bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection, treatment, and course of eating disorders in Finland: A population‐based study of adolescent and young adult females and males
Authors: Silén Yasmina , Sipilä Pyry N. , Raevuori Anu , Mustelin Linda , Marttunen Mauri , Kaprio Jaakko , Keski‐Rahkonen Anna
Published: May 2021

Objective

We assessed the detection, treatment and outcomes of DSM‐5 eating disorders in a nationwide community setting.

Method

The FinnTwin12 cohort comprises twins born in 1983–1987 in Finland (n = 5,600), with follow‐up starting at age 12. We outline treatment and outcomes of the 127 females and 15 males diagnosed with a lifetime DSM‐5 eating disorder in interviews conducted for a subsample (n = 1,347) in their early 20s.

Results

Only 45 (32%) of those diagnosed with eating disorder in the interviews had their condition detected in healthcare, and even fewer received treatment (30% of females, 13% of males). Anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa, and atypical AN were detected and treated more often than other eating disorders. Five years after disease onset, 41% of those diagnosed had recovered. There were no statistically significant differences in the course of different eating disorders (log‐rank p = 0.66) but the outcome was more favourable among males (log‐rank p = 0.008). The likelihood of 5‐year recovery did not differ between those who had and who had not received treatment (41.1% vs. 40.5%, log‐rank p = 0.66).

Conclusion

Although eating disorders are common and symptoms are persistent for many, they remain under‐diagnosed and under‐treated. In real‐world settings, effectiveness of provided treatments may be limited.
Simulating the role of tides and sediment characteristics on tidal flat sorting and bedding dynamics
Authors: Zhou Zeng , Liu Qian , Fan Daidu , Coco Giovanni , Gong Zheng , Möller Iris , Xu Fan , Townend Ian , Zhang Changkuan
Published: May 2021

Understanding sediment sorting and bedding dynamics has high value to unravelling the mechanisms underlying geomorphological, geological, ecological and environmental imprints of tidal wetlands and hence to predicting their future changes. Using the Nanhui tidal flat on the Changjiang (Yangtze) Delta, China, as a reference site, this study establishes a schematized morphodynamic model coupling flow, sediment dynamics and bed level change to explore the processes that govern sediment sorting and bedding phenomena. Model results indicate an overall agreement with field data in terms of tidal current velocities, suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs), deposition thicknesses and sedimentary structures. Depending on the variation of tidal current strength, sand‐dominated layers (SDLs) and mud‐dominated layers (MDLs) tend to form during spring and neap tides, respectively. Thinner tidal couplets are developed during daily scale flood–ebb variations. A larger tidal level variation during a spring–neap tidal cycle, associated with a stronger tidal current variation, favours the formation of SDLs and tidal couplets. A larger boundary sediment supply generally promotes the formation of tidal bedding, though the bedding detail is partially dependent on the SSC composition of different sediment types. Sediment properties, including for example grain size and settling velocity, are also found to influence sediment sorting and bedding characteristics. In particular, finer and coarser sediment respond differently to spring and neap tides. During neap tides, relatively small flow velocities favour the deposition of finer sediment, with limited coarser sediment being transported to the upper tidal flat because of the larger settling velocity. During spring tides, larger flow velocities transport more coarser sediment to the upper tidal flat, accounting for distinct lamination formation. Model results are qualitatively consistent with field observations, but the role of waves, biological processes and alongshore currents needs to be included in further studies to establish a more complete understanding.
Protective effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) against methotrexate‐induced intestinal damage in mice
Authors: Aldhahrani Adil
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to examine the effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) on intestinal damage induced by MTX in mice. Mice were classified into four groups: control, MTX, guarana (Paullinia cupana), and guarana (Paullinia cupana) together with MTX. Total antioxidant capacity together with glutathione, superoxide dismutase, MDA, ALT, AST, myeloperoxidase, total protein and IL‐1β were detected in the serum. Bax and Bcl2 expressions were detected in intestine together with histopathological examination and immunohistochemical examination of caspase‐9. Intoxication with MTX inhibited antioxidant and promoted myeloperoxidase activity in experimental mouse models but pre‐administration of guarana ameliorated this effect by inhibiting IL‐1β. Real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) analysis found that MTX intoxication upregulated BAX expression, causing apoptosis, and downregulated Bcl2 expression. These were also brought under control following guarana pre‐administration. Histological examination of intestine indicated hyperplasia and desquamation of superficial epithelium of villi in the MTX‐administered group, as well as round cell infiltration in the lamina propria. Pre‐administration of guarana protected against these effects. The MTX group showed that caspase‐9 expression was upregulated, increasing immune‐reactivity in comparison to the guarana experimental groups. These combined effects lead to the conclusion that guarana has a preventative or protective effect against MTX‐induced oxidative stress in the intestinal tissue.
Effect of nanoprocessing on the physicochemical properties of bovine, porcine, chicken, and rabbit bone powders
Authors: Li Xue , He Zhifei , Xu Jingbing , Zhang Ling , Liang Yexing , Yang Shixiong , Wang Zefu , Zhang Dong , Gao Feihu , Li Hongjun
Published: May 2021

