bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurometabolic changes in multiple sclerosis: Fingolimod versus beta interferon or glatiramer acetate therapy
Authors: Al‐iedani Oun , Lea Rodney , Ribbons Karen , Ramadan Saadallah , Lechner‐Scott Jeannette 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground and PurposeFingolimod has been shown to be more effective in reducing relapse rate and disability than injectable therapies in clinical trials. An increase in N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) as measured by MR spectroscopy is correlated with maintaining axonal metabolic functions. This study compared the neurometabolic and volumetric changes in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients on fingolimod or injectable therapies with healthy controls (HCs).MethodsNinety‐eight RRMS (52 on fingolimod, 46 on injectable therapies (27 on glatiramer acetate and 19 on interferon) were age and sex‐matched to 51 HCs. RRMS patients underwent cognitive, fatigue, and mental health assessments, as well as an Expanded disability status scale (EDSS). MRI/S was acquired from the hippocampus, posterior cingulate gyrus (PCG), and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Volumetric and neurometabolic measures were compared across cohorts using a univariate general linear model and correlated with clinical severity and neuropsychological scores.ResultsClinical parameters, MR‐volumetric, and neurometabolic profiles showed no differences between treatment groups (p > .05). Compared to HCs, both RRMS cohorts showed volume changes in white matter (−13%), gray matter (−16%), and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) (+17‐23%), as well as reduced NAA (−17%, p = .001, hippocampus), (−7%, p = .001, PCG), and (−9%, p = .001, PFC). MRI/S metrics in three regions were moderately correlated with cognition and fatigue functions.ConclusionWhile both treatment arms showed overall similar volumetric and neurometabolic profiles, longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify neurometabolic changes and associations with treatment efficacy.
Skull metastases and osseous venous malformations: The role of diffusion‐weighted and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Kurokawa Ryo , Kurokawa Mariko , Holmes Adam , Baba Akira , Bapuraj Jayapalli , Capizzano Aristides , Kim John , Srinivasan Ashok , Moritani Toshio 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground and PurposeSkull metastasis (SM) is a common secondary malignancy. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating SM from osseous venous malformations and SM of various origins.MethodsThis study included 31 patients with SM (median age, 64 years; range, 41‐87 years; 29 women; 24 and 7 patients with breast and non‐small cell lung cancer, respectively) and 16 with osseous venous malformations (median age, 68 years; range, 20‐81 years; 10 women) who underwent both DWI and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI between January 2015 and October 2021. Normalized mean apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI parameters were compared between SM and osseous venous malformations, and between breast cancer and non‐small cell lung cancer. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to identify statistically significant parameters.ResultsPlasma volume and time‐to‐maximum enhancement were the most statistically significant parameters for differentiating SM from osseous venous malformations, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.962. The normalized mean ADC and peak enhancement values were the most statistically significant parameters for differentiating breast cancer from non‐small cell lung cancer, with an area under the curve of 0.924.ConclusionsOur results highlight the efficacious diagnostic performance of DWI and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI in distinguishing SM from osseous venous malformations and differentiating SM of various origins.
Cheaper by the bundle: The interaction of frictions and option exercise in variable annuities
Authors: Bauer Daniel , Moenig Thorsten 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTypical Variable Annuity products combine complex baseline contracts at substantial fees with optional guarantees. We argue this product design aligns with the benefits of bundling to the provider, to the extent that the baseline option features can reduce total replication value. This is possible due to market frictions, and particularly taxation rules, affecting policyholder exercise behavior. We demonstrate the relevance of this mechanism in the context of popular withdrawal guarantees, both theoretically and empirically. Specifically, we show that in the presence of personal taxes, adding on a common death benefit at baseline may decrease the total contract value to the provider.
