bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity correlates with disease severity and impaired white matter integrity in Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Kerestes Rebecca , Cummins Hannah , Georgiou-Karistianis Nellie , Selvadurai Louisa P. , Corben Louise A. , Delatycki Martin B. , Egan Gary F. , Harding Ian H.
Published: March 2023

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease characterised in most cases by progressive and debilitating motor dysfunction. Degeneration of cerebellar white matter pathways have been previously reported, alongside indications of cerebello-cerebral functional alterations. In this work, we examine resting-state functional connectivity changes within cerebello-cerebral circuits, and their associations with disease severity (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA]), psychomotor function (speeded and paced finger tapping), and white matter integrity (diffusion tensor imaging) in 35 adults with FRDA and 45 age and sex-matched controls. Voxel-wise seed-based functional connectivity was assessed for three cerebellar cortical regions (anterior lobe, lobules I-V; superior posterior lobe, lobules VI-VIIB; inferior posterior lobe, lobules VIIIA-IX) and two dentate nucleus seeds (dorsal and ventral). Compared to controls, people with FRDA showed significantly reduced connectivity between the anterior cerebellum and bilateral pre/postcentral gyri, and between the superior posterior cerebellum and left dorsolateral PFC. Greater disease severity correlated with lower connectivity in these circuits. Lower anterior cerebellum-motor cortex functional connectivity also correlated with slower speeded finger tapping and less fractional anisotropy in the superior cerebellar peduncles, internal capsule, and precentral white matter in the FRDA cohort. There were no significant between-group differences in inferior posterior cerebellar or dentate nucleus connectivity. This study indicates that altered cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity is associated with functional status and white matter damage in cerebellar efferent pathways in people with FRDA, particularly in motor circuits.
Muscle strength and activity in men and women performing maximal effort biceps curl exercise on a new machine that automates eccentric overload and drop setting
Authors: Nuzzo James L. , Pinto Matheus D. , Nosaka Kazunori
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Connected adaptive resistance exercise (CARE) machines are new equipment purported to adjust resistances within and between repetitions to make eccentric (ECC) overload and drop sets more feasible. Here, we examined muscle strength, endurance, electromyographic activity (EMG), and perceptions of fatigue during unilateral bicep curl exercise with a CARE machine and dumbbells. We also tested for sex differences in muscle fatigability.

Methods

Twelve men and nine women attempted 25 consecutive coupled maximal ECC–concentric (CON) repetitions (ECCmax–CONmax) on a CARE machine. Participants also completed a CON one repetition maximum (1RM) and repetitions-to-failure tests with 60 and 80% 1RM dumbbells.

Results

Maximal strength on the CARE machine was greater during the ECC than CON phase, illustrating ECC overload (men: 27.1 ± 6.8, 14.7 ± 2.0 kg; women: 16.7 ± 4.7, 7.6 ± 1.4 kg). These maximal resistances demanded large neural drive. Biceps brachii EMG amplitude relative to CON dumbbell 1RM EMG was 140.1 ± 40.2% (ECC) and 96.7 ± 25.0% (CON) for men and 165.1 ± 61.1% (ECC) and 89.4 ± 20.4% (CON) for women. The machine’s drop setting algorithm permitted 25 consecutive maximal effort repetitions without stopping. By comparison, participants completed fewer repetitions-to-failure with the submaximal dumbbells (e.g., 60%1RM—men: 12.3 ± 4.4; women: 15.6 ± 4.7 repetitions). By the 25th CARE repetition, participants reported heightened biceps fatigue (~ 8 of 10) and exhibited large decreases in ECC strength (men: 63.5 ± 11.6%; women: 44.1 ± 8.0%), CON strength (men: 77.5 ± 6.5%; women: 62.5 ± 12.8%), ECC EMG (men: 38.6 ± 20.4%; women: 26.2 ± 18.3%), and CON EMG (men: 36.8 ± 20.4%; women: 23.1 ± 18.4%).

Conclusion

ECC overload and drop sets occurred automatically and feasibly with CARE technology and caused greater strength and EMG loss in men than women.
Characterization of POLE c.1373A > T p.(Tyr458Phe), causing high cancer risk
Authors: Rocque Mariève J. , Leipart Vilde , Kumar Singh Ashish , Mur Pilar , Olsen Maren F. , Engebretsen Lars F. , Martin-Ramos Edgar , Aligué Rosa , Sætrom Pål , Valle Laura , Drabløs Finn , Otterlei Marit , Sjursen Wenche
Published: March 2023