The chemical composition and hardness of bovine bone, porcine bone, chicken bone, and rabbit bone were compared, as well as the influence of nanoprocessing on the physicochemical characteristics of these bone powders. A series of nanofabrication processes led to an increase in bone minerals and the loss of protein and fat. The hardness of softened bovine bone was still the largest, whereas chicken and rabbit bones were relatively soft. There were no significant differences in the functional groups between nanoscale bone powders. Overall, nanomachining significantly reduced and homogenized the bone particle size and improved the color and release rate of calcium ions of bone powders at the same time; these effects were different for several bones. Nanoscale rabbit bone had higher comminution efficiency, as well as satisfactory nutritional value, color, and product yield, which supports its strong development potential.
Development of an active packaging based on polyethylene containing linalool or thymol for mozzarella cheese
Authors: Chang Shadi , Mohammadi Nafchi Abdorreza , Baghaie Homa
Published: May 2021

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of active polyethylene film (PE) containing linalool and thymol active components on the microbial shelf life of mozzarella cheese. PE films containing different concentrations of linalool or thymol (0%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) were prepared. The antimicrobial properties of the films were examined, and mozzarella cheese was packed with these active films. The antimicrobial properties of packed samples during 30 days of storage were studied. The obtained results from film tests showed that by increasing the concentration of active agents (linalool and thymol) in PE films, the antimicrobial activities of film samples against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, and Saccharomyces cervicea were increased. The cheese tests result demonstrated that mozzarella cheese packaging with PE films containing different concentrations of linalool and thymol leads to a decreased growth rate of molds and yeasts in cheeses. At the end of the storage period, the lowest number of molds and yeasts was for a sample packed in PE film containing 2% thymol, which increased from 1.00 to 1.21 Log CFU/g during the storage period. From E. coli and S. aureus contamination, the samples packed in active films were safe until the last day of storage (30th day), while the control sample was unacceptable at 17th day of storage. According to obtained results from this study, it was concluded that the addition of linalool and thymol active components to PE film had a positive effect on the extension of the mozzarella scheese shelf life.
Regional meteoric water line of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Cejudo Eduardo , Acosta‐González Gilberto , Leal‐Bautista Rosa M.
Published: May 2021

The data set represents the Regional Meteoric Water Line (RMWL) for the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico), a region with karstic aquifers but little knowledge of the isotopic composition of meteoric water. This data paper comprises the isotopic composition of meteoric water collected from November 2018 to November 2019 as monthly composite samples expressed as weighted monthly mean precipitation from 16 locations across the Yucatan Peninsula. The RMWL was δ2H = 7.803 δ18O + 12.075, with a slope and intercept suggesting precipitation from air that has undergone condensation, air masses with variable moisture or recycled moisture. The average δ18O is −2.57‰ (−12.23 to 1.2‰) and δ2H is −7.94‰ (−83.39 to 18.32‰). This data set was collected by the implementation of an isotopic monitoring network, gathering information useful as a tool for better understanding of the hydrology and hydrogeochemistry of karstic aquifers, and to develop proxies for paleohydrology, ecohydrology, climate change and paleoclimate studies in the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Caribbean Area.
A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials of physical activity in people with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment with a comparison to donepezil
Authors: Pisani Sara , Mueller Christoph , Huntley Jonathan , Aarsland Dag , Kempton Matthew J.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Physical exercise may benefit people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise have shown conflicting findings and it is unclear if positive outcomes are comparable to a commonly used cholinesterase inhibitor, donepezil.

Methods

Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, SCOPUS were searched for RCTs of physical activity compared to a control condition, and donepezil compared to placebo in people with AD and MCI. Effect sizes were calculated from pre‐ and post‐MMSE and ADAS‐Cog scores and pooled using a random effects meta‐analysis.

Results

Ninteen RCTs were included in the exercise meta‐analysis (AD, N = 524; MCI, N = 1269). Physical exercise improved MMSE scores in AD (Hedges' g = 0.46) and MCI groups (g = 0.63). For the MCI group, exercise appeared to have a stronger effect for those with lower MMSE scores at baseline (p = 0.022). 18 RCTs were included in the donepezil meta‐analysis (AD, N = 2984, MCI, N = 1559). In people with AD, donepezil improved cognition (MMSE g = 0.23; ADAS‐Cog, g = −0.17) but there was no evidence of improved cognition in MCI.

Conclusions

Physical exercise improved cognition in both AD and MCI groups. Where comparisons were possible, the effect size for physical exercise was generally comparable to donepezil. These results strengthen the evidence base for exercise as an effective intervention in AD and MCI, and future clinical trials should examine exercise type, intensity and frequency, in addition to cholinesterase inhibitors to determine the most effective interventions for AD and MCI.
Recurrence of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis After Liver Transplant in Children: An International Observational Study
Authors: Martinez Mercedes , Perito Emily R. , Valentino Pamela , Mack Cara L , Aumar Madeleine , Broderick Annemarie , Draijer Laura G. , Fagundes Eleonora D.T. , Furuya Katryn N. , Gupta Nitika , Horslen Simon , Jonas Maureen M. , Kamath Binita M. , Kerkar Nanda , Kim Kyung Mo , Kolho Kaija‐Leena , Koot Bart G.P. , Laborda Trevor J. , Lee Christine K. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Miloh Tamir , Mogul Douglas , Mohammed Saeed , Ovchinsky Nadia , Rao Girish , Ricciuto Amanda , Rodrigues Ferreira Alexandre , Schwarz Kathleen B. , Smolka Vratislav , Tanaka Atsushi , Tessier Mary E.M. , Venkat Venna L. , Vitola Bernadette E. , Woynarowski Marek , Zerofsky Melissa , Deneau Mark R.
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

Recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis (rPSC) following liver transplant (LT) has a negative impact on graft and patient survival; little is known about risk factors for rPSC or disease course in children.

