bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic programming in the ovarian reserve
Authors: Hu Mengwen , Schultz Richard M. , Namekawa Satoshi H.
Published: July 2023

The ovarian reserve defines female reproductive lifespan, which in humans spans decades. The ovarian reserve consists of oocytes residing in primordial follicles arrested in meiotic prophase I and is maintained independent of DNA replication and cell proliferation, thereby lacking stem cell‐based maintenance. Largely unknown is how cellular states of the ovarian reserve are established and maintained for decades. Our recent study revealed that a distinct chromatin state is established during ovarian reserve formation in mice, uncovering a novel window of epigenetic programming in female germline development. We showed that an epigenetic regulator, Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1), establishes a repressive chromatin state in perinatal mouse oocytes that is essential for prophase I‐arrested oocytes to form the ovarian reserve. Here we discuss the biological roles and mechanisms underlying epigenetic programming in ovarian reserve formation, highlighting current knowledge gaps and emerging research areas in female reproductive biology.
An Overview on Resource and Recovery Prospectives of the Critical Element Neodymium
Authors: Pradhan Sanghamitra , Mishra Sujata
Published: July 2023

Neodymium is critically scarce and is often used in supportable technologies such as permanent magnets, batteries, and catalysts. The extraction of it from virgin ores causes environmental degradation and recycling of end‐of‐life (EOL) products proves to be an alternative to meet its future criticality. From an environmental and economic point of view, magnets produced from recovered neodymium perform better than the ones produced from virgin neodymium. In this review various technologies such as hydro metallurgy, pyro metallurgy, supercritical CO2 extraction, desalination, and adsorption have been discussed for the recovery of this metal from different EOL sources. The advantages and limitations of these methods are summarized. Different experimental status like sources, temperature, aqueous phase composition, organic phase make up, and maximum recovery efficiency are also looked upon. This review may prove beneficial for the researchers to design recovery road maps under different circumstances.
Selective Valorization of CO2 towards Valuable Hydrocarbons through Methanol‐mediated Tandem Catalysis
Authors: Mahnaz Fatima , Dunlap Violet , Helmer Ryan , Borkar Siddhesh Shirish , Navar Ricardo , Yang Xiaokun , Shetty Manish
Published: July 2023

The thermocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable hydrocarbons presents a promising solution for mitigating anthropogenic CO2 emissions while producing drop‐in replacements for fossil‐derived products. Among the two tandem mechanisms for the direct hydrogenation of CO2, the methanol synthesis coupled with the methanol to hydrocarbon (MTH) reaction offers an improvement over the reverse water‐gas shift coupled with Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis reaction (RWGS‐FTS), as it is not limited by Anderson‐Schulz‐Flory distribution and yields higher selectivity towards specific products (e. g., olefins, aromatics, higher hydrocarbons). Herein, we focus on the recent progress achieved through this pathway and outline the existing knowledge gaps. We discuss the challenges involved in the process and highlight the key descriptors in the selection of catalyst components. Finally, we present several potential solutions to circumvent the current challenges, aiming to expedite the advancement of this route toward an efficient CO2 hydrogenation process.
Nitrogen‐doped Carbon Dots as Biobased Catalysts for Visible Light Driven 1,2‐Functionalization of Olefins through an Atom Transfer Radical Addition Process
Authors: Hamadamin Abdullah , Benazzi Valentina , Campalani Carlotta , Quattri Luca , Ravelli Davide , Hussain Faiq , Perosa Alvise , Selva Maurizio , Protti Stefano
Published: July 2023

Amorphous nitrogen‐doped carbon dots (a‐N‐CDs) have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions from citric acid and diethylenetriamine (DETA) as the carbon and nitrogen source, respectively. Such materials exhibit a significant absorption in the visible light region and have been successfully employed as photoredox catalyst under violet LED irradiation for the 1,2‐difunctionalization of olefins via an atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) process. The reported approach occurs smoothly under metal‐free conditions in an aqueous medium, showcasing the (yet not completely explored) applications of such bio‐derived carbon materials in organic synthesis.
The lack of association between different LDL‐C levels and oxidized LDL in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rabizadeh Soghra , Seyedi Seyed Arsalan , Nabipoorashrafi Seyed Ali , Omidvar Siahkalmahalleh Maryamossadat  , Yadegar Amirhossein , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Rajab Armin , Esteghamati Alireza , Nakhjavani Manouchehr
Published: July 2023

Background

High concentrations of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) have been a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Also, the role of oxidized LDL (ox‐LDL) in forming atherosclerosis plaque has been proven. However, it has not yet been proven that atherogenic LDL‐C by‐products like ox‐LDL will decrease by keeping the LDL levels at the desired level. This study aimed to examine the relationship between LDL‐C and ox‐LDL in different LDL‐C values in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 347 patients with T2D who received statins were enrolled. LDL‐C values were defined into four groups as LDL‐C < 55 mg/dL, 55 mg/dL ≤ to <70 mg/dL, 70 mg/dL ≤ to <100 mg/dL and LDL‐C ≥ 100 mg/dL. Total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and ox‐LDL were studied in the four defined groups.

