bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a novel purified and characterized alkaline protease from the extremophile Exiguobacterium alkaliphilum VLP1 as a detergent additive
Authors: Hemsinli Asiye , Gurkok Sumeyra
Published: November 2023

This study focused on the isolation and identification of a novel alkaline protease‐producing strain from Lake Van, the largest soda lake on Earth. The objective was to purify, characterize, and investigate the potential application of protease in the detergent industry. Through a combination of classical and molecular methods, the most potent protease producer was identified as Exiguobacterium alkaliphilum VLP1. The purification process, involving ammonium sulfate precipitation, ultrafiltration, and anion exchange chromatography, resulted in a 45‐fold purification with a yield of 6.4% and specific activity of 1169 U mg−1 protein. The enzyme exhibited a molecular weight of 69 kDa, a Km value of 0.4 mm, and a maximal velocity (Vmax) value of 2000 U mg−1. The optimum activity was observed at 40°C and potential of hydrogen (pH) 9, while the enzyme also exhibited remarkable stability in the ranges of 30–60°C and pH 9–12. Notably, this study represents the first report of an alkaline protease isolated and characterized from E. alkaliphilum. This study also highlighted the potential of the enzyme as a detergent additive, as it showed compatibility with commercial detergents and effectively removed blood and chocolate stains from fabrics.
An UHPLC–QTOF–MS‐based strategy for systematic profiling of chemical constituents and associated in vivo metabolites of a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula, Yinchenhao decoction
Authors: Wang Jing , Ouyang Bingchen , Cao Rui , Xu Yu
Published: November 2023

Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD), a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been applied for relieving jaundice in China for more than 1800 years. However, the material basis for YCHD is still unclear, and the chemical composition and metabolism characteristic in vivo are undefined, making the potential effective constituents and mechanism of action unclear. Herein, an ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF–MS)‐based strategy was applied for the chemical profiling of YCHD, as well as their in vivo prototypes and global metabolites that defined the metabolome. Our results showed that a total of 139 chemicals were identified in YCHD, including 28 organic acids, 12 monoterpenoids, five diterpenes, three triterpenoids, 17 iridoids, 23 anthraquinones, 26 flavonoids, four coumarins and 21 other types. Moreover, 58 prototypes and 175 metabolites were found in rat biological samples after oral administration of YCHD; those distributed in plasma, liver, intestine and feces were suggested to be potentially effective substances. Oxidation, hydrogenation, decarboxylation and conjugations with methyl, sulfate and glucuronate were considered as the predominant metabolic pathways in vivo. In conclusion, this is a systemic study of chemical constituents and in vivo metabolome profiles of YCHD, contributing to the material basis understanding and further mechanism research.
Gandouling alleviates nerve injury through PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 and Sirt1/FoxO1 signaling pathway to inhibit autophagy in the rats model of Wilson's disease
Authors: Chen Li , Xu Wangyang , Zhang Yuting , Chen Hao , Han Yanquan
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that Gandouling (GDL) may alleviate the nerve damage caused by Wilson's disease (WD) by inhibiting the autophagy of nerve cell mitochondria. However, its mechanisms are still unclear. Revealing the therapeutic mechanism of GDL is beneficial for its clinical application and provides theoretical support for the development of new formulations for treating WD.

Method

This time we found that the oxidative stress level in the body of the copper‐overloaded WD rates increased, neurons in the hippocampus were damaged, and autophagy occurred. GDL reversed these situations and significantly improved the learning, memory, and spatial cognitive abilities of the high‐copper‐loaded WD rates. After GDL intervention, the expression of phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated serine–threonine protein kinase (AKT), and phosphorylated forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) significantly increased, whereas FoxO1 in the nucleus decreased and phosphorylated FoxO1 in the cytoplasm also significantly raised. In addition, the expression of Sirt1 significantly declined, and Ac‐FoxO1 in the nucleus also significantly increased.

Results

These data indicated that GDL may promote the phosphorylation of FoxO1 and promote its nucleation by activating the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 signaling pathway and inhibit Ac‐FoxO1 hydrolysis in the nucleus through the Sirt1/FoxO1 signaling pathway to suppress the transcriptional activity of FoxO1.

Conclusion

Furthermore, it inhibited the expression of autophagy genes Atg12 and Gabarapl1. In summary, our work provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of GDL repairing WD neuronal damage through autophagy pathways.
Wavelet scattering networks in deep learning for discovering protein markers in a cohort of Swedish rectal cancer patients
Authors: Pham Tuan D. , Sun Xiao‐Feng
Published: November 2023

Background

Cancer biomarkers play a pivotal role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response prediction of the disease. In this study, we analyzed the expression levels of RhoB and DNp73 proteins in rectal cancer, as captured in immunohistochemical images, to predict the 5‐year survival time of two patient groups: one with preoperative radiotherapy and one without.