Approach and Results

We retrospectively evaluated risk factors for rPSC in 140 children from the Pediatric PSC Consortium, a multicenter international registry. Recipients underwent LT for PSC and had >90 days of follow‐up. The primary outcome, rPSC, was defined using Graziadei criteria. Median follow‐up after LT was 3 years (interquartile range 1.1‐6.1). rPSC occurred in 36 children, representing 10% and 27% of the subjects at 2 years and 5 years following LT, respectively. Subjects with rPSC were younger at LT (12.9 vs. 16.2 years), had faster progression from PSC diagnosis to LT (2.5 vs. 4.1 years), and had higher alanine aminotransferase (112 vs. 66 IU/L) at LT (all P < 0.01). Inflammatory bowel disease was more prevalent in the rPSC group (86% vs. 66%; P = 0.025). After LT, rPSC subjects had more episodes of biopsy‐proved acute rejection (mean 3 vs. 1; P < 0.001), and higher prevalence of steroid‐refractory rejection (41% vs. 20%; P = 0.04). In those with rPSC, 43% developed complications of portal hypertension, were relisted for LT, or died within 2 years of the diagnosis. Mortality was higher in the rPSC group (11.1% vs. 2.9%; P = 0.05).

Conclusions

The incidence of rPSC in this cohort was higher than previously reported, and was associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Patients with rPSC appeared to have a more aggressive, immune‐reactive phenotype. These findings underscore the need to understand the immune mechanisms of rPSC, to lay the foundation for developing new therapies and improve outcomes in this challenging population.
Predicting the risk of infant mortality for newborns operated for congenital heart defects: A population‐based cohort (EPICARD) study of two post‐operative predictive scores
Authors: Lelong Nathalie , Tararbit Karim , Le Page‐Geniller Lise‐Marie , Cohen Jérémie , Kout Souad , Foix‐L'Hélias Laurence , Boileau Pascal , Chalumeau Martin , Goffinet François , Khoshnood Babak ,   the EPICARD Study Group
Published: May 2021

Background

Whereas no global severity score exists for congenital heart defects (CHD), risk (Risk Adjusted Cardiac Heart Surgery‐1: RACHS‐1) and/or complexity (Aristotle Basic Complexity: ABC) scores have been developed for those who undergo surgery. Population‐based studies for assessing the predictive ability of these scores are lacking.

Objective

To assess the predictive ability of RACHS‐1 and ABC scores for the risk of infant mortality using population‐based cohort (EPICARD) data for newborns with structural CHD.

Methods

The study population comprised 443 newborns who underwent curative surgery. We assessed the predictive ability of each score alone and in conjunction with an a priori selected set of predictors of infant mortality. Statistical analysis included logistic regression models for which we computed model calibration, discrimination (ROC), and a rarely used but clinically meaningful measure of variance explained (Tjur's coefficient of discrimination).

Results

The risk of mortality increased with increasing RACHS‐1 and the ABC scores and models based on both scores had adequate calibration. Model discrimination was higher for the RACHS‐1‐based model (ROC 0.68, 95% CI, 0.58‐0.79) than the ABC‐based one (ROC 0.59, 95% CI, 0.49‐0.69), P = 0.03. Neither score had the good predictive ability when this was assessed using Tjur's coefficient.

Conclusions

Even if the RACHS‐1 score had better predictive ability, both scores had low predictive ability using a variance‐explained measure. Because of this limitation and the fact that neither score can be used for newborns with CHD who do not undergo surgery, it is important to develop new predictive models that comprise all newborns with structural CHD.
The effect of zinc supplementation on fatigue among elderly community dwellers: A parallel clinical trial
Authors: Afzali Abolfazl , Goli Shahrbanoo , Moravveji Alireza , Bagheri Hossein , Mirhosseini Seyedmohammad , Ebrahimi Hossein
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

Fatigue is one of the most common complaints of the elderly. This study was conducted to assess the effect of zinc supplements on fatigue among the elderly.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 150 elderly aged ≥60 years who were recruited from the health centers (Kashan, Iran) with a convenience sampling method. Participants were allocated to intervention and control groups by block randomization. Participants in the intervention group received a daily dose of 30 mg of zinc supplement for 70 days; meanwhile, in the control group, no intervention was performed. The level of fatigue was measured by the multidimensional fatigue inventory before and after the intervention. Both groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables, fatigue, and serum zinc level before the intervention. The significance level was considered as 0.05 in all tests.