The cancer syndrome polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis results from germline mutations in the POLE and POLD1 genes. Mutations in the exonuclease domain of these genes are associated with hyper- and ultra-mutated tumors with a predominance of base substitutions resulting from faulty proofreading during DNA replication. When a new variant is identified by gene testing of POLE and POLD1, it is important to verify whether the variant is associated with PPAP or not, to guide genetic counseling of mutation carriers. In 2015, we reported the likely pathogenic (class 4) germline POLE c.1373A > T p.(Tyr458Phe) variant and we have now characterized this variant to verify that it is a class 5 pathogenic variant. For this purpose, we investigated (1) mutator phenotype in tumors from two carriers, (2) mutation frequency in cell-based mutagenesis assays, and (3) structural consequences based on protein modeling. Whole-exome sequencing of two tumors identified an ultra-mutator phenotype with a predominance of base substitutions, the majority of which are C > T. A SupF mutagenesis assay revealed increased mutation frequency in cells overexpressing the variant of interest as well as in isogenic cells encoding the variant. Moreover, exonuclease repair yeast-based assay supported defect in proofreading activity. Lastly, we present a homology model of human POLE to demonstrate structural consequences leading to pathogenic impact of the p.(Tyr458Phe) mutation. The three lines of evidence, taken together with updated co-segregation and previously published data, allow the germline variant POLE c.1373A > T p.(Tyr458Phe) to be reclassified as a class 5 variant. That means the variant is associated with PPAP.
Early postoperative gain in activity levels of lower extremity sarcoma survivors positively affects long-term physical activity and performance
Authors: Döring Kevin , Hegelmaier Anna Vanessa , Trost Carmen , Krall Christoph , Windhager Reinhard , Hobusch Gerhard Martin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Little is known about the effect of sports activity levels on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in long-term survivors of lower-extremity sarcoma.

Methods

Eighty-three long-term survivors of bone and soft tissue sarcoma of the lower extremities with a median follow-up of 14 (range: 5–35) years completed the University of California and Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scores before tumor resection, 1 year after surgery and at the latest follow-up, as well as a Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey at the latest follow-up. Simple linear regression models as well as stepwise variable selection with Akaike information criterion (AIC) were undertaken.

Results

The preoperative UCLA activity level (median: 9, range: 2–10) dropped to a median of 4 (range: 1–10) 1 year after surgery before increasing to a score of 6 (range: 2–10) 5 years after surgery. The long-term SF-36 physical health component summary score (PCS) was 49 (SD: 9), and the mental health component summary score (MCS) was 54 (SD: 7). A linear model with stepwise variable selection identified a negative correlation of PCS with age at surgery (estimate: –0.2; p = 0.02), UCLA score at the last follow-up (estimate: 1.4; p = 0.02) and UCLA score 1 year after surgery (estimate: 1.0; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

As not only the final activity levels but also the status immediately after surgery affect the PCS, higher early activity levels should be a goal of modern rehabilitation after sarcoma treatment. Further studies are needed to weigh the potential postoperative risks of higher sport activity levels against the benefits described in this study.

Level of evidence: Level 4.
Diagnostic criteria and endoscopic and histological findings of autoimmune gastritis in Japan
Authors: Kamada Tomoari , Watanabe Hidenobu , Furuta Takahisa , Terao Shuichi , Maruyama Yasuhiko , Kawachi Hiroshi , Kushima Ryoji , Chiba Tsutomu , Haruma Ken
Published: March 2023

The Japanese diagnostic criteria for autoimmune gastritis (AIG) were established by the “Study Group on the establishment of diagnostic criteria for type A gastritis,” which is related to a workshop associated with the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) and the Committee of AIG Research Group (CARP). The criteria were set as follows: the cases of confirmed diagnosis are patients in whom either the endoscopic or histological findings, or both, meet the requirements for AIG and who are confirmed to be positive for gastric autoantibodies (either anti-parietal cell or anti-intrinsic factor antibodies, or both). The presentation of endoscopic findings of early-stage AIG in the diagnostic criteria was withheld owing to the need for further accumulation and characterization of endoscopic clinical data. Therefore, diagnosis of early-stage AIG only requires histological confirmation and gastric autoantibody positivity. Suspected cases are patients in whom either the endoscopic or histological findings, or both, meet only the requirements for AIG. Histological findings only meet the requirements for early stage. AIG has been underdiagnosed in the past, but our study group’s newly proposed diagnostic criteria will enable a more accurate and early diagnosis of AIG. The criteria can be used to stratify patients into various high-risk groups for gastric tumors and pernicious anemia. They would allow the establishment of an appropriate surveillance system in the coming years. Nevertheless, issues such as establishing the endoscopic findings of early-stage AIG and obtaining Japanese insurance coverage for gastric autoantibody tests require attention.
Abnormal cerebellum connectivity patterns related to motor subtypes of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chen Zhenzhen , He Chentao , Zhang Piao , Cai Xin , Huang Wenlin , Chen Xi , Xu Mingze , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Yuhu
Published: March 2023