Results

Ox‐LDL levels were not different among the four groups (p = 0.30). In addition, LDL‐C and ox‐LDL levels had no significant correlation (r = 0.480, p = 0.376). Additionally, based on this study analysis, ox‐LDL levels were significantly correlated with TG levels (r = 0.119, p < 0.05) and TG/HDL ratio (r = 0.390, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

It is concluded that ox‐LDL levels were not associated with different LDL‐C level categories from <55 mg/dL to >100 mg/dL in patients with T2D. However, the revealed association of ox‐LDL with TG level and TG/HDL ratio may be considered in the clinic.
Sulfur Transformation during Coal Pyrolysis with Char Heat Carrier
Authors: Wang Qinhui , Ying Chengdong , Zhang Ruiyue , Cen Jianmeng
Published: July 2023

To investigate sulfur transformation during coal pyrolysis with char heat carrier (CHC), the effects of temperature, CHC/coal, and CHC production temperature were explored in a fluidized bed. The yield rates of sulfur in H2S () and YCOS elevated with temperature. and Ychar‐S decreased, and temperature showed no significant effect on Ytar‐S. CHC inhibited sulfur transformation to the gas phase. More H2S and COS were fixed in mixed‐char in form of CaS by CHC, resulting in the increase of Ychar‐S. CHC was favorable for CH3SH decomposition. The inhibitory effect was enhanced with increasing CHC/coal. Higher production temperature inhibited the sulfur fixation capacity of CHC. CHC enhanced the decomposition of pyrite, organic sulfur, sulfate, and the yield of sulfide in mixed‐char.
Dynamics‐based characterization and classification of biodiversity indicators
Authors: Otomo Yuri , Masuda Reiji , Osada Yutaka , Kawatsu Kazutaka , Kondoh Michio
Published: July 2023

Various biodiversity indicators, such as species richness, total abundance, and species diversity indices, have been developed to capture the state of ecological communities over space and time. As biodiversity is a multifaceted concept, it is important to understand the dimension of biodiversity reflected by each indicator for successful conservation and management. Here we utilized the responsiveness of biodiversity indicators' dynamics to environmental changes (i.e., environmental responsiveness) as a signature of the dimension of biodiversity. We present a method for characterizing and classifying biodiversity indicators according to environmental responsiveness and apply the methodology to monitoring data for a marine fish community under intermittent anthropogenic warm water discharge. Our analysis showed that 10 biodiversity indicators can be classified into three super‐groups based on the dimension of biodiversity that is reflected. Group I (species richness and community mean of latitudinal center of distribution (cCOD)) showed the greatest robustness to temperature changes; Group II (species diversity and total abundance) showed an abrupt change in the middle of the monitoring period, presumably due to a change in temperature; Group III (species evenness) exhibited the highest sensitivity to environmental changes, including temperature. These results had several ecological implications. First, the responsiveness of species diversity and species evenness to temperature changes might be related to changes in the species abundance distribution. Second, the similar environmental responsiveness of species richness and cCOD implies that fish migration from lower latitudes is a major driver of species compositional changes. The study methodology may be useful in selecting appropriate indicators for efficient biodiversity monitoring.
Genomic population structure and inbreeding history of Lake Superior caribou
Authors: Solmundson Kirsten , Bowman Jeff , Manseau Micheline , Taylor Rebecca S. , Keobouasone Sonesinh , Wilson Paul J.
Published: July 2023

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) have experienced dramatic declines in both range and population size across Canada over the past century. Boreal caribou (R. t. caribou), 1 of the 12 Designatable Units, has lost approximately half of its historic range in the last 150 years, particularly along the southern edge of its distribution. Despite this overall northward contraction, some populations have persisted at the trailing range edge, over 150 km south of the continuous boreal caribou range in Ontario, along the coast and nearshore islands of Lake Superior. The population history of caribou along Lake Superior remains unclear. It appears that these caribou likely represent a remnant distribution at the trailing edge of the receding population of boreal caribou, but they may also exhibit local adaptation to the coastal environment. A better understanding of the population structure and history of caribou along Lake Superior is important for their conservation and management. Here, we use high‐coverage whole genomes (N = 20) from boreal, eastern migratory, and barren‐ground caribou sampled in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec to investigate population structure and inbreeding histories. We discovered that caribou from the Lake Superior range form a distinct group but also found some evidence of gene flow with the continuous boreal caribou range. Notably, caribou along Lake Superior demonstrated relatively high levels of inbreeding (measured as runs of homozygosity; ROH) and genetic drift, which may contribute to the differentiation observed between ranges. Despite inbreeding, caribou along Lake Superior retained high heterozygosity, particularly in genomic regions without ROH. These results suggest that they present distinct genomic characteristics but also some level of gene flow with the continuous range. Our study provides key insights into the genomics of the southernmost range of caribou in Ontario, beginning to unravel the evolutionary history of these small, isolated caribou populations.
CKBA suppresses mast cell activation via ERK signaling pathway in murine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Tong Jiajia , Li Yan , Cai Xiaojie , Lou Fangzhou , Sun Yang , Wang Zhikai , Zheng Xichen , Zhou Hong , Zhang Ziyang , Fang Zilong , Ding Wenxiang , Deng Siyu , Xu Zhenyao , Niu Xiaoyin , Wang Honglin
Published: July 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder. Mast cells play an important role in AD because they regulate allergic reactions and inflammatory responses. However, whether and how the modulation of mast cell activity affects AD has not been determined. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects and mechanisms of 3‐O‐cyclohexanecarbonyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (CKBA). This natural compound derivative alleviates skin inflammation by inhibiting mast cell activation and maintaining skin barrier homeostasis in AD. CKBA markedly reduced serum IgE levels and alleviated skin inflammation in calcipotriol (MC903)‐induced AD mouse model. CKBA also restrained mast cell degranulation both in vitro and in vivo. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that CKBA downregulated the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling in BM‐derived mast cells activated by anti‐2,4‐dinitrophenol/2,4‐dinitrophenol‐human serum albumin. We proved that CKBA suppressed mast cell activation via ERK signaling using the ERK activator (t‐butyl hydroquinone) and inhibitor (selumetinib; AZD6244) in AD. Thus, CKBA suppressed mast cell activation in AD via the ERK signaling pathway and could be a therapeutic candidate drug for AD.
4,6‐Dihydroxysalicylic Acid‐Catalyzed Oxidative Olefination of Methyl N‐Heteroarenes with Benzyl Amines
Authors: Dong Chunping , Wang Yumei , Chen Shiyu , Zhang Yue , Wang Cheli , Li Jian , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: July 2023