Methods

The utilization of deep convolutional neural networks in medical research, particularly in clinical cancer studies, has been gaining substantial attention. This success primarily stems from their ability to extract intricate image features that prove invaluable in machine learning. Another innovative method for extracting features at multiple levels is the wavelet‐scattering network. Our study combines the strengths of these two convolution‐based approaches to robustly extract image features related to protein expression.

Results

The efficacy of our approach was evaluated across various tissue types, including tumor, biopsy, metastasis, and adjacent normal tissue. Statistical assessments demonstrated exceptional performance across a range of metrics, including prediction accuracy, classification accuracy, precision, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Conclusion

These results underscore the potential of dual convolutional learning to assist clinical researchers in the timely validation and discovery of cancer biomarkers.
Survivorship research in advanced gynecological cancer: A scoping review of cohort studies
Authors: DiSipio Tracey , Pearse Emma , Jordan Susan
Published: November 2023

Background

Recent calls to action highlight the need to address gaps in our understanding of survivorship for those living with advanced gynecological cancer to support optimal care. To ensure future research fills these knowledge gaps, we need to understand the breadth of existing survivorship research in this patient group, including the outcomes assessed, the populations included and the duration and retention in follow‐up.

Methods

We conducted a systematic scoping review searching PubMed, PsychINFO, and CINAHL during the month of November 2022 to identify prospective cohort studies measuring survivorship outcomes among participants with advanced (stage III–IV) gynecological cancer, or in cohorts in which ≥50% of participants had advanced cancer, or which provide results separately for patients with advanced cancer. Articles were screened, and data extracted using a standard form.

Results

We assessed 33 articles from 21 unique studies, which overall included 6023 participants with gynecological cancer. Of these, 45% had cervical cancer, 44% ovarian, 10% endometrial/uterine, and 1% vaginal/vulvar cancer. The most frequently measured survivorship outcome was quality of life. Of the 33 articles, most reported on participant age (n = 31), but relatively few reported on comorbidities (n = 10), physical status (n = 6), ethnic background (n = 4), the country of birth (n = 2), or the area of participant residence (n = 2). None included details on indigenous status. Recruitment proportions ranged from 48% to 100%. Retention proportions ranged from 15% to 97%.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight gaps in survivorship research for advanced gynecological cancers and emphasize the need for future studies to include and describe the experiences of diverse and underrepresented groups.
Development and validation of a novel nomogram predicting clinically significant prostate cancer in biopsy‐naive men based on multi‐institutional analysis
Authors: Ge Qingyu , Zhang Sicong , Xu Hewei , Zhang Junjie , Fan Zongyao , Li Weilong , Shen Deyun , Xiao Jun , Wei Zhongqing
Published: November 2023

Background

Prediction of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) is essential to select biopsy‐naive patients for prostate biopsy. This study was to develop and validate a nomogram based on clinicodemographic parameters and exclude csPCa using prostate‐specific antigen density (PSAD) stratification.

Methods

Independent predictors were determined via univariate and multivariate logistic analysis and adopted for developing a predictive nomogram, which was assessed in terms of discrimination, calibration, and net benefit. Different PSAD thresholds were used for deciding immediate biopsies in patients with Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) 3 lesions.

Results

A total of 932 consecutive patients who underwent ultrasound‐guided transperineal cognitive biopsy were enrolled in our study. In the development cohort, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.075; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.036–1.114), PSAD (OR, 6.003; 95% CI, 2.826–12.751), and PI‐RADS (OR, 3.419; 95% CI, 2.453–4.766) were significant predictors for csPCa. On internal and external validation, this nomogram showed high areas under the curve of 0.943, 0.922, and 0.897, and low Brier scores of 0.092, 0.102, and 0.133 and insignificant unreliability tests of 0.713, 0.490, and 0.859, respectively. Decision curve analysis revealed this model could markedly improve clinical net benefit. The probability of excluding csPCa was 98.51% in patients with PI‐RADS 3 lesions and PSAD <0.2 ng/ml2.

Conclusion

This novel nomogram including age, PSAD, and PI‐RADS could be applied to accurately predict csPCa, and 44.08% of patients with equivocal imaging findings plus PSAD <0.2 ng/ml2 could safely forgo biopsy.
Exploring the effects of written emotional disclosures (WED) on healthcare workers' (HCWs) mental health symptoms in the UK: A feasibility study
Authors: Kilvington Amy , Allen Sarah , Kyriakopoulos Alex
Published: November 2023

Background

Written emotional disclosure (WED) is a creative writing intervention that allows a person to confront emotions and traumatic experiences, which has been shown to produce well‐being benefits and could be used to support healthcare workers (HCWs). Written emotional disclosure is usually delivered as a written intervention, and despite some research exploring the effects of other forms of typing interventions using emotional expression, expressive writing and structured writing, the efficacy of WED as a typing‐based intervention is yet to be examined.