Results

Zinc supplementation significantly reduced fatigue (mean difference: −10.41 vs 1.37, P < .001) and increased serum zinc level (mean difference: 14.22, vs −0.57, P < .001) compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Consumption of zinc supplements for the elderly is recommended to overcome fatigue.
The information system of the French Peatland Observation Service: Service National d'Observation Tourbières – A valuable tool to assess the impact of global changes on the hydrology and biogeochemistry of temperate peatlands through long term monitoring
Authors: Gogo Sébastien , Paroissien Jean‐Baptiste , Laggoun‐Défarge Fatima , Antoine Jean‐Marc , Bernard‐Jannin Léonard , Bertrand Guillaume , Binet Philippe , Binet Stéphane , Bouger Guillaume , Brossard Yohann , Camboulive Thierry , Caudal Jean‐Pierre , Chevrier Stéphane , Chiapiuso Geneviève , D'Angelo Benoît , Durantez Pilar , Flechard Chris , Francez André‐Jean , Galop Didier , Gandois Laure , Gilbert Daniel , Guimbaud Christophe , Hinault Louis , Jacotot Adrien , Le Moing Franck , Lerigoleur Emilie , Le Roux Gaël , Leroy Fabien , Lhosmot Alexandre , Li Qian , Machado Da Silva Elodie , Moquet Jean‐Sébastien , Mora‐Gomez Juanita , Perdereau Laurent , Rosset Thomas , Toussaint Marie‐Laure
Published: May 2021

Mitigating and adapting to global changes requires a better understanding of the response of the Biosphere to these environmental variations. Human disturbances and their effects act in the long term (decades to centuries) and consequently, a similar time frame is needed to fully understand the hydrological and biogeochemical functioning of a natural system. To this end, the ‘Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique’ (CNRS) promotes and certifies long‐term monitoring tools called national observation services or ‘Service National d'Observation’ (SNO) in a large range of hydrological and biogeochemical systems (e.g., cryosphere, catchments, aquifers). The SNO investigating peatlands, the SNO ‘Tourbières’, was certified in 2011 (https://www.sno-tourbieres.cnrs.fr/). Peatlands are mostly found in the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere and French peatlands are located in the southern part of this area. Thus, they are located in environmental conditions that will occur in northern peatlands in coming decades or centuries and can be considered as sentinels. The SNO Tourbières is composed of four peatlands: La Guette (lowland central France), Landemarais (lowland oceanic western France), Frasne (upland continental eastern France) and Bernadouze (upland southern France). Thirty target variables are monitored to study the hydrological and biogeochemical functioning of the sites. They are grouped into four datasets: hydrology, fluvial export of organic matter, greenhouse gas fluxes and meteorology/soil physics. The data from all sites follow a common processing chain from the sensors to the public repository. The raw data are stored on an FTP server. After operator or automatic processing, data are stored in a database, from which a web application extracts the data to make them available (https://data-snot.cnrs.fr/data-access/). Each year at least, an archive of each dataset is stored in Zenodo, with a digital object identifier (DOI) attribution (https://zenodo.org/communities/sno_tourbieres_data/).
Effects of differential observing responses on observational learning across multiple contingencies
Authors: Blowers Andrew P. , Luczynski Kevin C. , McKeown Ciobha A.
Published: May 2021

Whether a child with autism spectrum disorder will exhibit observational learning may depend on their attention to and the stimulus modalities of the observed contingency. We used multiple‐probe and repeated‐acquisition designs to test observational learning across a diverse set of contingencies, which included hidden edible, hidden toy, hidden video, tact, receptive identification, and intraverbal contingencies. During preteaching, 2 children with autism spectrum disorder showed observational learning with some contingencies. After learning to engage in differential observing responses for observed behaviors and consequences with the hidden‐video contingency, 1 child showed generalization of observational learning with receptive identification and intraverbals. Neither child showed generalization with the tact contingency. Thus, teaching was initiated with the tact contingency, which led to generalization of observational learning with tacts. The efficacy of teaching differential observing responses over observational learning was demonstrated. Inconsistent observational learning across contingencies suggests scientist‐practitioners should assess observational learning across a variety of contingencies.
Tailoring the growth and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts by DNA‐based polymer films for skin regeneration
Authors: Jayme Cristiano Ceron , Souza Carla , Fernandes Daniela Silvestrini , Tedesco Antonio Claudio
Published: May 2021

The use of DNA as a functional biomaterial for therapeutic, diagnostic, and drug delivery applications has been prominent in recent years, but its use as a scaffold for tissue regeneration is still limited. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and interaction of DNA‐based polymeric films (DNA‐PFs) with primary human fibroblasts (PHF) for regenerative medicine and wound healing purposes. The morphological characterization of the films was performed by scanning electron microscopy, SEM–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy analysis. Cell viability, cell cycle kinetics, oxidative stress, and migration studies were carried out at 48 and 72 hr of incubation and compared to control cells. Cell adhesion was impaired in the first 24 hr, DNA‐PFs with higher concentrations of DNA (1.0 and 2.0 g/L) this effect was not seen in DNA‐PFs (0.5 g/L), explained by the difference in topography and roughness of DNA‐PFs, but it was overcome after 48 hr of incubation. PHF seeded on DNA films showed higher proliferation and migration rates than the control after 48 hr of incubation, with the maintenance of cell morphology and lower cytotoxicity and oxidative stress during the evaluation time. Therefore, these results indicate that DNA‐PFs are highly biocompatible and provide a suitable microenvironment for dermal fibroblasts to maintain their activity, helping build new and more complex biomaterials suitable for future tissue repair applications.
Renting risk and expected stock returns in memory of Simon Benninga
Authors: Taussig Roi D. , Klein Galit
Published: May 2021