Politeness as signs of difference: Semiotic differentiation and identity among Taiwanese in China
Authors: Su Hsi‐Yao 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis study examines a prevalent discourse on Taiwanese politeness as part and parcel of identity and ideological work among Taiwanese residing in China. Using as data spontaneous discussions about politeness in interviews and online forum posts that evaluate politeness, this study explores how politeness is taken up as a sign to index Taiwan–China differences and how identity is simultaneously constructed throughout this ideological work, focusing on the succession of semiotic differentiations within or across talks and texts. Throughout this process, various qualitative contrasts are made and grouped by the soft/hard schema, and differentiation between Taiwan and China is constructed. The study also considers relevant historical and social conditions and explores how the complex Taiwan–China relations may give rise to the prevalence of such a discourse.
Development of the Adapted Pivot Test method for descriptive sensory analyses with young untrained students
Authors: Beaulieu Aleksandr , Giraud Valentin , Magro Pierre , Nougarede Sylvain , Maza Elie , Samson Alain , Geffroy Olivier , Chervin Christian 
Published: August 2022

AbstractA recent method using paired comparison between coded wines and a pivot wine, first developed with wine experts, was adapted to be performed by students, as potential young consumers. The untrained students generated the list of words in a preliminary session, and then a paired comparison with a pivot wine was performed, using the words representing 75% of total occurrences. Correspondence analyses enabled the categorization of either white or red wines, using the respective words chosen by students. These correspondence analyses (CA) enable to associate wines and words as expected, but also grouped similar wines that were presented under different codes, as a test. And CA also logically discriminated words, such as “intense,” “lingering,” and “burning,” from “light” and “fresh,” which are indeed opposed in food sensory perception. A statistical approach, using the chi‐squared test of independence, is also proposed to determine the optimal panelist number.Practical applicationsOur results suggest that this method, called Adapted Pivot Test (APT), could be useful for descriptive analyses by untrained students. The method could provide simple means for categorizing products, without using semantic analyses, which often create biases when performed by nonspecialists. The robustness of this method could be further tested using various products and consumer panels. In addition, we provide a full set of data that can be used in sensory analysis or statistical teaching courses.
Lysine stimulates the development of the murine mammary gland at puberty via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling axis
Authors: Li Wen , Long Xiaoyu , Li Feng , Cao Yu , Liu Juxiong , Fu Shoupeng , Guo Wenjin , Hu Guiqiu 
Published: August 2022

AbstractLysine is one of the essential amino acids. The effect of lysine on milk protein and milk fat anabolism has been reported, but the effect on mammary glands development has not been studied in detail. The normal development of the mammary glands at puberty is crucial to lactation of mammals. In this study, to explore the effect of lysine on mammary glands development, we fed different concentrations of lysine (0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%) to pubertal mice and found that the addition of 0.1% lysine to drinking water significantly promoted mammary glands development. Furthermore, we treated mMECs (mouse mammary epithelial cells) with different concentrations of lysine (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 mM) to explore the underlying mechanism, and found that lysine promoted the proliferation of mMECs and development of mammary glands through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway in pubertal mice. Overall, the results of this study revealed that lysine activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal axis, elevated protein concentrations of cell proliferation markers, such as PCNA, Cyclin D1 and D3, and enhanced the proliferation of mMECs, finally promoted the murine mammary glands development at puberty.
The use of autologous skeletal muscle progenitor cells for adjunctive treatment of presumptive urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs
Authors: Vaden Shelly L. , Mathews Kyle G. , Yoo James , Williams James Koudy , Harris Tonya , Secoura Patty , Robertson James , Gleason Katherine L. , Reynolds Hannah , Piedrahita Jorge 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundUrethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) is a common problem in female dogs, but some dogs fail to achieve continence with standard treatment. Urethral submucosal injection of autologous skeletal muscle progenitor cells (skMPCs) previously has been shown to restore urethral function in a canine model of USMI.Hypothesis/ObjectiveTo determine if urethral submucosal injection of skMPC alters continence in dogs with USMI that had previously failed standard medical management. We hypothesized that the injections would lead to improved continence.AnimalsFifteen client‐owned dogs with USMI that had failed standard medical management.MethodsDogs were prospectively enrolled into a single‐armed clinical trial. Once enrolled, a triceps muscle of each dog was biopsied; the tissue specimens were digested, cultured, and expanded to 100 million cells before injection into the urethral submucosa using a surgical approach. Continence was assessed at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post‐injection using continence scores and urethral pressure profilometry.ResultsMedian continence scores increased significantly from baseline at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Increases were seen in 14 of 15 dogs with 7, 6 or 1 dog achieving scores of 5, 4 or 3, respectively. Additional medication was required to achieve continence in all but 2 dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceUrethral submucosal injection of skMPC can be used adjunctively to improve continence in dogs with difficult to manage USMI. The procedure is labor intensive but well tolerated; most dogs will require continued medication to remain continent.