Aim

The aim of this mixed method feasibility study was to address whether a writing or typing WED intervention would reduce HCW's mental health symptoms. Additionally, to address whether the WED intervention groups were acceptable to HCW as a supportive intervention.

Findings

Fifty‐five participants (seven males) aged between 22 and 60 took part in this study. The results demonstrate that both the writing and typing WED intervention groups significantly reduce mental health symptoms. Most participants (96.4%) deemed both the WED intervention groups acceptable.

Conclusion

Therefore, WED interventions could potentially be integrated into existing counselling and therapeutic interventions to support HCW and could be implemented within the existing debrief and clinical supervision frameworks.
Transcript CD81‐215 may be a long noncoding RNA of stromal origin with tumor‐promoting role in colon cancer
Authors: Jovanovic Emilija , Babic Tamara , Dragicevic Sandra , Kmezic Stefan , Nikolic Aleksandra
Published: November 2023

The role of tetraspanin CD81 in malignant transformation is best studied in colorectal cancer, and it appears that other transcripts beside the fully coding mRNA may also be dysregulated in malignant cells. Recent data from a comprehensive pan‐cancer transcriptome analysis demonstrated differential activity of two alternative CD81 gene promoters in malignant versus nonmalignant gut mucosa. The promoter active in gut mucosa gives rise to transcripts CD81‐203 and CD81‐213, while the promoter active in colon and rectal cancer gives rise to transcripts CD81‐205 and CD81‐215. Our study aimed to explore the biomarker potential of the transcripts from the alternative CD81 gene promoters in colon cancer, as well as to investigate their structure and potential function using in silico tools. The analysis of the transcripts' expression in several colon cell lines cultivated in 2D and 3D and a set of colon cancer and healthy gut mucosa samples by qPCR and RNA sequencing suggested their low expression and stromal origin. Expression patterns in tumor and nontumor tissue along with in silico data suppose that the transcript CD81‐215 may be a noncoding RNA of stromal origin with possible involvement in signaling related to malignant transformation.
Regulating the Heme Active Site by Covalent Modifications: Two Case Studies of Myoglobin
Authors: Chen Ze‐Yuan , Yuan Hong , Wang Huamin , Sun Li‐Juan , Yu Lu , Gao Shu‐Qin , Tan Xiangshi , Lin Ying‐Wu
Published: November 2023

Using myoglobin (Mb) as a model protein, we herein developed a facial approach to modifying the heme active site. A cavity was first generated in the heme distal site by F46 C mutation, and the thiol group of Cys46 was then used for covalently linked to exogenous ligands, 1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol and 1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1H‐pyrrole‐2,5‐dione. The engineered proteins, termed F46C‐triazole Mb and F46C‐phenol Mb, respectively, were characterized by X‐ray crystallography, spectroscopic and stopped‐flow kinetic studies. The results showed that both the heme coordination state and the protein function such as H2O2 activation and peroxidase activity could be efficiently regulated, which suggests that this approach might be generally applied to the design of functional heme proteins.
Functional and aesthetical full‐mouth rehabilitation of a patient with severely worn dentition and deep bite using minimally invasive approach in current vertical dimension: A 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Yaghoobi Negin , Mostafavi Azam , Barati Solmaz
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

Regaining restorative space for fullmouth reconstruction in a patient with deep bite and worn dentition by conservative approach in current vertical dimension and also using minimally invasive concept is recommended.

Full mouth reconstruction of a deep bite patient with severely worn dentition is a challenging situation for the prosthodontists. This study represents minimally invasive procedures in mentioned condition without increasing vertical dimension. After 3 years of follow up no complication was observed.
Metal‐Free, Hindered, Regioselective Access to Multifunctional Groups Diarylamines via SNAr Substitution of P‐Nitroso Aromatic Methyl Ether by Arylamines
Authors: Zou Shuliang , Zhang Yazhou , Wu Qin , Zhao Tianming , Li Yutao , Liu Bing , Ma Xianguo
Published: November 2023

Multifunctional groups diarylamines, an innovative product, efficiently produced from arylamines and p‐nitrosoanisole derivatives by intermolecular SNAr under weak acid conditions. This SNAr proceeds under mild reaction conditions, and more significantly, the substrates involved do not necessarily require strong electron‐withdrawing groups. Moreover, this SNAr is characterized by resistance to space crowding, tolerance to halogen and nitroso functional groups, and high regioselectivity. Mechanistic observations suggest that the SNAr is the result of the transfer of the positive charge center of the protonated nitroso group to the p‐methoxy group.
It takes more than rainbows: Supporting sexual and gender minority patients with trauma‐informed cancer care
Authors: Sinko Laura , Ghazal Lauren V. , Fauer Alex , Wheldon Christopher W.
Published: November 2023

Background/Purpose

The American Society of Clinical Oncology has called for an increased priority to improve cancer care for sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations because of heightened risk of receiving disparate treatment and having suboptimal experiences, including perceived discrimination. We demonstrate how integrating trauma‐informed care (TIC) principles across the cancer continuum is a key strategy to improving care delivery and outcomes among SGM populations.