Cerebellar dysfunction may substantially contribute to the clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The role of cerebellar subregions in tremors and gait disturbances in PD remains unknown. To investigate alterations in cerebellar subregion volumes and functional connectivity (FC), as well as FC between the dentate nucleus (DN) and ventral lateral posterior nucleus (VLp) of the thalamus, which are potentially involved in different PD motor subtypes. We conducted morphometric and resting-state functional connectivity analyses in various cerebellar subregions in 22 tremor-dominant (TD)-PD and 35 postural instability gait difficulty dominant (PIGD)-PD patients and 38 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs). The volume and FC alterations in various cerebellar subregions and the neural correlates of these changes with the clinical severity scores were investigated. The PIGD-PD group showed greater FC between the right motor cerebellum (CBMm) and left postcentral gyrus than the HC group, and a higher FC was associated with less severe PIGD symptoms. In contrast, the TD-PD group had decreased FC between the right DN and left VLp compared with the PIGD-PD and HC groups, and lower FC was associated with worse TD symptoms. Furthermore, the PIGD-PD group had higher FC between the left DN and left inferior temporal gyrus than the TD-PD group. Morphometric analysis revealed that the TD-PD group showed a significantly higher volume of left CBMm than the HC group. Our findings point to differential alteration patterns in cerebellar subregions and offer a new perspective on the pathophysiology of motor subtypes of PD.
Regional precipitation frequency analysis for 24-h duration using GPM and L-moments approach in South China
Authors: Chen Xiaoyang , Zhu Dehua , Wang Min , Liao Yifan
Published: March 2023

There are little researchers that combined satellite-based products and L-moments methods in frequency analysis. The objective of this study was to explore and evaluate the satellite precipitation data applied in univariate L-moments method. The Shaoguan City of South China was selected as the study area. Annual maximum precipitation (AMP) respectively from observational rainfall and Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Mission (IMERG) gridded rainfall was used for the calculation of estimates using regional L-moments analysis (RLMA) method. Then, the quantiles at grids were corrected by mean bias correction (MBC) method with the estimates at sites. The results showed that the number of homogeneous regions as well as the spatial distribution of parameters ($${C}_{v}$$Cv,$${C}_{s}$$Cs, and$${C}_{k}$$Ck) for two data sets are different. When the return periods are larger than 40 years, the estimates at sites are also larger than those at grids and the difference will increase as return period increases. After being modified, the quantiles from IMERG are more reasonable and combine the spatial distribution characteristic of estimates from two cases, which indicates that the estimation calculated by satellite products with L-moments approach is applicable and more reasonable. This study can also provide reference for solving the issues regarding the density and coverage of rain gauges that affect the accuracy of frequency analysis, especially in remote areas of China or most parts of the word.
Bias in Gene-by-Environment Interaction Effects with Sum Scores; An Application to Well-being Phenotypes
Authors: Pelt Dirk H.M. , Schwabe Inga , Bartels Meike
Published: March 2023

In the current study, we investigated the influence of using skewed sum scores on estimated gene-by-environment interaction effects (GxE) for life satisfaction and happiness with perceived social support. To this end, we analyzed item-level data from a large adult twin sample (Ns between 3610 and 11,305) of the Netherlands Twin Register. Item response theory (IRT) models were incorporated in unmeasured (univariate) GxE models, and measured GxE models (with social support as moderator). We found that skewness introduced spurious GxE effects, with the largest effect for the most skewed variable (social support). Finally, in the IRT model for life satisfaction, but not for happiness, heritability estimates decreased with higher social support, while this was not observed when analyzing sum scores. Together, our results indicate that IRT can be used to address psychometric issues related to the use of sum scores, especially in the context of GxE, for complex traits like well-being.
Natural soils in OECD 222 testing — influence of soil water and soil properties on earthworm reproduction toxicity of carbendazim
Authors: Aderjan Eva , Wagenhoff Eiko , Kandeler Ellen , Moser Thomas
Published: March 2023

Soil sorption properties can influence the bioavailability of substances and consequently the toxicity for soil organisms. Current standardised laboratory testing for the exposure assessment of pesticides to soil organisms uses OECD artificial soil that does not reflect the high variation in chemical-physical soil properties found in natural agroecosystems. According to guideline OECD 222, earthworm reproduction tests withEisenia fetidaand the pesticide carbendazim were performed in four natural soils and OECD artificial soil. By using pF 1.6, which ensures a uniformity inactual soil water availability, the control reproduction performance ofE. fetidain all natural soils was at the same level as OECD artificial soil. In a principle component analysis, the variation in toxicity between the tested soils was attributable to a combination of two soil properties, namely total organic carbon content (TOC) and pH. The largest difference of 4.9-fold was found between the typical agricultural Luvisol with 1.03% TOC and pH 6.2 (EC10: 0.17 (0.12–0.21) mg a.i. kg−1sdw, EC50: 0.36 (0.31–0.40) mg a.i. kg−1sdw) and OECD artificial soil with 4.11% TOC and pH 5.6 (EC10: 0.84 (0.72–0.92) mg a.i. kg−1sdw, EC50: 1.07 (0.99–1.15) mg a.i. kg−1sdw). The use of typical agricultural soils in standardised laboratory earthworm testing was successfully established with using the measure pF for soil moisture adjustment. It provides a more application-oriented approach and could serve as a new tool to refine the environmental risk assessment at lower tier testing or in an intermediate tier based approach.
An Ostensive Information Architecture to Enhance Semantic Interoperability for Healthcare Information Systems
Authors: Guo Hua , Scriney Michael , Liu Kecheng
Published: March 2023