Extrahepatic autoimmune diseases in autoimmune hepatitis: Effect on mortality
Authors: Birn‐Rydder Rasmine , Jensen Morten D. , Jepsen Peter , Grønbæk Lisbet 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease associated with an increased prevalence of extrahepatic autoimmune diseases and an increased mortality compared with the general population. The contribution of extrahepatic autoimmune diseases to the increased mortality has not been clarified. Our aim was to determine the effect of extrahepatic autoimmune diseases on mortality in AIH patients.MethodsThis nationwide register‐based cohort study included all Danish patients diagnosed with AIH between 1995 and 2019. We examined the presence of extrahepatic autoimmune diseases and compared the mortality between AIH patients with and without extrahepatic autoimmune diseases. We adjusted our analysis for age, sex, calendar year of AIH diagnosis, cirrhosis, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischaemic heart disease.ResultsWe included 2479 AIH patients of whom 19.8% had one extrahepatic autoimmune disease and 3.3% had multiple. The adjusted 10‐year cumulative mortality was 27.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 25.2–29.4) for patients with extrahepatic autoimmune diseases and 21.6% (95% CI: 19.9–23.6) for patients without. The adjusted mortality hazard ratio was 1.30 (95% CI: 1.12–1.52) for AIH patients with versus without extrahepatic autoimmune diseases; it was 1.25 (95% CI: 1.06–1.48) for patients with one extrahepatic autoimmune disease and 1.54 (95% CI: 1.15–2.05) for those with more than one.ConclusionsExtrahepatic autoimmune diseases increased the mortality in patients with AIH. Patients with multiple extrahepatic autoimmune diseases had a higher mortality than patients with just one extrahepatic autoimmune disease.
DKK1 drives immune suppressive phenotypes in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and can be targeted with anti‐DKK1 therapeutic DKN‐01
Authors: Jarman Edward J. , Horcas‐Lopez Marta , Waddell Scott H. , MacMaster Stephanie , Gournopanos Konstantinos , Soong Daniel Y. H. , Musialik Kamila I. , Tsokkou Panagiota , Ng Minn‐E , Cambridge William A. , Wilson David H. , Kagey Michael H. , Newman Walter , Pollard Jeffrey W. , Boulter Luke 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsDickkopf‐1 (DKK1) is associated with poor prognosis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), but the mechanisms behind this are unclear. Here, we show that DKK1 plays an immune regulatory role in vivo and inhibition reduces tumour growth.MethodsVarious in vivo GEMM mouse models and patient samples were utilized to assess the effects of tumour specific DKK1 overexpression in iCCA. DKK1‐driven changes to the tumour immune microenvironment were characterized by immunostaining and gene expression analysis. DKK1 overexpressing and damage‐induced models of iCCA were used to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of DKK1 inhibition in these contexts using the anti‐DKK1 therapeutic, DKN‐01.ResultsDKK1 overexpression in mouse models of iCCA drives an increase in chemokine and cytokine signalling, the recruitment of regulatory macrophages, and promotes the formation of a tolerogenic niche with higher numbers of regulatory T cells. We show a similar association of DKK1 with FOXP3 and regulatory T cells in patient tissue and gene expression data, demonstrating these effects are relevant to human iCCA. Finally, we demonstrate that inhibition of DKK1 with the monoclonal antibody mDKN‐01 is effective at reducing tumour burden in two distinct mouse models of the disease.ConclusionDKK1 promotes tumour immune evasion in iCCA through the recruitment of immune suppressive macrophages. Targeting DKK1 with a neutralizing antibody is effective at reducing tumour growth in vivo. As such, DKK1 targeted and immune modulatory therapies may be an effective strategy in iCCA patients with high DKK1 tumour expression or tolerogenic immune phenotypes.
