bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic variance partitioning by transcriptomic gene expression levels and environmental variables for anthropometric traits using GTEx data
Authors: Jullian Fabres Pastor , Lee S. Hong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPhenotypic variation in human is the results of genetic variation and environmental influences. Understanding the contribution of genetic and environmental components to phenotypic variation is of great interest. The variance explained by genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) typically represents a small proportion of the phenotypic variance for complex traits, which may be because the genome is only a part of the whole biological process to shape the phenotypes. In this study, we propose to partition the phenotypic variance of three anthropometric traits, using gene expression levels and environmental variables from GTEx data. We use the gene expression of four tissues that are deemed relevant for the anthropometric traits (two adipose tissues, skeletal muscle tissue and blood tissue). Additionally, we estimate the transcriptome–environment correlation that partly underlies the phenotypes of the anthropometric traits. We found that genetic factors play a significant role in determining body mass index (BMI), with the proportion of phenotypic variance explained by gene expression levels of visceral adipose tissue being 0.68 (SE = 0.06). However, we also observed that environmental factors such as age, sex, ancestry, smoking status, and drinking alcohol status have a small but significant impact (0.005, SE = 0.001). Interestingly, we found a significant negative correlation between the transcriptomic and environmental effects on BMI (transcriptome–environment correlation = −0.54, SE = 0.14), suggesting an antagonistic relationship. This implies that individuals with lower genetic profiles may be more susceptible to the effects of environmental factors on BMI, while those with higher genetic profiles may be less susceptible. We also show that the estimated transcriptomic variance varies across tissues, e.g., the gene expression levels of whole blood tissue and environmental variables explain a lower proportion of BMI phenotypic variance (0.16, SE = 0.05 and 0.04, SE = 0.004 respectively). We observed a significant positive correlation between transcriptomic and environmental effects (1.21, SE = 0.23) for this tissue. In conclusion, phenotypic variance partitioning can be done using gene expression and environmental data even with a small sample size (n = 838 from GTEx data), which can provide insights into how the transcriptomic and environmental effects contribute to the phenotypes of the anthropometric traits.
Predictors of neurocognitive and psychological disorders in children after intensive care admission: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Yuliarto Saptadi , Ramadhanti Ardhanis , Khalasha Takhta , Kadafi Kurniawan Taufiq , Ariani Ariani 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsChildren admitted in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) often deal with long‐term morbidities affecting physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and psychiatric symptoms. We aimed to identify the internal and external factors which predict the occurrence of neurocognitive and psychological disorders in survivors at 3 months after PICU discharge.MethodsWe identified 53 critically ill children, ages 4–18 years old, admitted in PICU for more than 24 h, and survived. We evaluated neurocognitive disorder with Pediatric Cerebral Perfomance Category (PCPC) and psychological disorders with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at the time of PICU discharge and repeated in 3 months afterward. We evaluated the internal and external risk factors related to neurocognitive and psychological disorders in PICU survivors. The internal risk factors were age, gender, family composition, and socioeconomic status. The external risk factors were: surgical intervention, neurological disease, predicted death rate by pediatric index mortality (PIM)‐2 score, PICU length of stay (LOS), days of mechanical ventilation, and the number of therapeutic interventions.ResultsThere were significant improvement in neurocognitive disorders (p < 0.001), peer problems, (p = 0.01), and prosocial behaviors (p = 0.00) in children at 3 months after the PICU discharge. Age of 4–5 years has a significant effect on neurocognitive disorders (p = 0.04), while male gender (p = 0.02), low‐social economy, non‐intact family composition (p = 0.01), neurological disease (p = 0.04), surgical intervention (p = 0.01), and TISS score (p = 0.00) have a significant effect on psychological disorders in children at 3 months after the PICU dischargeConclusionNeurocognitive disorders, peer problems, and prosocial behaviors improved in a few patients 3 months after PICU discharge. Age of 4–5 years was a risk factor of the persisted neurocognitive disorder, whereas male gender, low‐social economy, non‐intact family composition, neurological disease, surgical intervention, and TISS score were risk factors of persisted psychological disorder at 3 months after PICU.