The holy grail of finance researchers and practitioners is to fully understand and explain the behavior of stock returns. The current study offers a new source of risk, which relates to firms' renting expenses. A major topic in finance and economics is whether to rent or own an asset. Specifically, this is interesting for businesses. This study uniquely analyzes a sample of 178,837 US firm‐year observations from 1963 to 2019. This analysis shows that a risk characteristic—the Ratio of Renting expenses To Assets (RORTA)—explains the cross‐section of stock returns. A higher RORTA explains higher expected stock returns. Interestingly, when analyzing only the past decade for robustness, the RORTA is the only characteristic which remains significant when controlling for Size and Book‐to‐Market. That is, Size and Book‐to‐Market are insignificant in the last decade.
Association of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome‐related components: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jin Ting , Lu Weina , Gong Xiaoqin , Zhou Jiaqiang , Wu Fang
Published: May 2021

Background

The association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and metabolic syndrome (MS) has been demonstrated by epidemiological studies while their correlation remain controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of VDR gene polymorphisms with MS and MS‐related components in the two communities of Hangzhou.

Methods

A total of 394 subjects were enrolled in the cross‐sectional study. Four VDR gene polymorphisms (ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI) were selected based on human genome sequence databases and genotyped using the MassARRAY Analyzer Compact.

Results

In lipid profile, the TT genotype of ApaI had a significantly lower risk of hypertriglyceridemia compared with the GG+GT genotypes (recessive model: OR = 0.141; 95% CI = 0.041–0.486; p < 0.01) and the GG genotype (codominant model: OR = 0.155; 95% CI = 0.044–0.545; p < 0.01). The levels of triglyceride (TG) in the TT genotype of ApaI were lower than the GG+GT genotypes (1.29 ± 0.63 vs. 1.78 ± 1.59 mmol/L, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the AA+GA carriers of BsmI had lower levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) than the GG carriers (1.28 ± 0.29 vs. 1.42 ± 0.34 mmol/L, p < 0.05). The CC+TC carriers of TaqI also suffered from lower HDL‐C compared with the TT carriers (1.27 ± 0.29 vs. 1.42 ± 0.34 mmol/L, p < 0.01). For arterial blood pressure, the CC carriers had lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) than the TT+TC carriers (p < 0.01) and the TT carriers of FokI (p < 0.05). However, the FokI polymorphisms were not associated with SBP and the mean blood pressure of both groups laid within the normal range.

Conclusions

In our study, VDR polymorphisms show no association with the MS risk. The present results suggest that the VDR ApaI polymorphism is associated with hypertriglyceridemia and predisposed to developing MS, while the variants of BsmI and TaqI seem to affect HDL‐C. Nevertheless, the effect of FokI variants with SBP is ambiguous.
SLC45A4 promotes glycolysis and prevents AMPK/ULK1‐induced autophagy in TP53 mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Wenying , Huang Fengting , Huang Jing , Li Yuanhua , Peng Juanfei , Zhuang Yanyan , Huang Xianxian , Lu Liting , Zhu Zhe , Zhang Shineng
Published: May 2021

Background

Somatic mutations of the TP53 gene occur frequently in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Solute carrier family 45 member A4 (SLC45A4) is a H+‐dependent sugar cotransporter. The role of SLC45A4 in PDA, especially in TP53 mutant PDA, remains poorly understood.

Methods

We explored the TCGA datasets to identify oncogenes in TP53 mutant PDA. MTS [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium], colony formation and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (Edu) assays were performed to investigate the function of SLC45A4 in vitro. Glucose consumption, lactate production and ATP production were detected to evaluate glucose utilization. Extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption rate assays were used to evaluate glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. The subcutaneous xenotransplantation models were conducted to explore the function of SLC45A4 in vivo. RNA‐sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis were employed to explore the biological alteration caused by SLC45A4 knockdown. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the activation of glycolysis, as well as the AMPK pathway and autophagy.

Results

SLC45A4 was overexpressed in PDA for which the expression was significantly higher in TP53 mutant PDA than that in wild‐type PDA tissues. Moreover, high level of SLC45A4 expression was tightly associated with poor clinical outcomes in PDA patients. Silencing SLC45A4 inhibited proliferation in TP53 mutant PDA cells. Knockdown of SLC45A4 reduced glucose uptake and ATP production, which led to activation of autophagy via AMPK/ULK1 pathway. Deleting SLC45A4 in TP53 mutant HPAF‐II cells inhibited the growth of xenografts in nude mice.