Method

This empirically informed perspective expands on the concepts generated through the American Society of Clinical Oncology position statement and uses the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association’s “Four Rs” Toward Trauma Informed Care: Realize, Recognize, Response, and Resist Traumatization.

Results

Recommendations for each component of TIC include: (1) Realize: Implement SGM cultural humility training, including modules on SGM‐specific trauma, discrimination, harassment, and violence; (2) Recognize: Routinely screen for emotional distress using methods to ensure privacy, and/or normalize mental health screenings to cancer patients; (3) Respond: Create and widely disseminate policies and patients’ rights that prohibit discrimination and ensure access to gender‐neutral clinical environments; and (4) Resist Traumatization: Establish and respond to quality metrics (e.g., standardized patients, patient satisfaction surveys) that are informed by a community advisory board with the purpose of ensuring and maintaining quality care.

Conclusions and Implications

Integrating TIC principles into cancer care for SGM populations is crucial to address disparities in treatment and clinical outcomes. Our recommendations offer practical approaches for oncology teams to implement TIC care and ensure equitable and inclusive cancer care for patients and their families.
An invisible population: Late‐stage cancer diagnosis for people with intellectual or developmental disability
Authors: McMahon Martin , McCallion Phillip , McCarron Mary
Published: November 2023

Mahar et al. found that people with intellectual or developmental disabilities are more likely to be diagnosed with metastatic breast (female) and colorectal cancer in comparison to the general population. This editorial discusses the urgent need to develop effective strategies aimed at reducing this inequity for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Three‐dimensional fluid–structure interaction simulation of the Wheatley aortic valve
Authors: Oliveira Hugo L. , Buscaglia Gustavo C. , Paz Rodrigo R. , Del Pin Facundo , Cuminato José A. , Kerr Monica , McKee Sean , Stewart Iain W. , Wheatley David J.
Published: November 2023

Valvular heart diseases (such as stenosis and regurgitation) are recognized as a rapidly growing cause of global deaths and major contributors to disability. The most effective treatment for these pathologies is the replacement of the natural valve with a prosthetic one. Our work considers an innovative design for prosthetic aortic valves that combines the reliability and durability of artificial valves with the flexibility of tissue valves. It consists of a rigid support and three polymer leaflets which can be cut from an extruded flat sheet, and is referred to hereafter as the Wheatley aortic valve (WAV). As a first step towards the understanding of the mechanical behavior of the WAV, we report here on the implementation of a numerical model built with the ICFD multi‐physics solver of the LS‐DYNA software. The model is calibrated and validated using data from a basic pulsatile‐flow experiment in a water‐filled straight tube. Sensitivity to model parameters (contact parameters, mesh size, etc.) and to design parameters (height, material constants) is studied. The numerical data allow us to describe the leaflet motion and the liquid flow in great detail, and to investigate the possible failure modes in cases of unfavorable operational conditions (in particular, if the leaflet height is inadequate). In future work the numerical model developed here will be used to assess the thrombogenic properties of the valve under physiological conditions.
An alternative processing approach to increase CD138 intensity in flow cytometric analysis of plasma cells
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Kiran F. N. U. , Wheeler Amanda , Dellamano Rory , Hammer Richard D.
Published: November 2023

Background

Surface median immunofluorescence intensity (MFI) of plasma cells antigens, particularly CD138, by flow cytometry underestimates plasma cell populations when compared with that estimated by morphological assessment on Wright's‐stained slides. CD138 MFI using traditional sample preparation methods for flow cytometric analysis is often dim and difficult to interpret due to multiple factors. This becomes critical when diagnosing and accurately classifying plasma cell dyscrasias.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed 280 flow cytometric results collected from 2016 to 2022 for CD38 and CD138 MFI on bone marrow aspirates performed by two different methods of sample processing—traditional method of lyse‐wash and the alternative method of lyse‐no‐wash.

Results

Visual examination of histograms showed a clear advantage to CD138 expression intensity with the no‐wash method. Although no significant difference was observed in CD38 MFI between the two techniques (p = 0.3), considerable improvement was observed in CD138 MFI with the lyse‐no‐wash technique of sample processing compared with the conventional method (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

We concluded that the method of lyse‐no‐wash is superior to traditional methods especially when it comes to handling bone marrow aspirate samples for plasma cell immunophenotyping. This alternate technique increases the sensitivity of flow cytometry to detect plasma cells resulting in bright and crisp signal intensity for surface CD138. This technique may be particularly advantageous when analyzing low tumor burden such as minimal residual disease.
Estimating prevalence of early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease in the United States
Authors: Spargo Drew , Zur Richard , Lin Pei‐Jung , Synnott Patricia , Klein Eric , Hartry Ann
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the prevalence of treatment‐eligible Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial for policy planning.