Semantic interoperability establishes intercommunications and enables data sharing across disparate systems. In this study, we propose an ostensive information architecture for healthcare information systems to decrease ambiguity caused by using signs in different contexts for different purposes. The ostensive information architecture adopts a consensus-based approach initiated from the perspective of information systems re-design and can be applied to other domains where information exchange is required between heterogeneous systems. Driven by the issues in FHIR (Fast Health Interoperability Resources) implementation, an ostensive approach that supplements the current lexical approach in semantic exchange is proposed. A Semantic Engine with an FHIR knowledge graph as the core is constructed using Neo4j to provide semantic interpretation and examples. The MIMIC III (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care) datasets and diabetes datasets have been employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed information architecture. We further discuss the benefits of the separation of semantic interpretation and data storage from the perspective of information system design, and the semantic reasoning towards patient-centric care underpinned by the Semantic Engine.
Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device
Authors: Staal D. P. , Maarse M. , Aarnink E. , Huijboom M. F. M. , Abeln B. G. S. , Rensing B. J. M. W. , Swaans M. J. , Van Dijk V. F. , Boersma L. V. A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) may be a viable option for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and a contraindication for oral anticoagulation. No evidence evaluating the safety of this procedure in patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) exists. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CIED function is affected by LAAO and to explore LAAO procedural characteristics and complications in patients with a CIED.

Methods

This single-center cohort study included consecutive patients scheduled for percutaneous LAAO. Patients with a CIED prior to LAAO were selected and compared to the patients without CIED, concerning procedural characteristics and peri-procedural complications. In the group of patients with CIEDs, essential pacemaker integrity parameters were compared before and after the procedure to detect possible micro and macro lead displacements.

Results

Thirty-one patients with CIED were scheduled for LAAO (age 73.7 ± 5.4 years, 65% males, CHA2DS2-VASc 4.3 ± 1.5, and HAS-BLED 3.3 ± 1.0). The 245 patients without CIED were younger, and HAS-BLED-score was slightly lower (69.4 ± 8.2 years, p < 0.001; 2.8 ± 1.0, p = 0.022). Patients without CIED more frequently underwent LAAO combined with catheter ablation (p = 0.002). All other procedural characteristics were comparable between both groups. No visible lead displacement was observed on chest X-ray after LAAO. Additionally, no differences in impedance, threshold, or intracardiac sensing in various CIED lead locations were found prior versus post LAAO.

Conclusion

This study supports the feasibility and safety of LAAO in patients with a CIED.
Measurement and Prediction of Molar Volumes of Bivalent Metal Sulfates and Their Mixtures in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Vielma Tuomas , Hnedkovsky Lubomir , Hefter Glenn
Published: March 2023

Densities of aqueous solutions of MnSO$$_4$$

4

, CoSO$$_4$$

4

, NiSO$$_4$$

4

and CuSO$$_4$$

4

have been measured by vibrating tube densimetry up to near-saturation concentrations over the temperature range 293.15 $$\le T/$$

≤
T
/

K $$\le $$
≤
343.15 at 5 K intervals and at 0.1 MPa pressure. Apparent molar volumes, $$V_\phi $$

V
ϕ

, calculated from the densities revealed close similarities among all four electrolytes, with their $$V_\phi $$

V
ϕ

values essentially differing by constant concentration-independent addends for each salt at each temperature. It was found that there is an almost linear relationship between $$V_\phi $$

V
ϕ

(MSO$$_4$$

4

,aq) and the M–O bond length of the hydrated cations obtained from structural studies. This relationship can be used to predict values of $$V_\phi $$

V
ϕ

(MSO$$_4$$

4

,aq) for other sulfate salts over wide ranges of concentration and temperature, providing that the requisite structural data are available. Measurements of selected ternary, quaternary and quinary mixtures of these electrolytes at constant total concentrations showed that their $$V_\phi $$

V
ϕ

values almost always exhibit linear mixing (Young’s rule) behavior at all temperatures investigated. This finding can be exploited to predict the volumetric properties of solutions containing complex mixtures of bivalent metal sulfates.
The expressive case for animal self-consciousness
Authors: García Rodríguez Ángel
Published: March 2023

An obstacle for the attribution of self-consciousness to animals is that they lack the linguistic ability to use the first-person pronoun. To overcome the obstacle, current tests rely on the availability of behavioural measures of self-consciousness in the absence of language. However, this is not sufficient, for unless a distinction is drawn between epistemic and expressive varieties of self-consciousness, further puzzles threaten the validity of the research. This paper defends the distinction and shows how to re-evaluate current research into animal self-consciousness in its light, so as to improve conceptual clarity in this area.
Discovery and ranking of the most robust prognostic biomarkers in serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Győrffy Balázs
Published: March 2023