How big is the little brain in the gut? Neuronal numbers in the enteric nervous system of mice, Guinea pig, and human
Authors: Michel Klaus , Kuch Birgit , Dengler Sophie , Demir Ihsan Ekin , Zeller Florian , Schemann Michael 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite numerous studies on the enteric nervous system (ENS), we lack fundamental knowledge on neuronal densities or total neuron numbers in different species. There are more anecdotal than actual figures on nerve counts.MethodsWe used standardized preparation techniques and immunohistochemistry with validated panneuronal markers (human or mouse anti‐HuD/C) to determine neuronal densities in specimen from the entire gastrointestinal tract of mice, guinea pig, and humans. In parallel, we measured the dimensions of the gastrointestinal regions in mouse and guinea pig. For humans, we had to rely on literature data.Key ResultsThe average neuronal densities along the gastrointestinal tract were 35,011 ± 25,017 1/cm2 for the myenteric and 16,685 ± 9098 1/cm2 for the submucous plexus in mice, 24,315 ± 16,627 and 11,850 ± 6122 1/cm2 for guinea pig myenteric and submucous plexus, respectively, and 21,698 ± 9492 and 16,367 ± 5655 1/cm2 for human myenteric and submucous plexus, respectively. The total number of neurons in the ENS was 2.6 million for mice, 14.6 million for guinea pig, and 168 million for human.Conclusions & InferencesThis study reports the first comprehensive nerve cell count in mice, guinea pig, and human ENS. Neuronal densities were comparable between the three species and the differences in the total numbers of enteric neurons are likely due to body size and intestinal length. The number of enteric neurons is comparable to the number of neurons in the spinal cord for all three species.
Enhanced recovery after cleft palate repair: A quality improvement project
Authors: Esfahanian Mohammad , Marcott Stephen Craig , Hopkins Elena , Burkart Brendan , Khosla Rohit Kumar , Lorenz H. Peter , Wang Ellen , De Souza Elizabeth , Algaze‐Yojay Claudia , Caruso Thomas J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundChildren undergoing cleft palate repair present challenges to postoperative management due to several factors that can complicate recovery. Utilization of multimodal analgesic protocols can improve outcomes in this population. We report experience designing and implementing an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway for cleft palate repair to optimize postoperative recovery.AimsThe primary aim was to implement an ERAS pathway with >70% bundle adherence to achieve a 30% reduction in postoperative opioid consumption within 12 months. Our secondary aims assessed intraoperative opioid consumption, length of stay, timeliness of oral intake, and respiratory recovery.MethodsA multidisciplinary team of perioperative providers developed an ERAS pathway for cleft palate patients. Key drivers included patient and provider education, formal pathway creation and implementation, multimodal pain therapy, and target‐based care. Interventions included maxillary nerve blockade and enhanced intra‐ and postoperative medication regimens. Outcomes were displayed as statistical process control charts.ResultsPathway compliance was 77.0%. Patients during the intervention period (n = 39) experienced a 49% reduction in postoperative opioid consumption (p < .0001) relative to our historical cohort (n = 63), with a mean difference of −0.33 ± 0.11 mg/kg (95% CI −0.55 to −0.12 mg/kg). Intraoperative opioid consumption was reduced by 36% (p = .002), with a mean difference of −0.27 ± 0.09 mg/kg (95% CI −0.45 to −0.09 mg/kg). Additionally, patients in the intervention group had a 45% reduction in time to first oral intake (p = .02) relative to our historical cohort, with a mean difference of −3.81 ± 1.56 h (95% CI −6.9 to −0.70). There was no difference in PACU or hospital length of stay, but there was a significant reduction in variance of all secondary outcomes.ConclusionOpioid reduction and improved timeliness of oral intake is possible with an ERAS protocol for cleft palate repair, but our protocol did not alter PACU or hospital length of stay.