METHODS

We used a comprehensive literature review and population cascade approach to estimate the number of amyloid‐positive, clinically diagnosed patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to AD in the United States.

RESULTS

An estimated 666,646 individuals were identified as having MCI due to AD (range: 351,926–1,227,776) and 620,850 individuals as having mild dementia due to AD (range: 445,082–820,339). In a US population of 76 million individuals aged 60 or older in 2021, the estimates of MCI and mild dementia due to AD increased with age.

CONCLUSIONS

As earlier diagnosis of AD and new disease‐modifying treatments become available, accurate population estimates are required to reduce uncertainty in the number of clinically diagnosed patients eligible for amyloid‐targeting therapies.
Enriching H2O through boron nitride as a support to promote hydrogen evolution from non‐filtered seawater
Authors: Gu Yanli , Nie Nanzhu , Liu Jiaxin , Yang Yu , Zhao Liang , Lv Zheng , Zhang Qi , Lai Jianping
Published: November 2023

Nonfiltered seawater electrolysis is promising for sustainable hydrogen gas. However, hydrogen production from seawater electrolysis faces many challenges, including corrosion caused by insoluble precipitates such as Cl−, Mg2+ and Ca2+ in alkaline seawater as well as marine pollutants can lead to blocking active sites, together with high energy consumption, resulting in low efficiency and poor stability of electrocatalyst, which hinders the application of seawater electrolysis technology. In this work, we report H2O enrichment of the Pt/hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) electrocatalyst. Electrochemical tests and in situ experiments both demonstrate that h‐BN as the support loaded Pt effectively prevents the corrosion of the cathode, the formation of fouling, and reduces energy consumption, resulting in prolonged operating stability at high current density. The electrocatalyst works stably for over 1000 h at a high current density of 500 mA cm−2 in alkaline seawater electrolytes. Pt/h‐BN shows better hydrogen evolution performance than Pt/C under industrial production conditions and has good industrial application prospects.
Environmental filtering and biotic interactions act on different facets of the diversity of benthic assemblages associated with eelgrass
Authors: Muller Alexandre , Dubois Stanislas F. , Boyé Aurélien , Becheler Ronan , Droual Gabin , Chevalier Mathieu , Pasquier Marine , Roudaut Loïg , Fournier‐Sowinski Jérôme , Auby Isabelle , Nunes Flávia L. D.
Published: November 2023

Eelgrass supports diverse benthic communities that ensure a variety of ecosystem functions. To better understand the ecological processes that shape community composition in eelgrass at local and regional scales, taxonomic and functional α‐ and β‐diversity were quantified for communities inhabiting five meadows in France. The extent to which environmental factors affected local and regional benthic communities was quantified by considering their direct and indirect effects (through morphological traits of eelgrass) using piecewise structural equation modeling (pSEM). Communities supported by eelgrass had higher species abundances, as well as taxonomic and functional diversity compared to nearby bare sediments. No significant differences were found between communities from the center relative to the edges of meadows, indicating that both habitats provide similar benefits to biodiversity. The presence of a few abundant species and traits suggests moderate levels of habitat filtering and close associations of certain species with eelgrass. Nevertheless, high turnover of a large number of rare species and traits was observed among meadows, resulting in meadows being characterized by their own distinct communities. High turnover indicates that much of the community is not specific to eelgrass, but rather reflects local species pools. pSEM showed that spatial variation in community composition (β‐diversity) was primarily affected by environmental conditions, with temperature, current velocity, and tidal amplitude being the most significant explanatory variables. Local richness and abundance (α‐diversity) were affected by both environment and morphological traits. Importantly, morphological traits of Zostera marina were also influenced by environmental conditions, revealing cascading effects of the environment on assemblages. In sum, the environment exerted large effects on community structure at both regional and local scales, while plant traits were only pertinent in explaining local diversity. This complex interplay of processes acting at multiple scales with indirect effects should be accounted for in conservation efforts that target the protection of biodiversity.
The prooxidant effect of natural antioxidants combination when co‐encapsulated to chia oil‐based nutraceutical edible powders: More is not always better
Authors: Acosta Carolina Anabella , Spotti María Laura , Vassallo Massimiliano , Spotti María Julia , Carrara Carlos Roberto , Fioramonti Silvana Alejandra
Published: November 2023