Conclusions

The present study found that SLC45A4 prevents autophagy via AMPK/ULK1 axis in TP53 mutant PDA, which may be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in TP53 mutant PDA.
Rapid COVID‐19 antigenic tests: Usefulness of a modified method for diagnosis
Authors: Soleimani Reza , Deckers Corentin , Huang Te‐Din , Bogaerts Pierre , Evrard Stéphanie , Wallemme Isaline , Habib Boutaina , Rouzé Pauline , Denis Olivier
Published: May 2021

The current reliable recommended test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) diagnosis is quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Rapid antigen test devices could be useful as they are less expensive, faster without the need of specialized laboratories to perform the test. We report the performances of two rapid immunochromatographic antigen testing devices compared with RT‐qPCR for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) detection in nasopharyngeal samples. We carried out a lateral‐flow tests study on 401 nasopharyngeal swab samples from nonduplicated suspected COVID‐19 subjects. An equal volume of universal transport medium tubes‐containing samples (dilution ratio = 1:15) were added to the manufacturer's extraction buffer solution (dilution ratio = 1:2) and analyzed on BioSpeedia COVID19Speed‐Antigen Test and on Abbott Panbio™ COVID‐19 Ag Rapid Test, devices. Qualitative results were compared to those obtained by the RT‐qPCR (Allplex™ SARS‐CoV‐2 Assay Seegene). Based on our data, the overall sensitivity for BioSpeedia and Panbio devices was estimated at 65.5% and 75.0%, respectively. The sensitivity was greater for cycle threshold values less than 25 achieving 90.4 and 96.8 for BioSpeedia and Panbio devices, respectively. A perfect specificity of 100.0% was observed for both devices.
The impact of teleconnections on the temporal dynamics in aboveground net primary productivity of the Mongolian Plateau grasslands
Authors: Jiao Cuicui , Yu Guirui , Yi Xiaobo , Zhao Wei , Xing Liwei , He Fan , Li Qiyu , Luo Ji
Published: May 2021

Temporal dynamics in aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) are significant for environmental protection and economic development in the Mongolian Plateau grasslands (MPGs). Climate control of ANPP's temporal variations has intensified in response to local meteorological conditions, while the contributions of large‐scale atmospheric circulations to ANPP variations are poorly understood in the MPGs. First, we explored the temporal dynamics in annual ANPP, and then, we analyzed correlations among annual ANPP, local meteorological variables, and three different teleconnections during 1982–2015 in this study. Our analytical results indicated that (a) ANPP exhibited an increasing trend during the entire study period. However, the increasing trend did not persist, and two reversals occurred in 1998 and 2007. (b) ANPP variations were primarily influenced by summer precipitation in most regions and by summer precipitation and temperature together in other regions of the MPGs. (c) The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) in winter negatively dominated annual ANPP variations by influencing summer precipitation and summer temperature in central Mongolia. The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in winter exerted strong positive impacts on ANPP variations by influencing summer precipitation in Inner Mongolia, China. The East Atlantic Western Russia (EAWR) in spring controlled annual ANPP variations by influencing summer precipitation in western and eastern Mongolia. (d) The winter AMO, winter NAO and spring EAWR significantly dominated the annual ANPP variations in 49.78% of the MPGs, with values of 18.90, 9.81 and 21.07%, respectively. (e) Reversals of the winter AMO, winter NAO and spring EAWR between negative and positive phases resulted in two reversals of ANPP trends. This study will improve our understanding of the role of large‐scale atmospheric circulations in regulating ANPP variations and will be valuable in guiding the development of grazing land management in Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, China.
Extreme precipitation trends in northeast Algeria using a high‐resolution gridded daily dataset
Authors: Bessaklia Hanene , Serrano‐Notivoli Roberto , Ghenim Abderrahmane Nekkache , Chikh Hamza Abdessamed , Megnounif Abdessalam
Published: May 2021

This work presents a study of variability and trends of extreme precipitation events in northeast Algeria using a high‐resolution gridded dataset. To this end, 10 extreme precipitation indices were computed over a daily gridded precipitation dataset with a spatial resolution of 1x1 km from 33 series of weather observatories, covering the period from 1970 to 2010. The processes involving the reconstruction of the missing data and gridding were applied based on the approach of creating reference values (RV), allowing for a comprehensive quality control of the original data while reporting and deleting suspicious values that do not correspond to the natural spatial and temporal distribution of daily precipitation. These RV were used to complete a reconstructed dataset without missing values, based on the cleaned data series. Then, it was used to create the high‐resolution gridded dataset over northeast Algeria. In view of the obtained results, a general increasing gradient of the extreme precipitation indices from south to north was noted, particularly at the coast and at high‐altitude regions. Furthermore, upward trends in extreme intensity and frequency precipitation indices, such as PRCPTOT, SDII, RX1day, RX5day, R10mm, R20mm, CWD, R95p, and R99p were observed, except for the consecutive dry days (CDD) index, which showed a remarkable decrease. However, most of the estimated trends were not statistically significant at .05 levels.
Prevalence and Features of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Patients with Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Hans Stéphane , De Marrez Lisa G. , Dequanter Didier , Rodriguez Alexandra , Muls Vinciane , Ben Abdelouahed Fairouz , Evrard Laurence , Maniaci Antonino , Saussez Sven , Bobin Francois
Published: May 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the prevalence and features of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Study Design

Prospective uncontrolled study.