Benzyl amines were deaminated for the olefination of methyl N‐heteroarenes such as quinolines, benzothiazoles, and quinoxalines catalyzed by 4,6‐dihydroxysalicylic acid with only 1 mol % catalyst loading. A wide range of N‐heteroaryl stilbenoids were synthesized in yields of 42 to 96 % using oxygen (1 atm) as the sole oxidant. 4,6‐dihydroxysalicylic acid not only behaves as an organocatalyst for the oxidation of benzyl amines to the imine intermediates, but also provides an acidic reaction condition for the olefinations. Gram scale reaction and the synthesis of two pharmaceutically relevant conjugated olefins were also successful using this methodology.
Detection of acetone in the human breath as diabetes biomarker based on PPy/WO3 nanocomposite sensor by FFT continuous cyclic voltammetry method
Authors: Alizadeh Naader , Amiri Mahsa , Mohammadpour Fariba , Norouzi Parviz
Published: July 2023

This research represents a novel detection method of acetone level in the exhaled breath samples (RH=88 %) based on polypyrrole/tungsten oxide (PPy/WO3) nanocomposite sensor. The PPy/WO3 sensor was fabricated by the deposition of nanocomposite on/between interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) through electrospray coating and was then characterized by FE‐SEM imaging. In this detection method, the coulometric signal of the sensor was calculated using Fast Fourier Continuous Cyclic Voltammetry (FFTCCV), where cyclic voltammetry (CV) was applied to the sensor in the defined potential rang and then charge changes of the sensor was obtained by integration of the current in all scanned potential ranges. FFTCCV method enhances the sensitivity of the sensor when exposed to the gas mixtures containing acetone. In addition to its fast coulometric response time (≤5 s) in the two linear ranges of 0.7–2.8 ppm and 2.8–28.2 ppm (R2=0.99), FFTCCV method provides the low detection limit of 70 ppb, and high sensitivity toward acetone at the optimum values of the parameters. The fabricated sensor showed great selectivity toward acetone when exposed to humid air and some exhaled gas like carbon dioxide, ammonia, methanol, ethanol and alkyl amines. The results were very satisfying as the sensor was capable to detect different acetone levels in human exhaled breath as non‐invasive diagnosis of diabetes with a good correlation (R2≃0.9) to the routine blood sugar test taken by different commercial glucometers results.
Atomically Fe‐anchored MOF‐on‐MOF nanozyme with differential signal amplification for ultrasensitive cathodic electrochemiluminescence immunoassay
Authors: Li Chuanping , Hang Tianxiang , Jin Yongdong
Published: July 2023

The successful application of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) in immunoassays for clinical diagnosis requires stable electrodes and high‐efficient ECL signal amplification strategies. Herein, the authors discovered a new class of atomically dispersed peroxidase‐like nanozymes with multiple active sites (CoNi‐MOF@PCN‐224/Fe), which significantly improved the catalytic performance and uncovered the underlying mechanism. Experimental studies and theoretical calculation results revealed that the nanozyme introduced a Fenton‐like reaction into the catalytic system and the crucial synergistic effects of definite active moieties endow CoNi‐MOF@PCN‐224/Fe strong electron‐withdrawing effect and low thermodynamic activation energy toward H2O2. Benefiting from the high peroxidase‐like activity of the hybrid system, the resultant ECL electrode exhibited superior catalytic activity in the luminol‐H2O2 system and resulted in an ≈17‐fold increase in the ECL intensity. In addition, plasmonic Ag/Au core‐satellite nanocubes (Ag/AuNCs) were designed as high‐efficient co‐reactant quenchers to improve the performance of the ECL immunoassay. On the basis of the differential signal amplification strategy (DSAS) proposed, the immunoassay displayed superior detection ability, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.13 pg mL−1 for prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). The designed atomically anchored MOF‐on‐MOF nanozyme and DSAS strategy provides more possibilities for the ultrasensitive detection of disease markers in clinical diagnosis.
Multiobjective portfolio optimization: Forecasting and evaluation under investment horizon heterogeneity
Authors: Dai Xingyu , Zhang Dongna , Lau Chi Keung Marco , Wang Qunwei
Published: July 2023