Chia oil (CO) is the vegetable source with the highest ω − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) proportion known to date (61%–70%). Although this is favorable from a nutritional point of view, higher contents of ω − 3 PUFAs result in shorter shelf life and poorer oxidative stability. The objective of this work was to design edible oil powders of CO co‐encapsulated with commercial antioxidant‐rich sources—containing β‐carotene (BC), astaxanthin (ASX), and vitamin E (VE), either alone or combined (BC–VE and ASX–VE)—to prolong its oxidative stability. To carry out this, spray‐dried microcapsules were produced through oil‐in‐water double‐layered emulsions using whey proteins and pectin. Spray‐dried capsules were stored at 4 and 30°C, and weekly determinations of primary and secondary oxidation compounds were carried out, by measuring peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric reactive substances. CO microcapsules with just one commercial antioxidant‐rich source played a key role to keep oxidative indicators below recommended limits (PV < 15 meq kg−1 oil) when storing powders at 30°C, being ASX the best option, whereas there was no significant effect in oxidation when stored at 4°C. Nevertheless, when combining commercial antioxidant sources (BC–VE and ASX–VE), a marked prooxidant effect was observed, exceeding PV threshold at both temperatures after 2 months of storage.

Practical Applications: Combination of chia oil and natural antioxidant commercial sources in edible powders constitutes a promising commodity to design potentially anti‐inflammatory nutritional interventions to prevent chronic noncommunicable diseases. This study contributes to show that mixing different antioxidants with chia oil might have a detrimental effect on oil oxidative stability during storage, so caution must be applied when formulating this type of functional ingredients as more is not always better. The goal of this contribution is that it was possible to obtain an easy‐to‐handle powder nutraceutical ingredient containing both chia oil and astaxanthin (using antioxidant concentrations that might have a significant effect on human health) that could be stored at 30°C up to 8 weeks, keeping oxidative indicators below the limits recommended by Codex Alimentarius (peroxide value <15 meq kg−1 oil).
Response to discussion of “Seismic damage analysis due to near‐fault multipulse ground motion”
Authors: Chen Guan , Yang Jiashu , Wang Ruohan , Li Kaiqi , Liu Yong , Beer Michael
Published: November 2023

The authors thank the discusser for the attention and interests on our previous work, entitled “Seismic damage analysis due to near‐fault multipulse ground motion” (referred to as the original paper/work in the following text). To demonstrate the increased seismic demands required by multipulse ground motions compared to non‐ and single‐pulse ground motions, three cases were illustrated in the original work, including frame structures, a soil slope and a concrete dam. The discusser, Dr M.Amin Hariri‐Ardebili, raised concerns on the seismic response of the dam, together with the optimal intensity measure of ground motions. Specifically, four subissues are involved, including effectiveness of the numerical model of dam, the damage index for dam, the selection strategy for input ground motions, and the ground motion intensity measures. Detailed responses to these issues are provided. In short, the main conclusion in the original paper that the multipulse ground motions potentially cause more severe damage compared to non‐ and single‐pulse ground motions is reliable.
Vaccine‐skeptic physicians and patient vaccination decisions
Authors: Steinmayr Andreas , Rossi Manuel
Published: November 2023

What is the role of general practitioners (GPs) in supporting or hindering public health efforts? We investigate the influence of vaccine‐skeptic GPs on their patients' decisions to get a COVID‐19 vaccination. We identify vaccine‐skeptic GPs from the signatories of an open letter in which 199 Austrian physicians expressed their skepticism about COVID‐19 vaccines. We examine small rural municipalities where patients choose a GP primarily based on geographic proximity. These vaccine‐skeptic GPs reduced the vaccination rate by 5.6 percentage points. This estimate implies that they discouraged 7.9% of the vaccinable population. The effect appears to stem from discouragement rather than rationing vaccine access.
Tumor budding to investigate local invasion, metastasis, and prognosis of head and neck carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Zanoletti Elisabetta , Daloiso Antonio , Nicolè Lorenzo , Cazzador Diego , Mondello Tiziana , Franz Leonardo , Astolfi Laura , Marioni Gino
Published: November 2023

The aim of this systematic review is to shed light on the role of tumor budding (TB) in the biology, behavior, and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A search was run in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases following PRISMA guidelines. After full‐text screening and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 36 articles were included. Several investigations support the prognostic role of TB, which might play a role in selecting rational treatment strategies. To achieve this goal, further research is needed for greater standardization in TB quantification. Although TB is not included as a negative prognostic factor in the current management guidelines, it might be reasonable to consider a closer follow‐up for HNSCC cases with high histopathological evidence of TB.
The challenge of FIGO type 3 leiomyomas and infertility: Exploring therapeutic alternatives amidst limited scientific certainties
Authors: Favilli Alessandro , Mazzon Ivan , Etrusco Andrea , Dellino Miriam , Laganà Antonio Simone , Tinelli Andrea , Chiantera Vito , Cicinelli Ettore , Gerli Sandro , Vitagliano Amerigo
Published: November 2023

