 1 week. During the first period the children were given a lactose‐free diet, whereas during the second period their diet contained lactose‐hydrolyzed milk. The amount of calcium, number of calories, and rotation of specifically defined meals in the diet during the two periods were identical, and the children functioned as their own controls. We found calcium absorption to be significantly higher with the diet containing hydrolyzed milk than with the lactose‐free diet supplemented with extra calcium (p < 0.05). During the study a double‐blind lactose intolerance test was performed. The children had significantly fewer clinical symptoms and signs, such as abdominal pain, borborygmus, meteorism, and defecations, within 24 h after drinking 0.5 L of lactose‐hydrolyzed milk as compared with drinking ordinary milk (25 g of lactose). None of the children experienced any unpleasant side effects when consuming the lactose‐hydrolyzed milk (approximately 94% degree of hydrolysis) during the study period. All the children liked the hydrolyzed milk because it had a pleasant, sweet flavor as a result of the increased content of glucose.
Methods of Lipid Analysis
Authors: Jensen Robert G. , Clark Richard M.
Published: February 2024

A protocol for sample preparation before the determination in or isolation of lipids from human milk is presented. Methods for the direct determination of lipids including the creamatocrit, spectrophotometric (turbidi‐metric), and enzymatic methods are discussed. Procedures for the isolation of lipids including the Roese‐Gottlieb, modified Folch, and dry column extractions are compared. Finally, techniques for the separation and identification of lipid classes are described.