Progress in ovarian cancer treatment lags behind other tumor types. With diagnosis usually at an advanced stage, there is a high demand for reliable prognostic biomarkers capable of the selection of effective chemo- and targeted therapies. Our goal was to establish a large-scale transcriptomic database and use it to uncover and rank survival-associated genes. Ovarian cancer cohorts with transcriptome-level gene expression data and clinical follow-up were identified from public repositories. All samples were normalized and entered into an integrated database. Cox univariate survival analysis was performed for all genes and was followed by multivariate analysis for selected genes involving clinical and pathological variables. False discovery rate was computed for multiple hypothesis testing and a 1% cutoff was used to determine statistical significance. The complete integrated database comprises 1816 samples from 17 datasets. Altogether, 2468 genes were correlated to progression-free survival (PFS), and 704 genes were correlated with overall survival (OS). The most significant genes were WBP1L, ASAP3, CNNM2, and NCAPH2 for progression-free survival and CSE1L, NUAK1, ALPK2, and SHKBP1 for overall survival. Genes significant for PFS were also preferentially significant for predicting OS as well. All data including HR andpvalues as well as the used cutoff values for all genes for both PFS and OS are provided to enable the ranking of future biomarker candidates across all genes. Our results help to prioritize genes and to neglect those which are most likely to fail in studies aiming to establish new clinically useful biomarkers and therapeutic targets in serous ovarian cancer.
Comparative sustainability assessment of lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur, and all-solid-state traction batteries
Authors: Popien Jan-Linus , Thies Christian , Barke Alexander , Spengler Thomas S.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Traction batteries are a key component for the performance and cost of electric vehicles. While they enable emission-free driving, their supply chains are associated with environmental and socio-economic impacts. Hence, the advancement of batteries increasingly focuses on sustainability next to technical performance. However, due to different system definitions, comparing the results of sustainability assessments is difficult. Therefore, a sustainability assessment of different batteries on a common basis considering the three sustainability dimensions is needed.

Methods

This paper investigates the sustainability of current and prospective traction battery technologies for electric vehicles. It provides a common base for the comparison of the predominant lithium-ion batteries with new technologies such as lithium-sulfur and all-solid-state batteries regarding the environmental and socio-economic impacts in their supply chain. A life cycle sustainability assessment of ten battery types is carried out using a cradle-to-gate perspective and consistent system boundaries. Four environmental impact categories (climate change, human toxicity, mineral resource depletion, photochemical oxidant formation), one economic performance indicator (total battery cost), and three social risk categories (child labor, corruption, forced labor) are analyzed.

Results

The assessment results indicate that the new battery technologies are not only favorable in terms of technical performance but also have the potential to reduce environmental impacts, costs, and social risks. This holds particularly for the lithium-sulfur battery with solid electrolyte. The environmental benefits are even amplified with a higher share of renewable energy for component and battery production. Nevertheless, hotspots related to the high energy demand of production and the supply chain of the active materials remain.

Conclusions

This article emphasizes the need to evaluate different battery technologies on a common basis to ensure comparability of the results and to derive reliable recommendations. The results indicate that the lithium-sulfur battery with solid electrolyte is preferable since this battery has the best indicator scores for all impact categories investigated. However, all-solid-state batteries are still under development so that no conclusive recommendation can be made, but further development of these battery technologies appears promising.
Relationship between Internet Use and Negative Affect
Authors: Zheng Hongyun , Ma Wanglin , Li Junpeng , Botero Julio
Published: March 2023

While positive emotions like happiness and life satisfaction have received great attention, how to eliminate negative affect is largely neglected. This study contributes to the literature by examining the relationship between Internet use and people’s negative affect. Unlike previous studies that consider only one indicator, we capture negative affect from different dimensions by considering loneliness, sadness, and life hardship. We employ an endogenous ordered probit model to address the selection bias of Internet use and analyze the 20,107 individual-level samples sourced from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies survey. The results show that Internet use significantly reduces people’s loneliness, sadness, and life hardship. We also find that studying online and watching short videos would increase people’s loneliness feeling and shopping online deepens people’s life hardship. In contrast, using WeChat significantly reduces sadness and life hardship. Our findings confirm that guiding people to use the Internet appropriately is necessary to reduce negative affect and improve the quality of their life.
Development of a method for downscaling ecological footprint and biocapacity to a 1-km square resolution
Authors: Hori Keiko , Shirahama Shuji , Hashimoto Shizuka , Saito Osamu , Matsui Takanori , Haga Chihiro
Published: March 2023

In this study, we propose a method for downscaling ecological footprint (EF) and biocapacity (BC) to a 1-km square resolution for a spatially flexible analysis of environmental burden balance. To conduct EF downscaling (by land type and consumption category) for all terrestrial areas of Japan, the grid population was multiplied by the scaled EF per capita based on the consumption expenditures and income statistics available at the municipal level. The BC of each land type was estimated following the land-use map. Subsequently, a balance analysis between EF and BC showed the spatial distribution of EF, BC, and the environmental load excess ratio (EF/BC). The values of the environmental load excess ratio significantly varied between grids, and the spatial distributions differed depending on the land type. An example of multiscale balance analysis at municipal and prefectural scales by the developed dataset showed the different distributions of the environmental load excess ratio due to the scale of spatial boundaries and demonstrated its contribution to designing interregional cooperative policies from a multilayered perspective. The established high-resolution dataset can be utilized practically for flexibly analyzing the multilayered spatial boundaries to fill the scale mismatch between natural resources and administrative boundaries. The downscaling method proposed in this study can be applied beyond Japan if similar sets of statistics and land-use information are available, which will significantly improve the spatial resolution of the analysis.
Psychosocial experiences of breast cancer survivors: a meta-review
Authors: R. King , L. Stafford , P. Butow , S. Giunta , R. Laidsaar-Powell
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Advances in breast cancer care have led to a high rate of survivorship. This meta-review (systematic review of reviews) assesses and synthesises the voluminous qualitative survivorship evidence-base, providing a comprehensive overview of the main themes regarding breast cancer survivorship experiences, and areas requiring further investigation.