Uterine leiomyomas (ULs) are non‐cancerous tumors composed of smooth muscle cells that develop within the myometrium and represent the most prevalent pathological condition affecting the female genital tract. Despite the volume of available research, many aspects of ULs remain unresolved, making it a “paradoxical disease” where the increase in available scientific literature has not been matched by an increase in solid evidence for clinical management. Fertility stands at the top of the list of clinical issues where the role of ULs is still unclear. The leiomyoma subclassification system, released by the International Federaion of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) in 2008, introduced a new and more effective way of categorizing uterine fibroids. The aim was to go beyond the traditional classification “subserosal, intramural and submucosal”, facilitating a detailed examination of individual ULs impact on the female reproductive system. The “type 3 UL” is a special type of myoma, characterized by its complete myometrial development while encroaching the endometrium. It is a unique “hybrid” between a submucous and an intramural UL, that may exert a detrimental “double hit” mechanism, which is of particular interest in patients wishing pregnancy. To date, no robust evidence is available regarding the management of type 3 ULs. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the physiopathological mechanisms that type 3 UL may exert on fertility, and to present new perspectives that may help us to better understand both the need for and the methods of treating this unique type of fibroid.
The effects of different themes of self‐disclosure on health outcomes in cancer patients—A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yao Tianying , Li Jiarong , Su Wang , Li Xiaoxuan , Liu Changying , Chen Mingxia
Published: November 2023

Self‐disclosure (SD) is a common psychological intervention that involves expressing the patient's feelings and thoughts. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of different themes of SD on cancer patients. We searched eight databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library Trials, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE, CNKI and Wanfang from inception to July 2022. Other sources included clinical data registers. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. RevMan Analysis software 5.3 was used for data analysis. The protocol of this meta‐analysis has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022339661). Twenty‐two RCTs studies were included. The pooled results demonstrated that self‐regulation self‐disclosure (SRD) had significant effects on patients' sleep quality, benefit‐finding, anxiety and quality of life (QOL), whereas emotional disclosure (ED) did not. Furthermore, enhanced self‐regulation self‐disclosure (ESRD) or cancer‐related self‐disclosure (CD) significantly improved patients' QOL, although health education self‐disclosure (HED) and positive self‐disclosure (PD) did not. Our study suggests that different themes of SD have varied effects on patients, but it remains unclear which themes to use at what point in time. Future research should investigate what themes of SD are adopted at different points in time and the duration of different periods.
Maturity as a critical sustainability factor for e‐government: Toward a conceptual framework
Authors: Feleke Hiwot , Lessa Lemma
Published: November 2023

Extant literature reveals that many e‐government initiatives fail especially in developing countries. Despite the alarming failure rate of e‐government initiatives, governments of developing countries are allocating a huge budget to support and improve e‐government services. Prior research suggested that maturity is a prerequisite for e‐government sustainability, but the relationship between e‐government maturity and sustainability is not investigated. Hence, this research is aimed at developing a conceptual framework that maps e‐government maturity to a sustainable e‐government service. First, the determinants of e‐government maturity and sustainability were derived from the extant literature. Then, the proposed conceptual framework is revised based on qualitative research using a multiple exploratory case study considering four G2C cases selected from the e‐government portal of Ethiopia. The conceptual framework was evaluated by domain experts, and the empirical data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. The study results show that manager's commitment to prioritize e‐government projects, availability of an ICT department with an independent annual budget for the e‐government development, human resource capability, degree and frequency of customer contacts, ICT infrastructure development, integration, website age, legal and political strategies, organizational e‐government operational plan, and e‐payments were identified to be the determinants of e‐government maturity. The study contributes to e‐government literature by providing a better understanding of the determinants of e‐government service maturity and sustainability and the link between the two constructs. The outcome of the research could also be of value for practitioners as a quality tool to assess the maturity and sustainability of e‐government initiatives. Evaluating the applicability of the proposed framework in different country contexts, a cross‐case study across nations, and conducting a longitudinal investigation of e‐government maturity and sustainability are avenues for future research.
A fog‐computing architecture for network public opinion monitoring based on intelligent semantic recognition
Authors: Xu Jing
Published: November 2023

Currently, the online data contains rich user emotional information and public opinion information. These data can provide massive support for network public opinion monitoring and analysis. However, there are two problems in the network public opinion analysis of the online data. On the one hand, a vast amount of online data with discursiveness and concealment are processed in the cloud platforms, which consumes a long time. On the other hand, the massive online public opinion data is disperse and hidden, resulting in the dependence on manual screening for the analysis of public opinion. Therefore, it is still an important challenge to study the efficient and low‐latency extraction of valuable information from network public opinion. In this paper, we proposed a fog computing based framework using the technologies of intelligent semantic recognition and data mining for the analysis of network public opinion. Firstly, we build a fog computing architecture to collect the text data of network public opinion. Then, an efficient network public opinion model is constructed by intelligence semantic recognition. Finally, we achieve the function of public opinion analysis and early warning. The experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper achieves better performance against some existing methods.
Addressing the impact of high glucose microenvironment on the immunosuppressive characteristics of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Khasawneh Ramada R. , Abu‐El‐Rub Ejlal , Almahasneh Fatimah A. , Alzu'bi Ayman , Zegallai Hana M. , Almazari Rawan A. , Magableh Huthaifa , Mazari Mohammad H. , Shlool Haitham F. , Sanajleh Ahmad K.
Published: November 2023