Modelling of snow interception on a Japanese cedar canopy based on weighing tree experiment in a warm winter region
Authors: Katsushima Takafumi , Kato Akio , Aiura Hideharu , Nanko Kazuki , Suzuki Satoru , Takeuchi Yukari , Murakami Shigeki 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSnow interception by tree canopy affects the water and energy budgets. Several snow interception models have been proposed to estimate the temporal change of intercepted snow on the tree canopy from meteorological data. However, most models are based on a few observational results at limited sites or some conceptual understandings and assumptions; they still need more observational evidence and more detailed descriptions in the parameterization model for snow accumulation and snow unloading response to various meteorological conditions. A weighing tree experiment that measures the intercepted snow on the cut Japanese cedar trees was conducted in Tokamachi, Japan, to investigate the relationship between meteorological conditions and the change of intercepted snow. The results showed that the interception efficiency, which shows the ratio of intercepted snow to the total precipitation, increased with increasing air temperature in the range from −4.2 to 0°C due to increased adhesion and cohesion of snow. The maximum interception capacity was not present in observations such as an air temperature range. The unloading of intercepted snow from the canopy induced by snowmelt was related to air temperature, solar radiation, and intercepted snow amount. The snow unloading caused by wind‐blowing intercepted snow off the tree, started to develop at wind speeds exceeding 0.8 m s−1. The wind‐induced snow unloading rate coefficient increased as the wind speed increased. This study proposed a new parameterization model of snow interception based on these observations. It is the only snow interception model to use solar radiation in the snow unloading parameterization. It found that simulated and observed temporal changes of intercepted snow correlated well. Nevertheless, there were significant errors between the simulated and observed intercepted snow on several snowfall events because the model could not accurately assess the occurrence of snow unloading due to snowmelt.
Proton Transfer Reactions from N2H+ and ArH+ to Small Molecules
Authors: Münst Maximilian G. , Barwa Erik , Ončák Milan , Beyer Martin K. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractProton transfer reactions (PTR) are important for chemical ionization, especially in trace gas analysis in air. In an effort to extend their application to the analysis of high‐purity inert gases, we studied PTR of N2H+ and ArH+ with various reaction gases, viz. O2, N2, CH4, CO2, NO2, H2O and CH3OH. Oxygen, nitrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and water undergo non‐dissociative proton transfer, where the original molecule remains intact. PTR to nitrogen dioxide leads to NO+ with release of neutral OH⋅. While PTR from N2H+ to methanol exclusively yields protonated methanol, the reaction with ArH+ exhibits dissociative proton transfer, due to its higher exothermicity. Products include methenium, protonated formaldehyde, and protonated methanol. The latter undergoes a slow secondary reaction to form protonated dimethyl ether. Within error limits, most reactions proceed at or close to collision rate. Quantum chemical calculations provide energetics and reaction pathways. In such highly exothermic proton transfer reactions, identification and quantification of trace compounds require detailed understanding of the fragmentation pathways and branching ratios.
The Queen of Quorum Sensing: Scientist, Bacterial Linguist, Professor, Mentor
Authors: van Kessel Julia C. , Ng Wai‐Leung , Xavier Karina B. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBonnie L. Bassler, Ph.D. is the 2022 recipient of the Wolf Prize in Chemistry, a highly honored, prestigious award given to the world's foremost scientists. Among her colleagues, students, and trainees, Bonnie is known for her innate curiosity, shrewd mind, and exuberant personality that collectively distinguish her in the scientific world. Those of us that have been taught by Bonnie – whether in the lab, the classroom, or at her unique seminars – have learned much about communication and coordination by bacteria through chemical language. We describe here our collective journeys with Bonnie, and how these have shaped our careers and perspectives in science, as well as, how in our opinion Bonnie's work and personality has inspired researchers across disciplines to become interested in Bacterial Chemical Communication.