This study designs a methodological framework to forecasting allocation weights and evaluating multiobjective portfolios considering the investment horizon heterogeneity. The investment horizon heterogeneity may induce the terrible data loss problem under traditional asset return definition, while in the real world, there are many portfolio makers whose investment horizons are not consistent. The methodological framework has three parts. First, this paper gives a novel multitimescale analysis (MTA) tool as a computation procedure to decompose the raw return series, and the decomposed subreturn series could represent the information for a portfolio maker with specific investment horizon and has the same data length as the raw return series. Second, proposed methodological framework uses a time‐varying parameter GAS‐D‐Vine‐Copula model to construct the joint distribution of subreturn series of multiassets in a portfolio. Third, due to the stochastic dominance consistency issue, this paper applies three different utility functions as the outputs of a portfolio strategy and two cost functions as the inputs of a portfolio strategy in an efficiency evaluation model. The empirical example of US aviation stock market data from 2013 to 2021 reveals that the Mean‐Skewness‐Volatility‐HMCR‐LPM multiobjective has the greatest numbers of optimal strategy timings for portfolio makers with 2‐, 3–5‐, and 10–50‐day‐length investment horizons. The investment horizon of 1‐day length is the least efficient, and the investment horizon between 10‐ and 50‐day length is the most efficient. The proposed methodology indicates that more multiobjectives in a portfolio strategy are not necessarily better, and there is an optimal range of investment horizons for portfolio makers.
Statistical methods for handling nondetected results in food chemical monitoring data to improve food risk assessments
Authors: Hwang Myungsil , Lee Seung Chan , Park Jae‐Hong , Choi Jihee , Lee Hae‐Jeung
Published: July 2023

Chemical risk assessment is important for risk management, and estimates of chemical exposure must be as accurate as possible. Chemical concentrations in food below the limit of detection are known as nondetects and result in left‐censored data. During statistical analysis, the method used for handling values below the limit of detection is important. Many risk assessors employ widely used substitution methods to treat left‐censored data, as recommended by international organizations. The National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation of South Korea also recommends these methods, which are currently used for chemical exposure assessments. However, these methods have statistical limitations, and international organizations recommend more advanced alternative statistical approaches. In this study, we assessed the validity of currently used statistical methods for handling nondetects. To identify the most suitable statistical method for handling nondetection, we created virtual data and conducted simulation studies. Based on both simulation and case studies, the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Robust Regression on Order Statistics (ROS) methods were found to be the best options. The statistical values obtained from these methods were similar to those obtained from the commonly used 1/2 Limit of Detection (LOD) substitution method for nondetection treatment. In three case studies, we compared the various methods based on the root mean squared error. The data for all case studies were from the same source, to avoid heterogeneity. Across various sample sizes and nondetection rates, the mean and 95th percentile values for all treatment methods were similar. However, “lognormal maximum likelihood estimation” method was not suitable for estimating the mean. Risk assessors should consider statistical processing of monitoring data to reduce uncertainty. Currently used substitution methods are effective and easy to apply to large datasets with nondetection rates <80%. However, advanced statistical methods are required in some circumstances, and national guidelines are needed regarding their use in risk assessments.
Yin Yang 1 controls cerebellar astrocyte maturation
Authors: Mockenhaupt Karli , Tyc Katarzyna M. , McQuiston Adam , Gonsiewski Alexandra K. , Zarei‐Kheirabadi Masoumeh , Hariprashad Avani , Biswas Debolina D. , Gupta Angela S. , Olex Amy L. , Singh Sandeep K. , Waters Michael R. , Dupree Jeff L. , Dozmorov Mikhail G. , Kordula Tomasz
Published: July 2023

Diverse subpopulations of astrocytes tile different brain regions to accommodate local requirements of neurons and associated neuronal circuits. Nevertheless, molecular mechanisms governing astrocyte diversity remain mostly unknown. We explored the role of a zinc finger transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) that is expressed in astrocytes. We found that specific deletion of YY1 from astrocytes causes severe motor deficits in mice, induces Bergmann gliosis, and results in simultaneous loss of GFAP expression in velate and fibrous cerebellar astrocytes. Single cell RNA‐seq analysis showed that YY1 exerts specific effects on gene expression in subpopulations of cerebellar astrocytes. We found that although YY1 is dispensable for the initial stages of astrocyte development, it regulates subtype‐specific gene expression during astrocyte maturation. Moreover, YY1 is continuously needed to maintain mature astrocytes in the adult cerebellum. Our findings suggest that YY1 plays critical roles regulating cerebellar astrocyte maturation during development and maintaining a mature phenotype of astrocytes in the adult cerebellum.
The impact of the Mamata conditional cash transfer program on child nutrition in Odisha, India
Authors: Patwardhan Vedavati
Published: July 2023