Methods

Sixteen breast cancer reviews identified by a previous mixed cancer survivorship meta-review were included, with additional reviews published between 1998 and 2020, and primary papers published after the last comprehensive systematic review between 2018 and 2020, identified via database searches (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO). Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative) checklist for primary studies. A meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesise data.

Results

Of 1673 review titles retrieved, 9 additional reviews were eligible (25 reviews included in total). Additionally, 76 individual papers were eligible from 2273 unique papers. Reviews and studies commonly focused on specific survivorship groups (including those from ethnic minorities, younger/older, or with metastatic/advanced disease), and topics (including return to work). Eight themes emerged: (1) Ongoing impact and search for normalcy, (2) Uncertainty, (3) Identity: Loss and change, (4) Isolation and being misunderstood, (5) Posttraumatic growth, (6) Return to work, (7) Quality of care, and (8) Support needs and coping strategies.

Conclusions

Breast cancer survivors continue to face challenges and require interventions to address these.

Implications for Cancer Survivors.

Breast cancer survivors may need to prepare for ongoing psychosocial challenges in survivorship and proactively seek support to overcome these.
Caveolin-1-Mediated Cholesterol Accumulation Contributes to Exaggerated mGluR-Dependent Long-Term Depression and Impaired Cognition in Fmr1 Knockout Mice
Authors: Luo Li , Yang Le , Zhang Kun , Zhou Shi-Meng , Wang Yan , Yang Liu-Kun , Feng Bin , Liu Shui-Bing , Wu Yu-Mei , Zhao Ming-Gao , Yang Qi
Published: March 2023

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is one of the most common inherited mental retardation diseases and is caused by the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression. The metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) theory of FXS states that enhanced mGluR-dependent long-term depression (LTD) due to FMRP loss is involved in aberrant synaptic plasticity and autistic-like behaviors, but little is known about the underlying molecular mechanism. Here, we found that only hippocampal mGluR-LTD was exaggerated in adolescent Fmr1 KO mice, while N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-LTD was intact in mice of all ages. This development-dependent alteration was related to the differential expression of caveolin-1 (Cav1), which is essential for caveolae formation. Knockdown of Cav1 restored the enhanced mGluR-LTD in Fmr1 KO mice. Moreover, hippocampal Cav1 expression in Fmr1 KO mice induced excessive endocytosis of the α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptor subunit GluA2. This process relied on mGluR1/5 activation rather than NMDAR. Interference with Cav1 expression reversed these changes. Furthermore, massive cholesterol accumulation contributed to redundant caveolae formation, which provided the platform for mGluR-triggered Cav1 coupling to GluA2. Importantly, injection of the cholesterol scavenger methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Mβ-CD) recovered AMPA receptor trafficking and markedly alleviated hyperactivity, hippocampus-dependent fear memory, and spatial memory defects in Fmr1 KO mice. Together, our findings elucidate the important role of Cav1 in mediating mGluR-LTD enhancement and further inducing AMPA receptor endocytosis and suggest that cholesterol depletion by Mβ-CD during caveolae formation may be a novel and safe strategy to treat FXS.
Navigating Urban Spaces as Queer Women in South Africa
Authors: Khuzwayo Zuziwe
Published: March 2023

Occupying urban spaces for queer women, often shaped by implicit and explicit forms of regressive heteropatriarchy, has been understood as a challenge for queer women. As a result, queer women struggle to inhabit, live and feel safe in urban spaces. However, further scholarship is needed to consider how queer women may also find strategies to overcome such challenges. Such work can then add productively to, and right an imbalance within, existing scholarship on sexuality and urban space by exploring, acknowledging and giving voice to the lived experiences of queer women especially in urban Africa. Drawing on a PhD study that deployed in-depth interviews with 23 queer women, this intervention looks specifically at how black queer women have found creative ways to create communities with each other in challenging contexts, in the city of Johannesburg. This intervention shows how black queer women resist various forms of oppression by creating safe spaces for themselves (and others) within the city. An appreciation of these strategies by black queer women can then help further discussions as to how we come to understand how queer women occupy and make urban spaces their own through socialisation and support in ways that may also have applicability across the wider continent.
Absence Due to Sickness Among Female Immigrants: Disadvantages Over the Career?
Authors: Ugreninov Elisabeth
Published: March 2023

The extent to which and where immigrants’ health may deteriorate in the integration process is less understood. This study extends the current knowledge by focusing on sickness absence in Norway among female immigrants working within eight occupations where few formal skills are required. Administrative register data with a total sample of 261,291 native women and 9251 female refugees or families reunited are used to examine the native-immigrant gap in absence due to sickness during a 10-year period. The main findings are that female immigrants are less likely to have at least one sickness absence spell compared to natives, and that the native-immigrant gap in sickness absence was rather stabile when the number of years worked in these occupations was considered. This study shows that immigrants follow the same pattern as natives and suggests that the native-immigrant gap in absence due to health should be nuanced and focus more on why several years in these occupations increase the probability of sickness absence, independent of country of origin.
Asian Australian Experiences of Racism During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Victoria: a Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Ballantyne Glenda , Giarrusso Vincent
Published: March 2023