A Saudi multicenter experience on therapeutic plasma exchange for patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A call for national registry
Authors: Radhwi Osman , Badawi Maha A. , Almarzouki Adel , Al‐Ayoubi Fakhr , ElGohary Ghada , Asfina Kazi Nur , Basendwah Abdulrahim Mohammed , Alhazmi Iman Ayed , Almahasnah Eiman A. , AlBahrani Ahmed , Raizah Abdulrahman Al , Yahya Ayel , Alshahrani Khadeja , Hindawi Salwa 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe improvement in the clinical care for patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is evolving, and many efforts are being put to standardize it. Here, we aimed to assess the provided care at a national level and identify deficiencies.MethodsA national Saudi retrospective descriptive study was carried out at six tertiary referral centers and included all patients who underwent therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for the diagnosis of TTP between May 2005, and July 2022. Collected information included demographic data, clinical features on presentation, and the results of laboratory investigations at admission and discharge. In addition, the number of TPE sessions, days till the first session of TPE, usage of immunological agents, and clinical outcomes were all collected.ResultsOne hundred patients were enrolled, predominantly female (56%). The mean age was 36.8 years. At diagnosis, 53% of patients showed neurological involvement. The mean platelet count at presentation was 21 × 109/L. All patients had anemia (mean hematocrit 24.2%). Schistocytes were present in the peripheral blood film of all patients. The mean number of TPE rounds was 13 ± 9.3, and the mean days to start TPE since admission for the first episode was 2.5 days. ADAMTS13 level was measured in 48% of patients and was significantly low in 77% of them. Assessing for clinical TTP scores, 83%, 1000%, 64% of eligible patients had an intermediate/high PLASMIC, FRENCH, and Bentley scores, respectively. Caplacizumab was used on only one patient, and rituximab was administered to 37% of patients. A complete response for the first episode was achieved in 78% of patients. The overall mortality rate was 25%. Neither time to TPE, the use of rituximab or steroid affected survival.ConclusionsOur study shows an excellent response to TPE with a survival rate approximate to the reported international literature. We observed a deficiency in using validated scoring systems in addition to confirming the disease by ADAMTS13 testing. This emphasizes the need for a national registry to facilitate proper diagnosis and management of this rare disorder.
Challenges in Conducting Therapeutic Trials in Pregnancy: Emphasizing Recent Lessons Learned
Authors: Bank Tracy Caroline , Stika Catherine S. , Venkataramanan Raman , Field Christine , Costantine Maged M. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPregnant people have traditionally been excluded from therapeutic research by restrictions intended for fetal protection. Despite a movement toward inclusion, concerns for the feasibility and safety of including pregnant people in studies continue to limit this research. This article reviews the history of research guidelines in pregnancy and illustrates ongoing challenges, as seen in the development of vaccines and therapies during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and investigation of statins for preeclampsia prevention. It explores new approaches that may be used to improve therapeutic research in pregnancy. A major cultural shift is needed to balance potential maternal and/or fetal risks with potential benefits from participation in research, as well as harm from withholding treatment or providing one that is not evidence‐based. Finally, it is important to honor maternal autonomy in decision‐making regarding participation in clinical trials.
Clinical Lactation Studies of Neuropsychiatric Medications: Clinical Pharmacology and Labeling Considerations
Authors: Nallani Srikanth C. , Baisden Kristie , Dinatale Miriam , Basham Lisa , Kwatra Deep , Yao Lynne 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe availability of clinical pharmacology and safety data regarding the use of prescription medications in pregnant and lactating individuals has been historically limited, despite significant efforts to improve the quantity and quality of the information in labeling. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule took effect on June 30, 2015, and updated information in labeling to more clearly describe available data to assist health care providers in counseling pregnant and lactating individuals. Additionally, the FDA published a revised draft guidance, “Clinical Lactation Studies: Considerations for Study Design,” to provide pharmaceutical companies and investigators with information about how and when to conduct lactation studies. Clinical pharmacology information derived from lactation studies is important in determining the presence of medications in breast milk and counseling lactating individuals regarding the potential of medication exposure in the breast milk and its attendant risks to the breastfed infant. Examples of Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule labeling changes that resulted from dedicated clinical lactation studies for certain neuropsychiatric medications are described in this publication. These medications are discussed because neuropsychiatric conditions commonly affect women of reproductive potential, including lactating individuals. As the FDA guidance and these studies illustrate, bioanalytical method validation, study design, and data analysis considerations are essential for obtaining quality lactation data. Well‐designed clinical lactation studies play an important role in informing product labeling that ultimately is useful to health care providers in making prescribing decisions with lactating individuals.