Methods

Patients who visited our Departments of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck and Maxillofacial surgery with BMS were prospectively recruited from September 2018 to September 2020. Patients benefited from dental, maxillofacial, otolaryngological examinations, and hypopharyngeal–esophageal impedance pH‐monitoring (HEMII‐pH). Oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal findings and symptoms were rated with Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) and Reflux Symptom Score‐12 (RSS‐12). Patients were treated with a combination of diet, pantoprazole, and alginate.

Results

From the 81 included patients, 76 reported >1 pharyngeal reflux events (93.8%), accounting for 35 (46.1%), 24 (31.6%), and 17 (22.3%) acid, mixed, and nonacid LPR, respectively. Thirty‐two patients had both LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Thirty‐eight patients benefited from pepsin saliva measurement, which was positive in 86.8% of cases. The mean scores of mouth/tongue burning, RSS‐12, and RSA significantly improved from pre‐ to post‐treatment (P < .004). At 3‐month post‐treatment, 62.5% of patients reported an improvement of mouth/tongue burning score. Patients with both GERD and LPR reported higher baseline RSS‐12 and RSA scores.

Conclusion

Acid, weakly acid, and nonacid LPR may be involved in the development of BMS. The use of an appropriate treatment considering the reflux features is associated with an improvement of symptoms and findings.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2627–E2633, 2021
Invasive Fungal Sinusitis in Post COVID‐19 Patients: A New Clinical Entity
Authors: El‐Kholy Noha Ahmed , El‐Fattah Ahmed Musaad Abd , Khafagy Yasser W.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Occurrence of invasive fungal respiratory superinfections in patients with COVID‐19 has gained increasing attention in the latest studies. Yet, description of acute invasive fungal sinusitis with its management in those patients is still scarce. This study aims to describe this recently increasing clinical entity in relation to COVID‐19 patients.

Study Design

Longitudinal prospective study.

Methods

Prospective longitudinal study included patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis after a recent COVID‐19 infection. Antifungal agents given included amphotericin B, voriconazole, and/or posaconazole. Surgical treatment was restricted to patients with PCR negative results for COVID‐19. Endoscopic, open, and combined approaches were utilized to eradicate infection. Follow‐up for survived patients was maintained regularly for the first postoperative month.

Results

A total of 36 patients with a mean age of 52.92 ± 11.30 years old were included. Most common associated disease was diabetes mellitus (27.8%). Mycological analysis revealed infection with Mucor and Aspergillus species in 77.8% and 30.6% of patients, respectively. Sino‐nasal, orbital, cerebral, and palatine involvement was found in 100%, 80.6%, 27.8%, and 33.3% of patients, respectively. The most common reported symptoms and signs are facial pain (75%), facial numbness (66.7%), ophthalmoplegia, and visual loss (63.9%). All patients were treated simultaneously by surgical debridement with antifungal medications except for two patients with PCR‐positive swab for COVID‐19. These two patients received antifungal therapy alone. Overall survival rate was 63.89% (23/36).

Conclusion

Clinical suspicion of acute invasive fungal sinusitis among COVID‐19 patients and early management with antifungal therapy and surgical debridement is essential for better outcomes and higher survival.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2652–2658, 2021
Safety and Efficacy of Nano‐Pulse Stimulation Treatment of Non‐Genital, Cutaneous Warts (Verrucae)
Authors: Nuccitelli Richard , LaTowsky Brenda M. , Lain Edward , Munavalli Girish , Loss Lesley , Ross E. Victor , Jauregui Lauren , Knape William A.
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives

This study describes the effects of nano‐pulse stimulation (NPS) technology on the common verruca with the objectives of demonstrating efficacy and safety. NPS technology applies nanosecond pulses of non‐thermal electrical energy to induce highly localized regulated cell death in the cellular structures of the targeted zone with negligible effects on surrounding non‐cellular structures. Previous clinical studies applying NPS to common, benign skin lesions have demonstrated safety and efficacy in clearing seborrheic keratoses and sebaceous hyperplasia.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Sixty‐two subjects were enrolled at a total of five sites. One hundred and ninety‐five study verrucae up to 10 mm wide were treated with NPS delivered by a console‐based handheld applicator (CellFX® System; Pulse Biosciences) and follow‐ups occurred every 30 days with the option to retreat at 30, 60, and 90 days. There were 62 untreated controls and 46% of the treated verrucae were recalcitrant.

Results

Overall, 75.3% (70/93) of the common verrucae, 72.7% (8/11) of the flat verrucae, and 43.8% (14/32) of the plantar verrucae treated with NPS were completely clear by 60 days following the last treatment and did not recur within the 120‐day observation period. The majority (54%) of verrucae cleared with a single NPS procedure. The most common treatment site reactions were erythema (50.5%) and eschar formation (23.4%) on Day 30 and on Day 120 mild erythema was present in 14% of the cases and hyperpigmentation in 18.5%. No serious adverse events were reported. A particle counter was used during 11 NPS procedures on verrucae and no significant plume generation was detected during these procedures.