Based on a triple difference estimation, this paper shows that the impact of a universal cash transfer on child nutrition differs by household wealth. In 2011, Odisha state in India introduced a conditional maternal cash transfer named “Mamata Scheme”. Using data from the National Family Health Survey, I find that the program reduced child wasting by 7 percentage points, a 39% reduction compared to the average prevalence of wasting in the pre‐program period. The reduction in child wasting is driven by children from households in the top four of five national wealth quintiles, for whom the program reduced wasting by 13 percentage points or a reduction of about 80%. Children from households in the bottom wealth quintile were 13 percentage points more likely to suffer from wasting than their wealthier counterparts. Reduction in stunting is also limited to children from households in the top four wealth quintiles, with an average program effect of 12 percentage points, that is, a 40% reduction. The results suggest that access to universal cash benefit schemes is important for mothers and children from marginalized households to realize proportionate benefits.
Transformation of a low‐grade glioma into a glioblastoma along with the development of lung and mediastinal lymph node metastases after repeated craniotomy: A case report
Authors: Wang Yunan , Yang Hua , Su Jun , Jian Xiaobin , Li Peijie , Zhou Jianguo , Hu Wei
Published: July 2023

Extracranial metastasis of glioma is extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of glioblastoma that originated and showed stepwise malignant transformation from a low‐grade glioma (LGG) along with the presence of lung and mediastinal lymph node metastases after repeated craniotomy. A 30‐year‐old man presented with hemoptysis. Thoracic computed tomography revealed a space‐occupying lesion in the right upper lung with mediastinal nodal and metastases in both lungs; lung cancer was suspected. The patient's medical history showed that he had undergone craniotomy three times in 7 years for a primary LGG disease relapse, and stepwise malignant‐transformed high‐grade glioma (HGG). However, brain magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any relapse of intracranial tumors. The diagnosis of extracranial metastatic glioblastoma was confirmed using the morphology and staining results for specific immunohistochemistry markers using the specimen obtained via endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration. Subsequently, the patient received a combination of systemic and local treatments; however, he died of massive hemoptysis after 6 months. The survival time of this glioma patient improved after transformation and metastasis. Detailed descriptions will help us understand the biological behavior of glioma, but more studies are needed to confirm the complex mechanism of extracranial metastasis.
Efficacy and Safety of Transdermal Abaloparatide in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis: A Randomized Study
Authors: Lewiecki E. Michael , Czerwinski Edward , Recknor Chris , Strzelecka Anna , Valenzuela Guillermo , Lawrence Mary , Silverman Stuart , Cardona Jose , Nattrass Susan M. , Binkley Neil , Annett Miriam , Pearman Leny , Mitlak Bruce
Published: July 2023

Anabolic therapies, recommended for patients at very high fracture risk, are administered subcutaneously (SC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the abaloparatide microstructured transdermal system (abaloparatide-sMTS) as an alternative to the SC formulation. This phase 3, noninferiority study (NCT04064411) randomly assigned postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (N = 511) 1:1 to open-label abaloparatide administered daily via abaloparatide-sMTS or SC injection for 12 months. The primary comparison between treatment groups was the percentage change in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) at 12 months, with a noninferiority margin of 2.0%. Secondary endpoints included percentage change in total hip and femoral neck BMD, bone turnover markers, dermatologic safety, and new clinical fracture incidence. At 12 months, percentage increase from baseline in lumbar spine BMD was 7.14% (SE: 0.46%) for abaloparatide-sMTS and 10.86% (SE: 0.48%) for abaloparatide-SC (treatment difference: −3.72% [95% confidence interval: −5.01%, −2.43%]). Percentage change in total hip BMD was 1.97% for abaloparatide-sMTS and 3.70% for abaloparatide-SC. Median changes from baseline at 12 months in serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (s-PINP) were 52.6% for abaloparatide-sMTS and 74.5% for abaloparatide-SC. Administration site reactions were the most frequently reported adverse events (abaloparatide-sMTS, 94.4%; abaloparatide-SC, 70.5%). Incidence of serious adverse events was similar between groups. Mild or moderate skin reactions occurred with abaloparatide-sMTS with no identifiable risk factors for sensitization reactions. Few new clinical fractures occurred in either group. Noninferiority of abaloparatide-sMTS to abaloparatide-SC for percentage change in spine BMD at 12 months was not demonstrated; however, clinically meaningful increases from baseline in lumbar spine and total hip BMD were observed in both treatment groups. © 2023 Radius Health, Inc and The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Abstract

In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, the least-squares mean percentage change (SE) from baseline in lumbar spine BMD at 12 months was 7.14% (0.46%) for daily transdermal abaloparatide and 10.86% (0.48%) for daily SC abaloparatide, with a treatment difference of −3.72% (95% CI: −5.01%, −2.43%). Clinically meaningful changes were also seen in total hip BMD.
Adult patients with short bowel syndrome treated with teduglutide: A descriptive cohort study
Authors: Daoud Dane Christina , Schwenger Katherine J. P. , Jung Hyejung , Lou Wendy , Armstrong David , Raman Matreyi , McHattie J. D. , Duerksen Donald R. , Whittaker Scott , Bielawska Barbara , Jurewitsch Brian , Gramlich Leah , Allard Johane P.
Published: July 2023

Background

Teduglutide is a synthetic glucagon‐like peptide‐2 analogue approved for the treatment of short bowel syndrome associated with chronic intestinal failure (SBS‐IF) in adult patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated its ability to reduce parenteral support (PS) requirement. This study aimed to describe the effect of 18‐month treatment with teduglutide, evaluating PS and factors associated with PS volume reduction of ≥20% from baseline and weaning. Two‐year clinical outcomes were also assessed.