Menhaden fish oil encapsulation by spray drying process: influence of different biopolymer materials, inlet air temperature and emulsion ratios
Authors: Hashim Nurmaryam Aini , Mudalip Siti Kholijah Abdul , Man Rohaida Che , Sulaiman Siti Zubaidah 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDIncorporating fish oils into commonly consumed foods is an emerging technique for increasing the daily intake of omega‐3 fatty acid. However, the high vulnerability of fish oil towards oxidative deterioration reduces shelf life stability. Microencapsulation by spray drying with different combinations of biopolymers and other parameters may provide a solution by preventing further oxidation of fish oil and permitting its delivery to food items. This study emphasised the influence of developed biopolymer materials (maltodextrin, maltodextrin + gum arabic, maltodextrin + starch, maltodextrin + whey protein isolates and maltodextrin + sodium caseinate) for emulsion formulation, inlet air temperature (160, 170, 180, 190 and 200 °C) and emulsion ratios (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35%) on the physicochemical properties of powdered menhaden fish oil by spray drying technique.RESULTSMicroencapsulated menhaden fish oil was evaluated for its moisture content, size distribution, microcapsule efficiency, peroxide value, free fatty acid, acid value and morphological structure. It was observed that the coating materials of maltodextrin + whey protein isolates gave the lowest moisture content and peroxide value of 4.410% and 4.031 mEq kg−1, respectively. The morphological images showed a smooth surface with no cracks and minimal shrinkage, indicating lower permeability to gases and effectively protecting the oil against deterioration.CONCLUSIONThe spray drying procedure using maltodextrin + whey protein isolates at an inlet air temperature 190 °C and emulsion ratio of 30% successfully produced fish oil microcapsules with improved properties. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Transvaginal ultrasound versus magnetic resonance imaging for preoperative assessment of myometrial infiltration in patients with low‐grade endometrioid endometrial cancer: A systematic review and head‐to‐head meta‐analysis
Authors: Tameish Sara , Florez Natalia , Vidal Juan Ramón Pérez , Chen Hui , Vara Julio , Alcázar Juan Luis 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPurposeWe aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) for detecting myometrial invasion (MI) in patients with low‐grade endometrioid endometrial carcinoma.MethodsA comprehensive search of MEDLINE (Pubmed), Web of Science, Embase and Scopus (from January 1990 to December 2022) was performed for articles comparing TVS and MRI in the evaluation of myometrial infiltration in low‐grade (grade 1 or 2) endometrioid endometrial carcinoma in the same group of patients. We used QUADAS‐2 tool for assessing the risk of bias of studies.ResultsWe found 104 citations in our extensive research. Four articles were ultimately included in the meta‐analysis, after excluding 100 reports. All articles were considered low risk of bias in most of the domains assessed in QUADAS‐2. We observed that pooled sensitivity and specificity for detecting deep MI were 65% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 54%–75%) and 85% (95% CI = 79%–89%) for MRI, and 71% (95% CI = 63%–78%) and 76% (95% CI = 67%–83%) for TVS, respectively. No statistical differences were found between both imaging techniques (p > 0.05). We observed low heterogeneity for sensitivity and high for specificity regarding TVS; and moderate for both sensitivity and specificity in case of MRI.ConclusionsThe diagnostic performance of TVS and MRI for the evaluation of deep MI in women with low‐grade endometrioid endometrial cancer is similar. However, further research is needed as the number of studies is scanty.