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, reports of racism and racial discrimination towards those of an Asian cultural background have increased in culturally diverse countries around the world. The current study sought to gain clarity about Asian Australian experiences of racism by conducting inferential and descriptive analysis of cross-sectional survey data collected from the Australian state of Victoria (n = 436). Building on previous studies which have identified a range of modalities and consequences of COVID-19-related racism, participants were prompted to consider their experiences of racism in the year prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 as well as their experiences during the pandemic on four measures—Direct Experiences of Racism, Vicarious Experiences of Racism (online and in-person), Everyday Racism and Hypervigilance. For the target group (participants with an East or Southeast Asian cultural background resident in Victoria), analysis showed an increase in experiences across three of the four measures, with small to moderate effect sizes, Everyday Racism (r = 0.22), Vicarious Experiences of Racism (r = 0.19) and Hypervigilance (r = 0.43). Analysis demonstrated that the target group experienced a significant increase in online experiences of racism (r = 0.28). These findings shed light on the contradictory findings of previous research on pandemic-related racism in Australia. We show that the pandemic impacted Victorians likely to be perceived as of Chinese background more than other Asian Australians.
Drivers of Ecological Condition Identify Bright Spots and Sites for Management Across Coastal Seascapes
Authors: Gilby Ben L. , Goodridge Gaines Lucy A. , Borland Hayden P. , Henderson Christopher J. , Mosman Jesse D. , Olds Andrew D. , Perry Hannah J.
Published: March 2023

Disentangling natural and anthropogenic effects on ecosystem condition can uncover bright spots in urban landscapes that are performing above expectations and so are potential sites for conservation or benchmarking, as well as sites performing below expectations that should be the focus of management. In this study, we tested for correlations between metrics indexing ecological condition (focusing on habitat-forming species) and a suite of spatial and environmental variables at 373 sites across four ecosystems (mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh and rocky outcrops) and 13 estuaries in southeast Queensland, Australia. Ten condition metrics across the four ecosystems correlated with variables indexing the seascape context of sites, with condition metrics typically higher at sites more connected to natural features including the estuary mouth and mangroves. Urbanisation affected only two metrics, with rocky outcrop oyster cover being 75% lower at sites near extensive urbanisation and algae cover being highest at sites with intermediate urbanisation. We identified patterns in at least two variables from each ecosystem, meaning that decisions need to be made regarding optimal ecosystem states. Overall, management sites were more common than bright spots, with 50% more management sites in mangroves, 42.8% more in seagrasses, 38.5% more in saltmarshes and no bright spots in rocky outcrops (however, 10.3% of rocky outcrop sites were bright spots under an alternate ecosystem state model). We found that patterns in habitat condition across coastal seascapes can be predicted using spatial modelling approaches, and that these models can be readily used to prioritise management actions across the entire regions.
Mpox – ein neuer Name für eine alte Krankheit oder doch alles anders?
Authors: Grabmeier-Pfistershammer Katharina
Published: March 2023

Mit Mai 2022 schwappte eine Infektionswelle über die Welt und führte zu bisher mehr als 80.000 Fällen in mehr als 100 Ländern: Monkeypox-Infektionen (jetzt Mpox) waren bisher eine auf West- und Zentralafrika begrenzte Zoonose, Fälle in den USA oder Europa waren eine Seltenheit, auf Reisetätigkeit oder Einschleppung des Erregers über infizierte Tiere zurückzuführen. Die Krankheit beginnt mit einem Prodromalstadium, gefolgt von einem Exanthem, das sich zumeist vom Gesicht beginnend ausbreitet, begleitet von einer ausgeprägten generalisierten Lymphadenopathie. Die Hautläsionen durchlaufen Stadien von Makula, Papel, Bläschen und Pustel. Im weltweiten Ausbruch 2022, der fast ausschließlich Männer, die Sex mit Männern haben, betrifft, zeigt sich ein neues Bild der Erkrankung, oftmals ohne Prodromalstadium, mit nur wenigen, auf Anogenital- und Perioralregion limitierten, sehr schmerzhaften Läsionen und einer lokoregionären Lymphadenopathie. Schwere Verläufe und Todesfälle sind selten, trotz eines hohen Anteils an HIV-positiven Patienten. Gezielte Präventionsmaßnahmen, Einsetzen eines Impfprogramms und wahrscheinlich Eintritt einer Herdenimmunität in der Gruppe mit dem höchsten Infektionsrisiko führen seit dem Spätsommer weltweit zum Rückgang der Fallzahlen. Der aktuelle Mpox-Ausbruch macht auf die Wichtigkeit der Erhaltung von Herdenimmunität aufmerksam, legt neuerlich dar, wie schnell Erreger sich in einer mobilen Weltbevölkerung verbreiten können und dass daher Veränderungen von Inzidenzmustern von Erkrankungen in allen Teilen der Welt wahrgenommen werden sollten. Er bietet auch Anlass, sich mit der nach wie vor existenten Stigmatisierung (und Kriminalisierung) von unterschiedlichen Formen von Sexualität auseinanderzusetzen.
Immunfluoreszenzuntersuchungen in der Dermatologie
Authors: Bauer Wolfgang
Published: March 2023