Methods

This descriptive cohort study collected data prospectively from adult patients with SBS‐IF treated with teduglutide and enrolled in a national registry. Data were collected every 6 months and included demographics, clinical, biochemical, PS regimen, and hospitalizations.

Results

Thirty‐four patients were included. After 2 years, 74% (n = 25) had a PS volume reduction of ≥20% from baseline, and 26% (n = 9) achieved PS independency. PS volume reduction was significantly associated with longer PS duration, significantly lower basal PS energy intake, and absence of narcotics. PS weaning was significantly associated with fewer infusion days, lower PS volume, longer PS duration, and lower narcotics use at baseline. Alkaline phosphatase was significantly lower in weaned patients after 6 and 18 months of treatment. During the 2‐year study duration, patients who had PS volume reduction of ≥20% had significantly fewer yearly hospitalizations and hospital‐days.

Conclusions

Teduglutide reduces PS volume and promotes weaning in adults with SBS‐IF. Lack of narcotics and longer PS duration were associated with PS volume reduction and weaning, and lower baseline PS volume and fewer infusion days were favorable in obtaining enteral autonomy.
Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) shells as a potential source of dietary fibre: impact of hydrothermal treatment temperature on fibre structure and degradation compounds
Authors: Fuso Andrea , Viscusi Pio , Righetti Laura , Pedrazzani Clara , Rosso Ginevra , Manera Ileana , Rosso Franco , Caligiani Augusta
Published: July 2023

Background

Hemicellulose extraction from lignocellulosic biomasses has gained interest over the years, and hydrothermal treatment is one of the most common methods employed for this purpose. This work aimed to deeply study hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) shells as a new source of dietary fibre, evaluating the effect of hydrothermal treatment temperatures on the type and structure of fibre extracted, but also on the formation of side‐products derived from lignocellulose degradation.

Results

Different process temperatures led to diverse polysaccharides in the hydrothermal extract. Pectin was identified for the first time in hazelnut shells when experimenting with extraction at 125 °C, whereas at 150 °C a heterogeneous mixture of pectin, xylan, and xylo‐oligosaccharides was present. The highest yield in terms of total fibre was gained at 150 and 175 °C, and then decreased again at 200 °C. Finally, more than 500 compounds from different chemical classes were putatively identified and they appeared to be present in the extracted fibre with a different distribution and relative amount, depending on the heat treatment severity. A generally high content of phenols, phenyls, oligosaccharides, dehydro‐sugars, and furans was observed.

Conclusions

Modulation of the hydrothermal treatment temperature allows fibre extracts with very different compositions, and therefore different potential end uses, to be obtained from hazelnut shells. A sequential temperature‐based fractionation approach, as a function of the severity of the extraction parameters, can also be considered. Nevertheless, the study of the side‐compounds formed from lignocellulosic matrix degradation, as a function of the applied temperature, needs to be fully addressed for a safe introduction of the fibre extract within the food chain. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Kinetics and thermodynamics of non‐isothermal pyrolysis of Terminalia chebula branches at different heating rates
Authors: Thejaswini Narra , Annapureddy Praveen Kumar Reddy , Rammohan Draksharapu , Kishore Nanda
Published: July 2023

Non‐isothermal thermogravimetric tests of Terminalia chebula (Helikha) were conducted under inert N2 gas environment for temperatures (25–900°C) at heating rates of 10, 20, 35, and 55°C min−1. Kinetic triplet approximated employing five iso‐conversional methods namely, differential Friedman method (DFM), distributed activation method (DAEM), Ozawa–Flynn–Wall (OFW), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Starink (STK). Average values of activation energy (kJ mol−1) and frequency factor (min−1) calculated by the five models were 227.11, 2.98 × 1021 for DFM; 229.21, 4.63 × 1021 for KAS; 227.11, 3.81 × 1020 for OFW; 225.54, 1.15 × 1018 for STK; and 227.33, 3.02 × 1020 for DAEM respectively over the conversion range up to 0.8. In the kinetics study, correlation coefficient (R2) of greater than 0.97 is noticed in the conversion range of α = 0.1–0.8 for all models. From thermodynamic analysis, average values of ΔH (kJ mol−1), ΔG (kJ mol−1), and ΔS (kJ mol−1 K−1) for DAEM: 221.8, 179.69, and 0.065; for DFM: 236.40, 179.37, and 0.089; for KAS: 221.8, 179.69, and 0.065; for OFW: 220.22, 179.72, and 0.063; and for STK: 222.02, 179.68, and 0.066 were estimated to assess viability and reactivity of the process. Criado's master plots revealed that the data obtained from pyrolysis of selected biomass was followed a multistep reaction pathway.
Does digital transformation promote the volatility of firms' innovation investment?
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Rende , Xie Qiaoxin
Published: July 2023