Supraorbital Rim and Roof Reconstruction with Vascularized Fascia Lata and Autogenous Rib Graft
Authors: Liu Sara W. , Frost Ariel , Fritz Michael A. 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveDescribe a novel technique for reconstruction of complex defects involving supraorbital rim and orbital roof.MethodsRetrospective chart review and description of surgical technique.ResultsFour patients underwent tumor resection with neurosurgery (2 intraosseous hemangioma, 1 meningioma, and 1 ossifying fibroma), with mean tumor size of 42.6 cubic centimeters on preoperative imaging. All defects involved supraorbital rim and orbital roof. Patients were reconstructed with autogenous osseous rib graft for structure and contour and anterolateral thigh fascia lata (ALTFL) free flap to provide robust vascularity to rib bone and as a barrier between skull base dura and the orbit and/or sinonasal cavities. Two patients underwent resection and reconstruction using minimal access incisions, and two underwent major cranial and skull base resections. All flaps are vascularized via superficial temporal vessels. On postoperative follow‐up (mean 33.5 months, range 8–48), all patients report no vision change or diplopia, with excellent contour symmetry to contralateral orbit. Follow‐up imaging (mean 29.5 months, range 3–48) demonstrated maintained orbital volume and retention of rib bone graft compared to immediate postoperative imaging. There were no complications related to graft use. Minor complications include 1 patient with cerebrospinal fluid leak managed with lumbar drain placement and 1 patient with mild enophthalmos at 7‐month follow‐up.ConclusionWe describe a series of patients who underwent a novel technique for reconstruction of complex defects involving supraorbital rim and orbital roof with autogenous osseous rib and vascularized ALTFL‐free flap with excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes. This can be accomplished using minimal access techniques to minimize patient morbidity.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:654–658, 2024
Trends in Endoscopic and Microscopic Approaches to Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery in the US
Authors: Naimi Bita , Duffy Alexander , Garvey Emily , Urdang Zachary , Farquhar Douglas , Kelly Patrick , Farrell Christopher , Rabinowitz Mindy , Rosen Marc , Toskala Elina , Evans James , Nyquist Gurston 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesAmong the transsphenoidal (TSS) approaches to pituitary tumors, the microscopic approach (MA) has historically been the predominant technique with the increasing adoption of the endoscopic approach (EA). This study investigates national trends in TSS approaches and postoperative outcomes for MA and EA through 2021.MethodsThe TriNetX database was queried for patients undergoing TSS (MA and EA) between 2010 and 2021. Data were collected on demographics, geographic distribution of surgical centers, postoperative complications, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRT), repeat surgery, and postoperative emergency department (ED) visits.Results8644 TSS cases were queried between 2010 and 2021. MA rates were highest until 2013 when rates of EA (52%) surpassed MA (48%) and continued to increase through 2021 (81%). From 2010 to 2015 EA had higher odds of a postoperative CSF leak (OR 3.40) and diabetes insipidus (DI (OR 2.30)) versus MA (p < 0.05); from 2016 to 2021 differences were not significant. Although there was no significant difference among approaches from 2010 to 2015 for syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), hyponatremia, or bacterial meningitis, from 2016 to 2021 EA had lower odds of SIADH (OR 0.54) and hyponatremia (OR 0.71), and higher odds of meningitis (OR 1.79) versus MA (p < 0.05). EA had higher odds of additional surgery (either EA or MA) after initial surgery from 2010 to 2021. From 2010 to 2015 EA had lower odds of postoperative SRT compared to MA, whereas in 2016–2021 there was no statistical difference among approaches.ConclusionThis study demonstrates increasing EA adoption for TSS in the United States since 2013. Complication rates have overall improved for EA compared to MA, potentially as a result of improving surgeon familiarity and experience.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 133:2135–2140, 2023