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a therapeutically efficient type of stem cells validated by their ability to treat many inflammatory and chronic conditions. The biological and therapeutic characteristics of MSCs can be modified depending on the type of microenvironment at the site of transplantation. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a commonly diagnosed metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which alters over time the cellular and molecular functions of many cells and causes their damage. Hyperglycemia can also impact the success rate of MSCs transplantation; therefore, it is extremely significant to investigate the effect of high glucose on the biological and therapeutic attributes of MSCs, particularly their immunomodulatory abilities. Thus, in this study, we explored the effect of high glucose on the immunosuppressive characteristics of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD‐MSCs). We found that hAD‐MSCs cultured in high glucose lost their immunomodulatory abilities and became detectable by immune cells. The decline in the immunosuppressive capabilities of hAD‐MSCs was mediated by significant decrease in the levels of IDO, IL‐10, and complement factor H and substantial increase in the activity of immunoproteasome. The protein levels of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphofructokinase‐1 (PFK‐1), which are integral regulators of glycolysis, revealed a marked decline in high glucose exposed MSCs. The findings of our study indicated the possibility of immunomodulatory shift in MSCs after being cultured in high glucose, which can be translationally employed to explain their poor survival and short‐lived therapeutic outcomes in diabetic patients.
The INSCHOOL project: Young people with long‐term physical health conditions: An in‐depth qualitative study of their needs at school
Authors: Spencer Bethan K. C. , Hugh‐Jones Siobhan , Cottrell David , Pini Simon
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The INSCHOOL project aimed to understand the school experiences and unmet needs of young people across a diversity of long‐term physical health conditions.

Methods

Young people aged 11−18 years, in mainstream secondary school in the United Kingdom, with one of 11 physical health conditions were invited to unique participant‐driven interviews, focus groups, or written activities. Creative preparation activities were provided to give participants increased control over the data collection and prioritize their voices. A needs analysis, in combination with participatory analysis sessions with young people, identified the common needs of participants in relation to their school lives.

Results

Eighty‐nine young people participated from April 2022 to 2023. Analysis of their transcripts defined six common needs across all the health conditions: Need to safely manage my health at school; need for a flexible education pathway; need to be acknowledged and listened to in the right way; need to be included in and supported by the school community; need to build toward my future; need to develop attitudes and approaches to help me cope in school.

Conclusions

This study has generated new, actionable knowledge by identifying six major needs that young people have in relation to the intersection of their health condition and their school life. This paper shows that a commonalities approach to research and policy development is warranted given the similarities in experiences and needs. The common needs identified in the INSCHOOL project highlight six areas where future interventions could be targeted to begin making meaningful changes for all young people with long‐term health conditions.
Evaluation of 10 current image reconstruction algorithms for linear array photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Prakash Ravi , Manwar Rayyan , Avanaki Kamran
Published: November 2023

Various reconstruction algorithms have been implemented for linear array photoacoustic imaging systems with the goal of accurately reconstructing the strength absorbers within the tissue being imaged. Since the existing algorithms have been introduced by different research groups and the context of performance evaluation was not consistent, it is difficult to make a fair comparison between them. In this study, we systematically compared the performance of 10 published image reconstruction algorithms (DAS, UBP, pDAS, DMAS, MV, EIGMV, SLSC, GSC, TR, and FD) using in‐vitro phantom data. Evaluations were conducted based on lateral resolution of the reconstructed images, computational time, target detectability, and noise sensitivity. We anticipate the outcome of this study will assist researchers in selecting appropriate algorithms for their linear array PA imaging applications.
Moving grating‐based laser heterodyne digital holographic microscopy system for measuring dynamic phase of living cell attachment
Authors: Wang Peng , Wu Shizhou , Zhang Xia , Qin Boquan , Feng Guoying
Published: November 2023

We propose a laser heterodyne digital holography microscopy system based on a moving grating, which uses the Doppler principle between a moving grating and beam to achieve a low‐frequency bias between the diffracted beams, abandoning traditional heterodyne digital holography that requires multiple acousto‐optic modulators. The dynamic phase distribution obtained using the laser heterodyne digital holography phase‐reconstruction algorithm was more realistic and analyzable than the results of the angular spectrum algorithm. The structure and algorithm were used to capture the shape characteristics of mouse fibroblasts after ~2 h of incubation (37°C, 5% CO2), and the dynamic phase distribution of the cells was monitored in real‐time during the attachment process. The system proposed in this study, with its high spatial resolution and high‐precision phase measurement capability, is suitable for both static and live cells.