Conclusions

NPS is a safe and effective procedure for removing non‐genital, cutaneous verrucae. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Intronic Haplotypes in the GBA Gene Do Not Predict Age at Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Toffoli Marco , Higgins Abigail , Lee Chiao , Koletsi Sofia , Chen Xiao , Eberle Michael , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Mullin Stephen , Proukakis Christos , Schapira Anthony H.V.
Published: May 2021

Background

GBA mutations are a common risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). A recent study has suggested that GBA haplotypes, identified by intronic variants, can affect age at diagnosis of PD.

Objectives

In this study, we assess this hypothesis using long reads across a large cohort and the publicly available Accelerating Medicines Partnership–Parkinson's Disease (AMP‐PD) cohort.

Methods

We recruited a PD cohort through the Remote Assessment of Parkinsonism Supporting Ongoing Development of Interventions in Gaucher Disease study (RAPSODI) and sequenced GBA using Oxford Nanopore technology. Genetic and clinical data on the full AMP‐PD cohort were obtained from the online portal of the consortium.

Results

A total of 1417 participants were analyzed. There was no significant difference in age at PD diagnosis between the two main haplotypes of the GBA gene.

Conclusions

GBA haplotypes do not affect age at diagnosis of PD in the two independent cohorts studied. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Sphingosine‐1‐Phosphate, Motor Severity, and Progression in Parkinson's Disease (MARK‐PD)
Authors: Schwedhelm Edzard , Englisch Catrin , Niemann Louisa , Lezius Susanne , von Lucadou Mirjam , Marmann Kristina , Böger Rainer , Peine Sven , Daum Günter , Gerloff Christian , Choe Chi‐un
Published: May 2021

Background

Treatment with sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) agonists confers neuroprotective effects in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objectives

We assessed the association of serum S1P levels with motor and cognitive symptoms in patients with PD.

Methods

S1P concentrations were analyzed with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in serum of 196 PD patients and in 196 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Motor (Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale III [UPDRS III], Hoehn and Yahr) and cognitive (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) function were assessed at baseline. Follow‐up data was available from 64 patients (median [interquartile range], 513 [381–677] days).

Results

S1P levels were lower in PD patients compared with controls, that is 1.75 (1.38–2.07) and 1.90 (1.59–2.18) μmol/L, respectively (P = 0.001). In PD patients, lower S1P concentrations were associated with higher UPDRS III scores and Hoehn and Yahr stage. In the follow‐up cohort, S1P concentrations below the median were associated with faster motor decline (hazard ratio: 4.78 [95% CI, 1.98, 11.50]), but not with cognitive worsening.

Conclusions

Our observations reveal an association of S1P with PD. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Diffusion‐driven codimension‐2 Turing–Hopf bifurcation in the general Brusselator model
Authors: Kong Lei , Zhu Changrong
Published: May 2021

In this paper, spatiotemporal dynamics for a general reaction–diffusion system of Brusselator type under the homogeneous Neumann boundary condition is considered. It is shownthat the reaction–diffusion system has a unique steady state solution. For some suitable parameters, we prove that the steady state solution can be a codimension‐2 Turing–Hopf point. To understand the spatiotemporal dynamics in the vicinity of the Turing–Hopf bifurcation point, we calculate and analyze the normal form on the center manifold by analytical methods. A wealth of complex spatiotemporal dynamics near the degenerate point are obtained. It is proved that the system undergoes a codimension‐2 Turing–Hopf bifurcation. Moreover, several numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the validity of our theoretical results.
Sperm morphometry is affected by increased inbreeding in the Retinta cattle breed: A molecular approach
Authors: Terán Ester , Azcona Florencia , Ramón Manuel , Molina Antonio , Dorado Jesús , Hidalgo Manuel , Ross Pablo , Goszczynski Daniel , Demyda‐Peyrás Sebastián
Published: May 2021

The effect of inbreeding depression on sperm motility is well documented, but its influence on sperm morphometry has been scarcely examined to date. Here, we combined the use of computer‐assisted sperm morphometry analysis (CASMA) with a SNP‐based genomic approach to determine and characterize the effect of inbreeding on the sperm shape of a highly inbred cattle population. We determined seven morphometric parameters on frozen‐thawed sperm samples of 57 Retinta bulls: length (L, µm), width (W, µm), area (A, µm2), perimeter (P, µm), ellipticity (ELI; L/W), elongation (L−W)/(L + W) and perimeter‐to‐area shape factor (p2a; P2/4 × π × A). The comparison of highly inbred (HI) and lowly inbreed (LI) individuals based on runs of homozygosity (ROH) inbreeding values (F
ROH) showed no differences between groups. An additional two‐step unsupervised sperm subpopulation analysis based on morphometric parameters showed significant differences in the abundance of different sperm subpopulations between groups (p < 0.05). This analysis revealed that HI bulls harbored a higher percentage of narrow‐head sperm as opposed to the higher percentage of large‐ and round‐headed sperm detected in LI. A further genomic characterization revealed 23 regions differentially affected by inbreeding in both groups, detecting six genes (SPAG6, ARMC3, PARK7, VAMP3, DYNLRB2, and PHF7) previously related to different spermatogenesis‐associated processes.