Gooseberry vein banding associated virus on Ribes in Latvia: Occurrence, host plants and vectors
Authors: Zuļģe Neda , Stalažs Arturs , Moročko‐Bičevska Inga , Namniece Sabīne , Drevinska Kristīne , Konavko Dmitrijs 
Published: August 2022

AbstractRibes are essential berry crops in the temperate zones in Eurasia and New Zealand, and viral infections are common constraints in their cultivation. Gooseberry vein banding associated virus (GVBaV) is vectored by aphids and has been reported from a few European countries and North America. Knowledge on how GVBaV interacts with its vectors on Ribes is still limited. The occurrence of GVBaV in cultivated and wild Ribes in various habitats was studied, focusing on germplasm collections, wild localities, home gardens and green spaces where chemical plant protection is not applied. GVBaV was confirmed for the first time in Latvia in all studied Ribes groups except Ribes×nidigrolaria, and in all habitats surveyed; however, its occurrence did not exceed 8%. Ribes alpinum and R. aureum were found as new naturally infected hosts. GVBaV was detectable in single aphid specimens by PCR and confirmed in Aphis schneideri, Cryptomyzus galeopsidis, Cryptomyzus ribis, Hyperomyzus lactucae and Nasonovia ribisnigri. Phylogenetic analyses did not reveal supported clustering related to host or geographic origin, except for GVBaV isolates in A. schneideri obtained from cultivated gooseberry. This is the first study contributing to the understanding of virus genetic diversity in its vector species in relation to the host plants. A. schneideri that feeds only on Ribes is probably a major contributor to GVBaV spread in comparison with other aphid species migrating to secondary hosts.
Risk factors for depression among older adults living alone in Shanghai, China
Authors: Chen Yu 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundRapid population ageing and the increasing number of older adults living alone are important phenomena. Older adults are prone to depression. This study aimed to investigate the depression of older adults living alone in Shanghai and its risk factors.MethodsThe data from the survey of quality of life of community‐dwelling older adults in Shanghai from April 2015 to March 2016 was used in this study. A total of 387 older adults living alone in two communities in Shanghai participated in this study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data, including depression, the presence of chronic diseases, functional ability, self‐rated health, loneliness, social support and sociodemographic variables.ResultsThe prevalence of depression was 26.9%. There were significant differences across the participants of different genders, education levels, previous occupations, economic levels, residential areas, physical activity levels, chronic diseases, functional ability levels, levels of self‐rated health, loneliness levels and social support levels (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analyses found that self‐rated health (odds ratio (OR) = 5.914, P = 0.001) and loneliness (OR = 1.132, P < 0.001) were risk factors of depression.ConclusionsThe psychological and physical health of older adults living alone need to be emphasised. Appropriate interventions could be implemented to prevent depression, so as to promote the quality of life of older adults, and achieve active ageing and healthy ageing.
Effects of Cutting Edge Radius on Surface Integrity in Machining of Nickel-Based Cast Superalloy: An In Situ Imaging Approach
Authors: Nie Guang-Chao , Zhang Xiao-Ming , Yang Zheng-Yan , Zhang Dong , Outeiro José , Liu Hai-Gen , Ding Han 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Cutting edge radius is a crucial factor affecting surface integrity during metal machining, which determines product performance. However, the exact mechanism of how the cutting edge radius affects machined surface has not yet been understood, especially lacking in situ evidence during the material removal process. In this article, effects of cutting edge radius on surface roughness, subsurface deformation, and work hardening of nickel-based cast superalloy are studied through an in situ imaging approach. Based on continuous high-speed filming and digital imaging correlation (DIC) techniques, detailed chip formation and quantitative subsurface plastic deformation under various cutting edge radii are analyzed, and the formation of built-up edge (BUE) is observed when using a large edge radius. Furthermore, when the cutting edge radius is greater than the uncut chip thickness (h), the thickness of plastic deformation increases dramatically. On the other hand, the machined surface roughness can be improved when the cutting edge radius is between 30% and 60% of h. The sharp cutting tools or the cutting edge radius higher than 60% of h result in a poor surface quality on the machined surface during nickel-based cast superalloy machining. The effects of cutting edge radius on machined surface generation are systematically categorized as cutting with chipping, cutting with significant plowing, and cutting with plowing accompanied by BUE formation.