With the advent of the digital age, digital transformation has become an important way for enterprises to enhance their competitiveness. Using a large sample of Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2008 to 2019, we explore the impact of digital transformation on firms' innovation investment volatility. The research conclusions include the following aspects: (1) There is a positive correlation between digital transformation and innovation investment volatility. Mechanism analysis digital transformation promotes the volatility of firms' innovation investment by alleviating financing constraints and enhancing the ability to identify and seize innovation opportunities. (2) The positive correlation between digital transformation and the volatility of firms' innovation investment is more obvious in large‐sized enterprises and non‐high‐tech industrial enterprises. (3) Digital transformation reinforces the positive correlation between the volatility of firms' innovation investment and firms' patent applications for invention. This research expands the relevant research on the micro‐consequences of digital transformation and innovation strategy from a dynamic perspective.
Quantitative performance of photon‐counting CT at low dose: Virtual monochromatic imaging and iodine quantification
Authors: Vrbaski Stevan , Bache Steve , Rajagopal Jayasai , Samei Ehsan
Published: July 2023

Background

Quantitative imaging techniques, such as virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI) and iodine quantification (IQ), have proven valuable diagnostic methods in several specific clinical tasks such as tumor and tissue differentiation. Recently, a new generation of computed tomography (CT) scanners equipped with photon‐counting detectors (PCD) has reached clinical status.

Purpose

This work aimed to investigate the performance of a new photon‐counting CT (PC‐CT) in low‐dose quantitative imaging tasks, comparing it to an earlier generation CT scanner with an energy‐integrating detector dual‐energy CT (DE‐CT). The accuracy and precision of the quantification across size, dose, material types (including low and high iodine concentrations), displacement from iso‐center, and solvent (tissue background) composition were explored.

Methods

Quantitative analysis was performed on two clinical scanners, Siemens SOMATOM Force and NAEOTOM Alpha using a multi‐energy phantom with plastic inserts mimicking different iodine concentrations and tissue types. The tube configurations in the dual‐energy scanner were 80/150Sn kVp and 100/150Sn kVp, while for PC‐CT both tube voltages were set to either 120 or 140 kVp with photon‐counting energy thresholds set at 20/65 or 20/70 keV. The statistical significance of patient‐related parameters in quantitative measurements was examined using ANOVA and pairwise comparison with the posthoc Tukey honest significance test. Scanner bias was assessed in both quantitative tasks for relevant patient‐specific parameters.

Results

The accuracy of IQ and VMI in the PC‐CT was comparable between standard and low radiation doses (p < 0.01). The patient size and tissue type significantly affect the accuracy of both quantitative imaging tasks in both scanners. The PC‐CT scanner outperforms the DE‐CT scanner in the IQ task in all cases. Iodine quantification bias in the PC‐CT (−0.9 ± 0.15 mg/mL) at low doses in our study was comparable to that of DE‐CT (range ‐2.6 to 1.5 mg/mL, published elsewhere) at a 1.7× higher dose, but the dose reduction severely biased DE‐CT (4.72 ± 0.22 mg/mL). The accuracy in Hounsfield units (HU) estimation was comparable for 70 and 100 keV virtual imaging between scanners, but PC‐CT was significantly underestimating virtual 40 keV HU values of dense materials in the phantom representing the extremely obese population.

Conclusions

The statistical analysis of our measurements reveals better IQ at lower radiation doses using new PC‐CT. Although VMI performance was mostly comparable between the scanners, the DE‐CT scanner quantitatively outperformed PC‐CT when estimating HU values in the specific case of very large phantoms and dense materials, benefiting from increased X‐ray tube potentials.
A music‐with‐movement exercise programme for community‐dwelling older adults suffering from chronic pain: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tse Mimi M. Y. , Yan Elsie , Tang Angel S. K. , Cheung Daphne , Ng Shamay
Published: July 2023

Aim

This study developed, implemented and tested the effectiveness of a music‐with‐movement exercise programme in improving the pain situations of older adults with chronic pain.

Design

A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Methods

This was a pilot randomized controlled trial. The intervention was an 8‐week music‐with‐movement exercise (MMEP) programme for older adults with chronic pain recruited in elders’ community centres. The control group received the usual care and a pain management pamphlet. Outcome variables were pain intensity, pain self‐efficacy and pain interference, depression and loneliness.

Results

Seventy‐one participants joined this study. Pain intensity was significantly reduced between the experimental group compared to the control group. The experimental group participants reported significant improvements in pain self‐efficiency, pain interference and reduced loneliness and depressive symptoms. However, no significant difference was observed between groups.
A numerical method for ℋ2$$ {\mathscr{H}}_2 $$ control of linear delay systems
Authors: Hu Renhong , Mei Jie , Ma Guangfu
Published: July 2023

This paper is concerned with the output feedback stabilization of linear delay systems with exogenous disturbances. Based on the norm, an optimization problem is formulated for the suppression of exogenous disturbances in the linear delay systems. The effectiveness of the presented approach is demonstrated via several numerical examples.
Y‐Chromosome‐Linked Genes Are Associated With Sex‐Related Head‐Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Survival
Authors: Feng Xin , Zhang Tan , Chou Jeff , Patwa Hafiz S. , Sullivan Christopher A. , Browne J. Dale
Published: July 2023

Objective

To define novel gene biomarkers for prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients' survival.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSCC RNA‐Seq dataset.