Immunfluoreszenzoptische Untersuchungen haben seit langer Zeit einen fixen Stellenwert in der dermatologischen Diagnostik. Sie sind unerlässlich für die Diagnose von blasenbildenden Autoimmunerkrankungen und liefern wertvolle diagnostische Hinweise in der Beurteilung von Kollagenosen, Vaskulitiden und lichenoiden Erkrankungen sowie in der orientierenden Beurteilung angeborener, blasenbildender Erkrankungen. Mithilfe der direkten Immunfluoreszenzuntersuchung werden in einer Biopsie vorhandene Ablagerungen von Antigen-Antikörperkomplexen nachgewiesen, bei indirekten Methoden wird das Serum von Patienten auf das Vorhandensein von Autoantikörpern untersucht. Ein wesentlicher limitierender Faktor in der Qualität dieser Untersuchungen ist die korrekte Entnahme sowie der Transport der Hautbiopsie ins Labor.
Permeability modeling of Upper Cretaceous Bahariya Formation rocks, Abu Sennan field, Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: Abuseda Hesham Hassan , El Sayed Abdel Moktader Abdel Aziz , Elnaggar Osama Muhammad
Published: March 2023

The present work aims to describe in detail the petrophysical properties of the Bahariya Formation (Abu Sennan field) through processing the core sample data and finding out the possible relations between permeability and other reservoir parameters such as porosity, specific internal surface, formation factor, and nuclear magnetic resonance to obtain reliable permeability prediction model of the Upper Cretaceous formation. The core samples have a length range of 2–4 cm with a diameter of 2.54 cm. Many petrophysical reservoir parameters were measured, such as permeability, porosity, density, formation factor, and special measurements such as spectral induced polarization, nuclear magnetic resonance, and specific internal surface. The samples cover a wide range of porosity (11.82–23.68 %) and permeability (0.06–133.65 mD). The porosity-permeability relationship indicates the increase of the permeability with porosity increase for the studied samples. The reservoir quality index ranges from 0.02 to 0.78 μm. The flow zone indicator ranges from 0.09 to 3.39 μm where pore throat radius (R35) ranges from 0.10 to 7.40 μm. The reservoir quality index (RQI) and flow zone indicator (FZI) cross-plot show a better understanding of the formation evaluation. The hydraulic flow units are (0.09 μm < FZI ≤ 3.39 μm) and RQI < (1 μm). NMR longitudinal relaxation time T1 range is 1.21–175 ms, NMR transversal relaxation time T2(100) range is 0.70–91.77 ms, and T2(600) range is 0.74–75.86 ms. Models that incorporate porosity and NMR relaxation times will be more accurate and suitable for permeability prediction. Using multiple regression to determine the exponents of the power-law equation and replacing the porosity with the formation factor can improve the permeability prediction for the samples under investigation. The utilizing of NMR in predicting the permeability through a robust model considers an additional value for the Upper Cretaceous rocks in Egypt.
Exceedance Counts and GOD’s Order Statistics
Authors: Falk Michael
Published: March 2023

In this paper we derive a characterization of the distribution of the number of exceedances among the components of a random vector in terms of order statistics of generators of D-norms (GOD). The computation of the fragility index is an immediate consequence.
Rhaponticin suppresses the hypoxia-induced factor-1 alpha-mediated aggressive phenotype of tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Yuan , Wan Xiaowen , Shao Yisen , Wang Wei , Huang Wenquan , Zhu Jiajun , Jiang Lin
Published: March 2023

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that rhaponticin, a stilbene monomeric compound isolated from North China rhubarb, has been shown to exhibit significant biological activity against tumors. However, the anticancer effects and mechanisms of rhaponticin in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) remain elusive.

Objective

We investigated the changes of migration and invasion abilities and EMT progression of TSCC cells treated with different concentrations of rhaponticin under hypoxia, as well as the possible mechanisms, in order to initially explore the effects of rhaponticin on the biological characteristics of TSCC cells under hypoxia.

Results

The number of cell migration and invasion was prominently increased, E-cadherin protein was down-regulated, and N-cadherin and HIF-1α protein expression was elevated under hypoxia. Rhaponticin intervention strikingly prevented the increased abilities of migration and invasion and EMT of TSCC cells under hypoxia. This was followed by further validation finding that rhaponticin indeed leads to reduced HIF-1α post-transcriptional activity. Mechanistically, rhaponticin may bind to aryl-hydrocarbon nuclear translocator (ARNT) domain of HIF-1α.

Conclusions

Rhaponticin repressed the invasion and migration abilities and EMT process of TSCC cells under a hypoxic environment in vitro by targeted suppression of HIF-1α.