Methods

Coexpressed gene clusters were extracted from TCGA RNA‐seq data using our previously published method (EPIG). Kaplan‐Meier estimator was then used for overall survival‐relevant analysis, with patients partitioned into 3 groups based on gene expression levels: female, male_low, and male_high.

Results

Male had better overall survival than female and male with higher expression level of Y‐chromosome‐linked (Y‐linked) genes had significantly better survival than those with lower expression levels. In addition, male with a higher expression level of Y‐linked genes showed even better survival when they have a higher level of coexpressed cluster of genes related to B or T cell immune response. Other clinical conditions related to immune responses also consistently showed favorable effects on the Y‐linked genes for survival estimation. Male patients with higher expression level of Y‐linked genes also have significantly higher tumor/normal tissue (T/N) ratio of those genes and higher level of several immune responses related clinical measurements (eg, lymphocyte and TCR related). Male patients with lower expression level of Y‐linked genes benefited from radiation‐only treatment.

Conclusions

The favorable role of a cluster of coexpressed Y‐linked genes in HNSCC patients' survival is potentially associated with elevated level of immune responses. These Y‐linked genes could serve as useful prognostic biomarkers for HNSCC patients' survival estimation and treatment.
A review of the phenomenology, aetiology and treatment of animal phobia and insights for biophobia
Authors: Norberg Melissa M. , Visvalingam Shanara , Stevenson Richard J. , Saluja Supreet
Published: July 2023

Biophobia refers to a fear of living things, which leads to alienation from nature. The literature examining the underlying mechanisms and treatment of biophobia is sparse.

This review aims to increase the readers' understanding of biophobia by examining the more extensive literature on specific phobias, namely animal phobia, as it most closely resembles biophobia.

Fear, anxiety and disgust play an important role in specific phobias. Their triggers and functions are reviewed in the context of animal phobia.

Theoretical models for specific phobias suggest that phobias develop because genetically linked behavioural patterns interact with normal development fears and environmental factors. Phobias are then maintained by cognitive and behavioural mechanisms.

Exposure therapy, the gold standard treatment for specific phobia, functions to override the maladaptive stimulus–stimulus and stimulus‐response associations responsible for animal and other specific phobias. Its delivery and efficacy are reviewed.

We recommend that readers interested in biophobia use the existing knowledge on animal phobia and specific phobia in general to treat biophobia and generate research hypotheses for future study.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Syndromic congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Current incidence and outcome. Analysis from the congenital diaphragmatic hernia study group registry
Authors: Burgos Carmen Mesas , Gupta Vikas S. , Conner Peter , Frenckner Björn , Lally Kevin P. , Ebanks Ashley H. , Harting Matthew T. ,   For The Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group
Published: July 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, CDH, associated with known or clinically suspected syndromes, and the postnatal outcomes from a large database for CDH.

Methods

Data from the multicenter, multinational database on infants with CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group Registry) born from 1996 to 2020 were analyzed. Patients with known or suspected syndromes were grouped and outcome data were analyzed and compared to those without syndromic features.

Results

A total of 12,553 patients were entered in the registry during the study period, and 421 had reported known syndromes, representing 3.4% of all CDH cases in the registry. A total of 50 different associated syndromes were reported. In addition to those with clinically suspected genetic conditions, a total rate of genetic syndromes with CDH was 8.2%. The overall survival to discharge for syndromic CDH was 34% and for non‐syndromic CDH was 76.7%. The most common were syndromes Fryns syndrome (19.7% of all syndromes, 17% survival), trisomy 18 or Edward syndrome (17.5%, 9% survival), trisomy 21 or Down syndrome (9%, 47% survival), trisomy 13 or Patau syndrome (6.7%, 14% survival), Cornelia de Lange syndrome (6.4% of all syndromes, 22% survival) and Pallister‐Killian syndrome (5.5% of all syndromes, 39.1% survival). In addition, 379 cases had reported chromosomal anomalies and 233 cases had clinically suspected syndromes, based on two more dysmorphic features or malformations in addition to CDH, but without molecular diagnosis.

The syndromic CDH group had lower birth weight and gestational age at birth and increased incidence of bilateral CDH (2.9%) and rates of non‐repair (53%). The length of hospital stay was longer, and larger number of patients needed O2 at 30 days. Extracorporeal life support was used only in 15% of the cases. Those who underwent surgical repair had survival to discharge rates of 73%.

Conclusion

Syndromic CDH is rare and only 3.4% of the reported cases of CDH have a known syndrome or association, but, if including patients with two dysmorphic features malformations, in addition to CDH, altogether as many as 8.2% have a diagnosed or suspected genetic condition. These children have with lower survival rates. Given higher rates of non‐repair and decreased extracorporeal life support use, along with a high early mortality, decision‐making regarding goals of care clearly influences outcomes. Survival varies depending on the genetic cause. Early genetic diagnosis is important and may influence the decision‐making.